"We sold $1.4 million worth of product at the 2006 EXPO. That was a 16 percent increase over the 2005 show!"
— Rick Self, Cadbury Adams USA

"It has been, as always, a great opportunity for us to meet with other distributors and discuss common issues. And, by taking advantage of the terrific show deals that are offered, we can help pay for the trip."
— Elvin Smythers, Merchants Grocery Company, Inc., on the 2006 EXPO

"We’re loading up for the summer. There are a lot of great deals here."
— Rick Gummer, Gummer Wholesale, Inc., on the 2006 EXPO

"We have been very pleased. The level of attendees is good, but even more important, people are actually buying. It’s very important to our business for us to participate."
— Chuck Newton, Premier Manufacturing, Inc., on the 2006 EXPO

"It’s great. We introduced three new pieces of equipment at the show. We’ve received a lot of positive responses. It is a well-executed show and we enjoy the opportunity to see so many of our customers here all at once."
— Tim Arends, Meyercord Revenue, Inc.

If you want a sure bet that has a direct impact on your business, make sure you attend the 2007 AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO, February 21 – 23, in Las Vegas. The only show exclusively for warehouse-distributed snacks, confections, tobacco, general merchandise, foodservice, HBC, technology, warehouse equipment and other products, this is the REAL DEAL for companies looking for networking opportunities, information to improve their bottom lines, the latest convenience products and services to hit the market, and great business deals.

Cash in on the big draw
There’s a big payoff waiting in Las Vegas for companies that buy products for retail – and it’s on the show floor of the REAL DEAL EXPO. For more than 60 years, the EXPO has been the focal point of the annual convention of the AWMA. This is one of the country’s oldest and largest shows for this industry. In fact, the REAL DEAL EXPO is the only trade show for the channel between now and September 2007.

Cash prize giveaways Make sure you are on the show floor for the two cash-prize giveaways during the two-day EXPO. $10,000 in prize money will be awarded to some lucky attendees. There will also be prizes as part of the Buyer Reward Program drawing on Friday afternoon.

With its members representing more than $85 billion in sales to over a million retail outlets nationwide, you can imagine the powerful decision-making that transpires at the AWMA EXPO. This show is created by and for distributors, so you know this program is in on target with the issues and needs of this industry.

Characterized by special show-only deals, high quality buyers, the Buyer Reward program, cash prize giveaways and incredible deal making, the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO is a can’t miss opportunity for the convenience industry. Distributors, manufacturers, brokers and retailers come together once a year for this event.

AWMA continues to streamline the order processing function for the show with improved technology. Once again, the AWMA show will receive onsite order processing from ShowRight by ProCat, but with new touch screens – eliminating the need for a laptop, mouse or a floppy disk. Each exhibitor who chooses to participate in the ShowRight program will have all of their show deal information stored in the touch screen computer. Every buyer, distributor, broker and retailer will be able to access the touch screen computer just by scanning the same EXPO badge they wear around their necks.

By the end of the show, every exhibitor and buyer attendee will know exactly what product they sold or purchased and how much was given or saved off invoice. The ShowRight program is offered free of charge to all EXPO buyers, and enhances the deal-buying process.

It’s important to note that the exhibitors not participating in the ShowRight program may offer show deals as well, in addition to those participating in the ShowRight program. The opportunities to save will be incredible.

You name it – gum, mints, snacks, general merchandise, tobacco, warehouse equipment, groceries, HBC, health and nutrition products, automotive products, bottled juices and waters, containers/tins, cookies, displays, software, business services, and paper products…just to name a few – are frequent exhibitors at the EXPO.

Other EXPO highlights
The day before the show floor opens AWMA will host it second training program for buyers within the wholesale distribution and retail industries. Come one day earlier and participate in this workshop, which is free to AWMA members. It will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton, along with the other EXPO events.

This program, designed specifically for buyers, offers them a chance to sharpen their skills and take even better advantage of the show deals available at the AWMA EXPO.

Guest speakers are always a highlight of the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO. This year Mike Ditka will enlighten attendees with his thoughts on teamwork, challenges and personal goals. He is one of the most recognized and successful NFL personalities as a player, coach and television commentator.

Plus, AWMA Chairman Jode Bunce, executive vice president, Eby-Brown Company, will speak about the bold and exciting new direction for the association, designed to make sure that AWMA is relevant and meaningful to distributors for many years to come. Join us to find out how AWMA is taking it to the next level.

A popular facet of the EXPO in recent years has been the cash prize giveaways. This year will be no exception as AWMA hands out $10,000 in prize money to those who deposit their tickets (mailed with the registration packet prior to the show) in the drum at EXPO Resource Central.

And this year AWMA will again award prizes to buyers who place their tickets in the drum labeled "Buyer Rewards." Past prizes have included such items as big screen TVs and DVD players. Another reason to come!

Setting a sure bet
Few places in the world are as instantly recognizable as Las Vegas. This city thrives on superlatives – biggest, brightest, longest, tallest – so it’s not surprising Las Vegas visitors will find a nearly unlimited variety of options for entertainment, sightseeing, shopping and dining. From 24-hour casinos and star-studded shows to resorts that recreate the wonders of ancient Egypt, the skyline of New York City, and the landmarks of Paris, everyone will find something to enjoy.

Set against a panoramic desert skyline on 80 landscaped acres, the Las Vegas Hilton is one block from the Las Vegas strip and immediately adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 40,000-sq.-ft. casino is open 24 hours a day. All EXPO events will be held at either the Hilton or the Convention Center.

Be there!
With so much change going on in the industry, there is no better time to take advantage of the unparalleled networking, buying and educational opportunities afforded by the REAL DEAL EXPO. With all segments of the c-store supply chain represented, this meeting provides the perfect setting for accomplishing these goals.

Meeting face-to-face with customers and peers is more important than ever as trading partners vie for business and market share. The EXPO provides attendees a chance to catch up with long-time customers as well as meet potential trading partners and share experiences with peers.

Register Now!
You can register by filling out the form found in the EXPO brochure that is polybagged with this issue of Distribution Channels or by going online at www.realdealexpo.com. For more information, please contact customer service at (703) 449-6418; or awmaregistration@jspargo.com.