2012 AWMA Show Updates

February 20, 2012

2012 AWMA Show “Rocks!” Gets Rave Reviews

An outstanding educational program designed to help convenience distributors thrive in the years ahead and a dynamic trade show where suppliers and distributors learned about each other’s needs and opportunities for doing business together highlighted the 2012 AWMA Show held Feb. 15-17 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.
   

Convenience Retailers: Advice for Wholesalers

Two top c-store operators, during, Friday, February 17, 2012 morning’s closing general session, urged distributors to work closely with their retailer customers to help them adapt to changing consumer needs and priorities, governmental requirements, and to help find ways to increase operations efficiencies.

2013 AWMA SHOW Moves to Orlando, FL

AWMA is on the move!

Because of attendee and exhibitor feedback, AWMA will be moving more shows to east coast locations, rather than always being in Las Vegas, NV, every year.

The 2013 Show will take place March 6-8, 2013at the Peabody Hotel Orlando, a Forbes four-star, AAA four-diamond hotel.

Mark your calendars now, and plan to attend!

2012 AWMA Show Photos

New go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/awmaphotos and check out other pictures taken during the 2012 AWMA Show.

Spread the buzz about the Show. We’re on the move!

February 17, 2012

2012 AWMA Show in High Gear in Las Vegas

The 2012 AWMA Show moved into high gear Thursday, February 16, 2012 with a new chairman formally assuming leadership, a fascinating keynote address by Drayton McLane Jr., chairman, McLane Group, four outstanding educational programs and a sold out trade show where distributors and suppliers connected with the goal of building their businesses.

Shing, Colucci Receive AWMA’s First Hall of Fame Awards

AWMA’s inaugural Hall of Fame Awards were presented at Thursday, February 16, 2012's opening session to Steve Shing, corporate vice president, sales and marketing, at GSC Enterprises, Sulphur Springs, TX, and Jim Colucci, who recently retired after 37 years in the industry, 34 of them with Altadis and its predecessor, Consolidated Cigars.

Both Shing and Colucci were selected by AWMA’s new Past Chairman’s Advisory Council to receive the honor because of their lifetime of service to AWMA and the convenience distribution industry.

Business Success Takes Big Ideas, Risk: Drayton McLane Jr.

Drayton McLane Jr., chairman of the McLane Group and former owner of the Houston Astros Baseball Club fascinated the morning session, Thursday, February 16, 2012, audience with insights into some of the traits that have helped him achieve remarkable success in his long business career. The Hershey Company sponsored his presentation and the morning’s opening general session.

Business Booms on Trade Show Floor

With overall attendance at this year’s Show up by 10 percent over last year, many suppliers were kept busy throughout the day with distributors stopping by to discuss the products and services being offered.

Educational Programming Focused on Hot Topics

Using Data Driven Decisions to Impact Your Bottom Line

This session focused on how distributors are enhancing their business and strengthening decision-making through AWMA’s InfoMetrics program and Study Groups.

What’s on Tap for Today

This morning’s, Friday, February 17, 2012, closing super session focuses on what’s driving the changing retail landscape, and will feature a panel discussion of convenience retailers moderated by Paul Reuter, CEO & editorial director, CSP Information Group.

The EXPO opens at 9:30 a.m. and will close at 2 p.m.

Look for our report on Friday’s Show activities in your email boxes on Monday.
 

February 16, 2012

Sold Out 2012 AWMA Show Underway in Las Vegas

Convenience distributors from across the nation descended on the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas yesterday, February 15th, for the 2012 AWMA Show, where a sold out exhibit floor opens today providing a marketplace of products and services from leading suppliers in the industry.

The mood is decidedly upbeat, with many attendees talking about improved business performance over the past year, despite the national economic downturn, and expectations of still even better times in 2012.

Board Previews Harmonizing Assortment Education Program

Yesterday's, February 15, 2012, events at the Show began with a meeting of the AWMA Board of Directors, where industry consultants Kit Dietz and Doug MacKay previewed a new educational program, scheduled for April 23-25, 2012, in Chicago, IL, which will help distributors improve their inventory processes and sales initiatives.

Category Management Program Packed With Info

A special program for buyers, category managers, marketing, merchandising, operations and purchasing executives Wednesday afternoon, February 15, 2012, provided insight into the importance of convenience distributors committing themselves to improving their category management strategies for themselves and their retailer customers.

Thursday Show Highlights

Thursday, February 16, 2012's program will feature education sessions on tobacco regulations, using data to make better business decisions, creating a culture of performance, and what distributors and manufacturers need to know about cultivating the growing Latino market.

The opening super session, sponsored by The Hershey Company, will include a keynote address by Drayton McLane Jr., chairman of the McLane Group, who will discuss his views on the future of the industry and opportunities for distributors in a changing marketplace.

Send Your Pics Back Home

Let photographer Mike Gatty capture your pic with your colleagues and friends, then instantly Facebook, Tweet, or email those images back home on a special AWMA iPad. It’s easy and it’s fun. And, of course, it’s free.

Also new go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/awmaphotos and check out other pictures taken during the 2012 AWMA Show.

Spread the buzz about the Show. We’re on the move!

Back to Event