Orgill, Do it Best to Celebrate Retailers with Beach Bash at IHI Conference
When attendees from across the channel gather this August for the Independent Home Improvement (IHI) Conference in Marco Island, Fla., they will be in for quite the reception as industry distributors Orgill and Do it Best will be inviting everyone to attend a beach-themed event celebrating independent retailers.
The IHI Conference is scheduled for Aug. 27-29 and will bring together independent retailers from across North America with manufacturers, distributors and other channel partners to engage in networking, educational sessions and activities.
“The spirit of the event is to provide independent retailers with a great opportunity to learn from industry experts and each other and engage with other channel partners who are focused on helping the independent segment of the channel thrive,” says Bob Cutter, CEO of the North American Hardware and Paint Association, which produces the event together with The Hardware Conference.
“We are thrilled that Orgill and Do it Best would step forward to not only support the event as distributor sponsors but also make this effort to celebrate the hard work and importance of the independent retailers serving communities across North America,” says Craig Cope of The Hardware Conference.
The celebration will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28, following a full day of educational sessions, networking and events.
Orgill is hosting the Celebration of Independents, with Do it Best sponsoring the music and entertainment for the event.
The beach-themed evening will include indoor and outdoor activities, food buffets, drinks and locally themed live music. Conference guests can relax and watch the sunset with industry friends or grab a drink and dance the night away, according to event organizers.
“Independent retailers deserve to be celebrated, and we felt the IHI Conference was the ideal place for us to hold an event like this,” says Boyden Moore, Orgill’s president and CEO. “It’s an event that is all about elevating independent retailers regardless of their affiliations, and this will be a celebration honoring that spirit. We started this tradition last year at the event in Dallas when we invited everyone to join us for an evening at the world-famous Gilley’s. This year, we’re excited to have Do it Best join the party at the beach.”
More than 600 independent retailers and more than 100 manufacturers, distributors and channel partners are expected to attend the IHI Conference, which is being held at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.
“Independent retailers are the backbone of our communities, and their success is vital to the health of the home improvement industry. At Do it Best, we’re dedicated to supporting and celebrating these hard-working entrepreneurs,” says Dan Starr, president and CEO, Do it Best. “The Independent Home Improvement Conference provides an excellent platform for learning, networking, and recognition, and we are thrilled to provide the music and entertainment at the Independents Celebration. It’s a chance to recognize the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that defines independent retailers across North America.”
