The 2010 Summit opens with a reception on Monday evening, September 13 to welcome everyone to this premier event.  That is followed by a full day of educational sessions on Tuesday, September 14, and then another reception on Tuesday evening to welcome even more attendees.  On Wednesday and Thursday, the seventh annual AWMA Business Exchange (ABX) will take place.  Attendees will be impressed by the Ritz’s service and attention to detail.  

Great networking - One of the main reasons that attendees come back year after year to the Summit/ABX is for the numerous networking opportunities at meals, receptions and breaks. Compared to trade shows that attract thousands of people, the Summit offers a much more intimate environment for networking, hosting approximately 400 attendees.
 

AWMA Summit - The educational program of the AWMA Summit on Tuesday, September 14, as always, will cover topics that affect all convenience distributors. Topics at past Summits have included tobacco industry analysis, distributor profitability, looks at the U.S. economy and elections, candy sales & profits, foodservice trends, trends in convenience stores, boosting distributor profits and how other distribution companies survive, plus much more.  This year’s Summit program is still in the works and will be available soon.   Check AWMA’s Web site for regular updates.
 

ABX – One-on-one meetings between distributors and manufacturers/suppliers.   Once again, the AWMA Business Exchange (ABX) will follow the AWMA Summit.  AWMA introduced the ABX meetings at the 2004 AWMA Summit & ABX in New Orleans.  Both distributors and manufacturer/suppliers alike appreciate the opportunity to meet with top decision-makers in each others companies. The meetings are strategic and about moving the business forward – very different than your typical trade show.  Every year the program has grown to include more participants.  Manufacturers/suppliers who have participated each year said the cost of their meeting room was well worth it when they considered the number of productive meetings held with their distributor customers.  And distributors come back year after year to participate in one of their favorite events.  Also, check AWMA’s Web site for regular updates.