2 minute read
Preview: Industry
by OPI
LONG AWAITED, don’t miss
INDUSTRY WEEK ’21 POWERED BY ISG PREVIEW
This November will finally see one of the most hotly anticipated events on the US industry calendar take place in Orlando, Florida. Industry Week ’21, powered by ISG, has – thanks to COVID-19 – not had the easiest of births, with multiple delays and venue changes. But now it promises a jam-packed programme of meetings, seminars, social events and a trade show.
What makes Industry Week special is that, while events by Independent Suppliers Group (ISG) provide the backbone to the agenda, there will also be meetings and presentations led by other main players in the US market. These include both of the major wholesalers, S.P. Richards (SPR) and Essendant, the Business Solutions Association (BSA) and – of course – the North American Office Products Awards (NAOPA), organised by OPI in association with ISG (for more on the NAOPA, see Event, page 50).
PACKED SCHEDULE
The early part of the week sees one-on-one meetings for ISG’s Pinnacle members, with general registration opening on Tuesday, 9 November, and a Giveback Event that benefits local children’s hospitals and youth organisations, sponsored by ISG’s NEXT Young Leaders Group.
Wednesday features a host of activities, comprising panel discussions, seminars, an ISG Members Meeting and the General Session, which will include the 2021 NAOPA presentations. In the evening, SPR will host its General Session, followed by a Welcome Reception that incorporates a number of fun fundraising events for City of Hope.
The next day, 11 November, begins with sessions led by Essendant and the BSA – to be run concurrently – followed by the conclusion of the seminar programme. In the afternoon, it’s time for the trade show where dealers can benefit from several money-saving Show Specials, with one lucky dealer also in with a chance to win $5,000 by taking part in the Tickets to Treasure promotion. Raffle tickets are awarded by trade show exhibitors for meaningful conversations had at their booths.
These raffle tickets then go into a prize draw to take place on Thursday evening at the gala closing event – A Night in Havana - Esta’ Volao! – at the Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar. The party will feature fantastic Cuban food created by resident chef Guillermo Pernot, a variety of rum-based cocktails (including the ever-popular Mojito), upbeat Latin music and even a cigar rolling demonstration!
The week wraps up on Friday, 12 November, with shuttle buses supplied to return attendees to Orlando International Airport. “We’re very excited about Industry Week,” says ISG Chairman Jordan Kudler. “I believe this groundbreaking event will allow ISG members and vendors to collaborate at an even higher level. Members are anxious to spend quality time together and engage in some good old-fashioned networking. While videoconferencing served as an adequate bridge for communicating, there is nothing like some live face-to-face time.”
ISG CEO Mike Gentile adds: “Dealers, review the jam-packed Industry Week agenda we have for you and get yourself and your staff registered early to receive your $500 bonus incentive. Suppliers, be sure to register quickly to reserve your booth space and marketing opportunities.”
Industry Week ’21 powered by ISG takes place from 7-12 November 2021 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. To attend – and take advantage of the early registration discounts on offer – visit www. industryweek21. cventevents.com
