With its national sales meeting, AIA Corporation (asi/109480) wanted to create a deeper sense of community among its nationwide network of distributors. It wanted to educate, empower, inspire and celebrate.

That’s just what the Top 40 distributor says it accomplished through the annual event, AIA Unite 2023, which was held recently at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

“It’s not just a meeting; it’s a platform where ideas converge, relationships are fostered and excellence is celebrated,” said Rich Berg, senior vice president of owner success and business development at the Wisconsin-headquartered distributor.

The National Sales Meeting’s offerings included AIA owner-led panels and an owner roundtable discussion that had a focus on sound business strategies. A feature event was a panel of industry leaders, who keyed in on opportunities distributors should seize upon now to drive success, as well as factors that could influence how promo evolves in the years ahead.

The expert panel included ASI President and CEO Tim Andrews; PPAI President and CEO Dale Denham; Kevin Walsh, president of Top 40 supplier Showdown Displays (asi/87188); and Eric Shonebarger, president of Top 40 supplier Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125).

In addition, the event treated attendees to two keynote speakers. Michael Brody-Waite, known for his work in “Addictive Leadership,” shared strategies for fueling personal and professional growth. Johnny Cupcakes, founder of the well-known creative clothing brand of the same name, encouraged attendees to think creatively and enhance their connection with customers.

Meanwhile, AIA celebrated the accomplishments of million-dollar-plus AIA distributor owners and bestowed lifetime achievement awards, while inducting new members into the company’s Hall of Fame.

“Our National Sales Meeting in Nashville exemplifies the spirit of AIA – a community united by a passion for excellence and innovation,” said AIA CEO Nancy Schmidt, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “Together, we have set the stage for a future that is not only successful, but transformative.”

Based on reported 2022 North American promotional product revenue of $154.9 million, AIA Corporation ranked 19^th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry.