Purchasing through a distribution partner is one of the things that helps integrators fill out their product lines and receive inventory in a timely manner. For integrators in the southeast region of the United States, 21st Century Distributing, a member of the PowerHouse Alliance, is a very popular choice.
The company has distribution locations in Raleigh, NC, Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, Orlando, FL, and Nashville, TN. These locations allow the company to serve most dealers with one-day shipping times or free warehouse pick-up, and 21st Century currently carries 95 different manufacturers, including major companies such as Denon, JVC, Lutron, Samsung, Sony, Sonos, Russound, and many more.
Beyond just servicing the product needs of their integration partners, 21st Century also conducts an annual travelling Road Show where they bring product training and demonstrations into the field, providing a terrific opportunity to hear about new products, and also get some one-on-one time with manufacturer representatives where integrators can learn about products and also make a point of contact for any future issues.
This year 21st is hosting five Road Show events, and the first show just happened to be in my backyard here in Myrtle Beach this past Friday (10/5). There will be four more shows held in Charlotte (10/9), Atlanta (10/11), Nashville (10/17), with the event concluding in Orlando (10/24).
So, what can you expect if you attend?
Throughout the day is a steady stream of manufacturer product training, including Sony, Samsung, Sonos, Vanco, JVC, Lutron, and Just Add Power.
These 30-to-60-minute sessions give attendees a chance to learn about new products and features, as well as potential new applications. There is also plenty of time for Q&A, giving you an opportunity to ask that question you’ve always wanted an answer to.
Additionally, 30 brands will be displaying at each show, including:
- Arlington
- ClearView
- Sound United (Denon & Polk)
- Eero
- HikVision
- Just Add Power
- JVC
- KEF
- Kwikset
- Legrand
- Lutron
- Luxul
- MantelMount
- Milestone
- Nest
- Nortek
- OmniMount
- Peerless
- ProMounts
- RTI
- Russound
- Samsung
- Sonance (Dana Innovations)
- Sonos
- Sony
- URC
- Vanco
- Yale & August Locks
- Yamaha
- Yamaha Commercial Audio
- WaveNet
For integrators that were unable to attend CEDIA, or that couldn’t send their entire staff to the show, 21st Century’s Road Show offers a cost-effective way to learn about the brands and products you’ll be installing in the coming months, and likely even discover something new you weren’t already aware of. In fact, even though I was able to attend CEDIA, that show often doesn’t allow enough time to really stop and talk, whereas the Road Show lets you take as much time as you need with a single manufacturer or product to really learn about it and get all of your questions answered.
Beyond the trainings and manufacturers present, there are special pricing deals offered at the show, as well as prizes, giveaways, lunch, drinks, and golf offered to all guests.
The price for all of this? Zero point zero. The event is totally free to all 21st Century customers!
To register for one of the upcoming Road Shows near you, contact your local 21st Century Branch or click on one of these links: Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville, and Orlando.
