Educational sessions, a trade show, networking opportunities and an awards banquet – all that and more figured into Top 40 distributor The Vernon Company’s (asi/351700) recent national sales conference.

The Iowa-headquartered company hosted the three-day event at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites. About 175 account executives and supplier partners attended.

Lisa Hubbard (far left) and Stephanie Critchfield (far right) of The Vernon Company (asi/351700) present the Top 40 distributor’s Supplier of the Year Award to Marissa Holman (center left) and Anna Tucker (center right) of SanMar (asi/84863), which took home the honor.

The meeting focused, in part, on Vernon technology initiatives and business strategies for the company. Presentations from Vernon’s leadership team and technology partners provided an up-to-date outlook on company initiatives, executives said.

“Getting our team together in Indy was second to none,” said Lisa Hubbard, Vernon’s vice president of sales and marketing and a member of Counselor’s Power List of promo’s most influential people.

Hubbard continued: “We are energized, focused, and we treat people like family. I couldn’t be more excited about where we are heading with the industry-leading technology platform we got to see while everyone was together.”

As part of the event, The Vernon Company recognized top account executives for their strong performances over the past year. The distributorship also honored key suppliers, giving out awards for Customer Service Reps of the Year, Account Manager of the Year, and Supplier of the Year, which went to Top 40 firm SanMar (asi/84863).

“The partnerships that we have with our suppliers are stronger than ever,” said Hubbard.

Founded in 1902, Vernon serves more than 50,000 customers nationwide. The company has team members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as a graphics manufacturing plant in Missouri.

Based on reported 2022 North American promotional product revenue of $87.4 million, The Vernon Company ranked 26^th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry.