Modern working life time pressures and cost issues make it hard to attend the myriad industry events and conferences on the calendar, so anything that might ease that burden is something the industry should welcome with open arms.
Perhaps that’s what made last year’s inaugural EPIC show such a success, as leading US dealer groups Independent Stationers (IS) and TriMega joined forces to stage a combined event, with over 1,300 individuals registering for the 2013 conference.
It’s no surprise then that the two organisations have decided to work together again. Operating once more under the banner ‘Where BIG Happens’, the two groups’ national conventions will take place at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Florida, on 17-19 September 2014.
Networking start
The event kicks off on Wednesday, 17 September with the annual golf tournament, giving those inclined a chance to practice their swing among the Banyans and Royal Palm trees of the Westin’s 6,500 yard (approx. 6,500 metres) championship golf course. And, of course, it will also give them the chance for some all-important networking.
On 18 September, business starts in earnest. Following the Opening Session which, the organisers promise, will feature some BIG thinking and BIG ideas, attendees will have access to an exhibition hall featuring about 200 booths showcasing the latest innovations in every area of the industry, from office products, furniture and school supplies to facilities management, MPS and ground-breaking new technologies. There will also be a number of different show specials, allowing delegates to make big savings by ordering product on the show floor.
The final day, Friday, 19 September, comprises a full programme of educational seminars and discussion groups. While many sessions will be available to all attendees, there will also be some that are specific to members of Independent Stationers or TriMega. These sessions have been tailored specifically to focus on helping members grow their businesses and include topics under the banner of Dealer Best Practices, Never Get Out-Negotiated and the enticingly named The Naked Office Supply Salesperson.
So confident that attendees are going to benefit from this second joint dealer group event, both IS and TriMega are offering a ‘Time Well Spent Guarantee’. This means that if a delegate leaves the show without gaining “at least one BIG business-boosting best-practice learned, new business connection, brand new profit-producing product opportunity, or EPIC-inspired idea”, they will refund any out-of pocket expenses that they incur. You can’t say fairer than that.
