THE ConneCtions YOU NEED THE ConneCtions YOU NEED

connect 1110 September www.GorSpA.orgwww.GorSpA.org

While the entire event is tailored to emphasize connection-building, there were five sponsored networking receptions on the RetailNOW®

agenda. All events were open to any registered attendee, (except for the New Member Reception, which was specifically designed for that population of RSPA membership) and provided a mix of refreshments, entertainment, and conversation.

New Member Reception

For the newest members of RSPA, this reception sponsored by Cayan, brought the most recent

additions of RSPA together with the board of directors, RSPA staff, and other veterans of the industry. The event served as an opportunity for recently minted RSPA members to meet with those who know how to take advantage of all that RetailNOW has to offer. Taking place just before the Welcome Reception, attendees got a head start on the networking conversations that make RetailNOW such an invaluable experience. In addition, reseller board member Hunter Allen also shared his tips on how to best take advantage of RSPA benefits.

Welcome Reception

RetailNOW 2015 opened with a bang this year. The Welcome Reception, sponsored by Epson, had an incredible energy as old friendships and new partnerships were the hot topics of the event. While many agreed the crab cakes were the unofficial reason to be there, this reception proved the importance of face to face networking. Attendees began the week with the high caliber conversations that help to identify new partnership opportunities, strengthen relationships, and learn from one another.

First Look Reception

A new Exhibit Hall schedule was the impetus for a new networking reception at RetailNOW. The First Look Reception, sponsored by World Pay, was filled with whimsy, with food carts circulating, offering treats like pizza, fried macaroni and cheese bites, and popcorn. The “revelers” who came to the Monday show floor opening were treated to a full view of the Show Floor, with four hours of time to network, hold discussions, and view the very latest in retail technology. Awards Reception

A sleek, modern décor welcomed the Awards Presentation attendees after the Awards

Where the Industry Meets: Networking at RetailNOW®By Bob Fiorentino and Amber Murdock

Presentation. Sponsored by Honeywell, the event featured a mix of seating that facilitated both enjoyment of refreshments and private conversations. The RSPA step-and-repeat backdrop allowed award winners (and other attendees) to take pictures to commemorate their RetailNOW 2015 experience. Given the event’s positioning on the evening of the last day of the Show Floor, for many participants it was a time to celebrate a successful 2 days of exhibitions, along with the award winners.

Closing Party

The three and a half days of RetailNOW 2015 came to a close with a knee-slapping, toe-tapping Closing Party, sponsored by Blue Star. The Texas style lunch, complete with cornbread, biscuits, and barbecue, as well as a specialty cocktail, the Prickly Pear Margarita, featured country and western music, performed by the trio, Handpicked. All in a not-so-subtle effort to provide reminders to 2015 attendees that next year’s RetailNOW will be in Dallas. Lunch was buffet style, but large round tables allowed space for those last conversations prior to the end of the event.

RetailNOW® attendees gather in the Gaylord Palms' Sun Foyer for Sunday, August 2nd's Welcome Reception.