Orlando's ASI Show Invigorates Industry in 2010
The ASI Show Orlando 2010, held at the Orange County Convention Center from January 3 to 5, was a resounding success, providing a great way for distributors to kick off the New Year with a surge of new ideas, excitement, and energy.
The event featured hundreds of leading suppliers, including nearly 150 new to Orlando. Notable among these was the main exhibitor, 3M, who sponsored the keynote speech by General Colin L. Powell.
On Monday, January 5, General Powell, the former Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address. He emphasized the importance of giving "followers" superior tools, products, and support in a difficult economic climate. General Powell also advised the audience to avoid looking back and focus on the future to succeed. The keynote speech, sponsored by DYR (asi/48051), was attended by a standing-room-only crowd of more than 900 distributors, suppliers, and decorators.
Margit Fawbush, marketing manager of Norwood Promotional Products, found ASI Orlando very beneficial. Similarly, Gary Tuchler, vice president for the south region for Brown & Bigelow (asi/148500), expressed satisfaction with the show. Dave Crofoot, CEO of Western Associates (asi/358500), found The ASI Show Orlando exciting for his salespeople. Scott Anderson, national sales manager of Leed's (asi/66887), was also pleased with the show's metrics and traffic.
The ASI Show Orlando's Monday night featured a networking "Gala Celebration" at Universal Studios, sponsored by SnugZ/USA (asi/88060). The Counselor Distributor Choice Awards were hosted by Counselor magazine on Sunday, recognising the most-valued ASI suppliers in 50 product categories and presenting the highest honor of "Supplier of the Year" to Gold Bond (asi/57653).
The show offered more than 60 education sessions and ASI Showcased the latest in casual wear at its 2010 Fashion Show. Distributors found ASI Orlando a great platform to connect, learn, and grow their businesses.
Despite a slight dip in attendance compared to the previous year's record, the Education Day on Sunday saw nearly 1,200 attendees, which was up 10% from 2008. The ASI Show Orlando 2010 was indeed a successful event that set the tone for a promising year in the promotional products industry.
