BrandSource is preparing to help members remain competitive and increase sales in a challenging marketplace during the biannual BrandSource Convention running at Caesar’s Palace, August 28-31. According to Bob Lawrence, CEO, attendance is up 25 percent from last year.
Bob Lawrence, CEO of BrandSource.
While BrandSource Ambassador Kathy Ireland is behind the scenes developing special POP materials for members as well as exclusive BrandSource Kathy Ireland-branded products, convention attendees will be treated to a keynote address by best-selling NY Times author Stephen Mansfield, founder of The Global Leadership Development Fund.
“The BrandSource Convention line-up was developed with a keen understanding of the tough times we are all facing in this business – and globally,” said Bob Lawrence. “We’ve put together a well-rounded program designed to help our members increase sales, which is the bottom line. This includes exciting product launches and new technologies that will help them be more competitive, as well as special offers and exclusive deals that they can take advantage of during the convention.”
Technology News
BrandSource plans to unveil a new mobile application that has been under top-secret development for the past year. More details will be provided on Aug. 30.
BrandSource will also launch its new web-based Expert Parts program, designed to help members avoid wasting valuable time searching for parts. The new online interface allows users to quickly and easily look up parts for most mainstream domestic brands, as well as LG and Samsung, place the needed items on a single “shopping list” and immediately check availability and estimated ship time from multiple distributors across the country.
Expert Warehouse 2
As a result of its new partnership with Ingram Micro, BrandSource members will learn about new opportunities and greater access to a broader range of products, including tablets, computers, printers, networking devices and more.
Launch Of Exclusive Kathy Ireland Home Furnishings Line
BrandSource members will also be the first to see the new, exclusive home furnishings line under the Kathy Ireland brand name. Kathy Ireland, CEO and chief designer of the $1.5 billion Kathy Ireland Worldwide, is now the brand ambassador for BrandSource. Attendees will be offered exclusive deals on home furnishings under the Kathy Ireland brand name.
Workshops and Seminars
BrandSource will offer a unique assortment of seminars and workshops designed to help members succeed, including: A Business Guide to Leadership Skills; The Science of Cleaning Dishes; Furniture Advantage 2012 (getting a jump on the competition); Creating Raving Fans; Introduction to Situational Leadership; Survival of the Fittest; Inventory, When Enough Is Enough; Google Analytics 101; Electrolux Next Wave of Innovation; The Science of Sleep – Don’t Sell Mattresses, Sell “Quality Of Life”; and more. GE Appliances will also provide details on its $1 billion investment designed to revitalize U.S. manufacturing. Its new GE Café, GE Profile and GE cooking and dishwasher products launch in September. Positioned as a “game changer” from GE, best-in-class product trainers will be on hand to help members leverage their product expertise with consumers – translating to sales. Participants will be entered to win one GE Independent Derivative gas or electric freestanding range per session, plus additional prizes.
The Stampede
BrandSource members will be privy to the 90-minute “Stampede” session. BrandSource has fielded offers from dozens of suppliers and selected the top 20 deals with the most aggressively priced offers. Members will be invited to take advantage of a limited supply of deals during a 90-minute time period.
Entertainment
Tuesday night (Aug. 30) entertainment will be The Guess Who, Canada’s first international rock music superstar group in the 1960s.
