Chattanooga—Alliance Flooring’s Connect ‘21 Virtual Product Showcase will take place March 15-17, 2021. The online event is designed to bring together members and suppliers virtually for new product and merchandising introductions, buying, networking and training to prepare them for the upcoming selling season. Content will be delivered in pre-produced videos presented in an on-demand format.
The new event will replace the usual in-person convention originally scheduled for early March 2021. According to Kevin Logue, Alliance Flooring’s executive vice president of marketing, the move was made to safeguard members, suppliers and staff until the time comes when a live, in-person event can take place.
“After much consideration we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone our March 2021 in-person convention to later in the year,” Logue said. “Final dates and details are being determined and will be announced shortly. This wasn’t an easy decision to make because of all the variables involved, but we ultimately decided to create a virtual format for our 2021 product launch. Connect ’21 will be the perfect way to showcase new products and display systems to support our 2021 retail strategy.”
Logue said the virtual event is an ideal way for a member’s entire staff to see the new introductions, learn and participate in a way not possible before. “Normally, our members can’t bring their entire staff to an in-person event, so this is an excellent opportunity for everyone in the store to get involved and see what we’re introducing,” he explained.
Participating suppliers will be featured in their own “virtual exhibit booth” where they will showcase new products and displays using pre-produced, on-demand video content. “We have become so accustomed to viewing video content through online streaming platforms, it is a logical next step for us to begin providing this type of interface to our members as a tool for education and communication,” Logue added.
The virtual event is for all CarpetsPlus, Carpetland USA and Floorco members.