Independent Suppliers Group (ISG) held a highly successful annual meeting for its members, suppliers, and industry partners in New Orleans with 1,000 attendees and over 100 booths at the Industry Week ’23 Tradeshow. Industry Week ’23 featured insightful panel discussions, educational seminars, and underscored the crucial significance of diversification.

Industry Week ’23 began with the Pinnacle Member Meeting which provided Pinnacle Members with important updates on Pinnacle programs. Pinnacle Members also participated in peer exchanges which provided a platform to share new ideas and concepts.

The Industry Week ’23 General Session was focused on the importance of diversification. ISG President and CEO, Mike Gentile, made this point clear during his Industry Week welcome address, and his message was echoed by OPI CEO, Steve Hilleard, and his lineup of progressive ISG Members during his series of one-on-one interviews.

Other highlights of the General Session included a speech from ISG Board of Directors Chairman, Yancey Jones Jr., and special recognitions of Jordan Kudler and Mike Gentile for their dedicated service to the Independent Dealer Community. Incoming ISG President and CEO, James Rodgers, was formally introduced as he laid out his 90-day plan, and wrapping up the session were the annual NAOPA Awards, hosted by Janet Bell of OPI.

Industry Week ’23 attendees took advantage of the various educational seminars being offered throughout the first day, before attending the Office Products Women in Leadership Networking Reception and NEXT Young Leaders Mixer, finishing with the evening Welcome Reception sponsored by ACCO Brands.

The final day of Industry Week ’23 started with the ISG Member Sales Awards, along with the second annual “Outstanding Commitment to Your Community Awards,” which recognizes ISG Members doing amazing charitable work for their local communities. These awards were followed by Harry Dochelli and the Essendant General Session and a few more opportunities for informative seminars.

The final highlights of this year’s meeting were the Tradeshow and celebration at the “Rock On At the Fillmore” party sponsored by HON. The annual Tradeshow provided exhibitors with the opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge products and have meaningful dialogue on how to partner to mutually grow business. The “Rock On At the Fillmore” party provided an ideal setting for attendees to commemorate their successful time in New Orleans. One lucky participant received $2,500 as the winner of the “Cajun Cash” contest.

“As a new ISG supplier, this was Rust-Oleum’s first-time attending Industry Week, and we didn’t know what to expect,” said Luke Bobek of Rust-Oleum. “We were really impressed by the attendance and high-quality conversations we had. Our team is excited to follow up with all ISG members we met that can sell our products.”

“The event was incredible,” said Ian Davidson, Sales Director, National Office Works. “We returned with a new vigor and armed with additional knowledge of products and solutions our partners will certainly appreciate. We can’t express how well run the event was. We will certainly be utilizing many more programs offered by ISG.”

ISG is excited to announce that Industry Week ’24 will be hosted at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention
Center in Orlando, Florida, September 21-26, 2024.