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Tuesday
January 5, 2010 ASI Orlando Energizes Industry for 2010Filed under: ASI Shows, News About ASI The ASI Show Orlando kicked off a brand new show season – and a new year – at what we all hope is a turning point in our industry. This show really had it all – a rousing inspirational speech by General Colin L. Powell before 900, a “Gala Celebration” at Universal Studios attended by more than 700, and a strong Education Day attendance of nearly 1,200. ASI Orlando, which ended Tuesday after three action-packed days, proved to be an interactive event that allowed thousands of distributors to find the newest products, catalogs and pricing for the start of the sales season. We believe the show positioned suppliers and distributors for a great recovery year in 2010. Here’s what a few of them they had to say: Margit Fawbush, marketing manager of Norwood Promotional Products: “This year has been excellent. The traffic is steady. Distributors are eager to start new projects and are coming in with very specific requests as to what they are looking for. We have found ASI Orlando very beneficial.” Scott Anderson, national sales manager of Leed’s: “All the metrics that we consider important for a show are being hit and traffic’s been good. We’re very pleased with The ASI Show Orlando.” Gary Tuchler, VP of the south region for Brown & Bigelow: “ASI Orlando is a great way to kick off the New Year. We can get everyone together, get them motivated and ready to go. There are lots of new ideas, lots of excitement and lots of energy on the show floor.” Dave Crofoot, CEO of Western Associates: “The ASI Show Orlando has been great. Our salespeople are excited and have found many new ideas on the show floor.” You can read the full press release by clicking here. And watch full video coverage of The ASI Show Orlando at asicentral.com, with several education sessions from the New Distributor Success Track, as well as ASI-TV coverage of the 2010 ASI Fashion Show. Don’t forget: It’s not too early to register for the ASI Show in Dallas, from Monday, February 1, through Wednesday, February 3, and the all-new ASI Show in San Diego, from Wednesday, February 24, through Friday, February 26, at asishow.com. Tell me about your Orlando experiences by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Tuesday
January 5, 2010 Hot Orlando Product Videos and Interview With General PowellFiled under: ASI Shows, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI The last day of ASI Show Orlando is upon us and by all accounts education day (more than 60 learning opportunities!) and networking have been above par. This morning, a packed house greeted General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), the former Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State. Show-goers hung on the general’s every word during his keynote, “Leadership: Inspiration for Extraordinary Times.” A standing-room-only crowd of more than 900 distributors, suppliers and decorators cheered as the Bronx-born four-star general told stories of overcoming challenges to lead organizations of all sizes – from a few dozen people to millions – through stressful times that required change, development of new solutions to problems and seeing beyond today. He cautioned the audience to avoid looking back in rearview mirrors, advising that looking forward is the only way to succeed. Giving your “followers” – whether they’re colleagues, family members or customers – superior tools, products and support is the way to win in a difficult economic climate. To watch Counselor editor Andy Cohen’s interview with Gen. Powell, click here. And last night, we also enjoyed a really fun fashion show – ASI’s third march down the runway. For photos, click here. In addition, I’d like to share four “Tim’s Takes” videos, shot right after my “Hot Seat” interview with Mark Godsey, president of Gold Bond and this year’s just-named Supplier of the Year. Mark gave us the inside track on what his company is doing to thrive, his 2010 outlook, and Gold Bond’s focus on customers – the true VIPs. Straight from the Advantages New Product Showcase, hot products highlighted in the videos include: Pocket-sized hand sanitizer from Custom HBC (asi/47935), which won in the Health & Beauty Category at the Counselor Distributor Choice Awards. This handy item is huge seller right now in the flu season. A two-in-one pocket calculator and business card holder from Bullet (asi/42424), a Distributor Choice Awards finalist. I just love combo products and this is really innovative – and practical. The nitro tumbler from Gold Bond (asi/57653), which keeps ice up to 15 hours without melting. I tried it this week and it really does work. Tell me what you think is this year’s hottest product by posting a comment or emailing me here. I’m also on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. |
