Spring Conference Plans: 2016 Clearwater, 2017 Little Rock

Members of our Association seek a certain balance in the meeting sites for our annual Spring Conference & Supplier Showcase.

You are looking for a city that's walkable, a couple of good restaurants, opportunities for outdoor recreation for networking, and a climate warm enough to confirm that spring has arrived.

You also understandably want a place that is convenient and affordable.

Planning is well underway for our 2016 Spring Conference at the Hilton in Clearwater, Fla. Our staff is meeting with the hotel and making final arrangement for off-site social activities this week. Online registration opens December 28. More than a third of the Supplier Showcase space is already reserved.

We are pleased to announce that Little Rock has been selected for the 2017 Spring Conference.

"Little Rock offers a manageable drive for many of our members and easy access by air for those who are a little farther away," said Executive Vice President Vernon Schmidt. "We can keep room costs down in Little Rock and bring members to a city that offers what they expect in this annual get-together for suppliers and manufacturers.”

Schmidt said announcing the plan for Spring 2017 is part of a broader strategy to book the Association's meetings as far in advance as possible. Members can expect announcements soon regarding site selection for the 2017 and 2018 Fall Marketing & Distribution Convention. S