Note: The Lake Level Meeting Rooms are located on the First Floor.

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Dress Code

Opening Reception -Resort Casual
Off-Site Reception/Dinner - Resort Casual
Awards Reception/Dinner -Suit & Tie/Cocktail Attire

Complete Schedule

Highlights are listed below. Click here for the complete schedule and times.

Speakers

Patrick Schwerdtfeger - AI Unleashed: Disruptions & Opportunities

New AI technologies like ChatGPT are revolutionizing industries from healthcare to finance, and from manufacturing to education. In this groundbreaking keynote, updated almost daily, Patrick Schwerdtfeger explores the transformative impact AI is unleashing on business models across the economy, including some scary disruptions as well as massive opportunities. Gain insights into the productivity explosion available to those who strategically leverage these remarkable technologies.

David Luttenberger - From AI to CO2: How Next-generation innovations will impact packaging and consumer purchase decisions

With sustainability being a consumer expectation, retailers, brands, and package manufacturers must turn to innovative packaging solutions tied to human emotions which, ironically, are becoming grounded in artificial intelligence. David will share insights, data points, and examples of emotional connections to packaging; consumer insights on sustainability; and how AI is poised to change everything in the packaging supply chain.

Jim Abbott - ADAPT: Overcoming Adversity As a One-Handed Athlete

Some would say Jim Abbott overcame obstacles to become a standout major league baseball player. Abbott would beg to differ and say he was incredibly blessed. In order to continue to move towards our goals Abbott shares we must be willing to adapt, change, and mold ourselves to meet the challenges in our own way. Using APAPT as an acronym he will show audiences that by putting together a powerful set of words that stand alone in their significance, they also string together like a chain in an amazing way.

  1. A- Adjustability

  2. D - Determination

  3. A - Accountability

  4. P - Perseverance

  5. T - Trust

Meetings

Speed Networking
Each supplier will have a small designated area with a table and chairs. The distributors will move from supplier to supplier at the noted times. Schedules will be distributed one week prior to the meeting. Staff did our best to match up mutually requested meetings. Please prepare to attend your meeting or let the company you are scheduled to meet with know if you are unable to attend for some reason.

Benchmarking Survey
All Distributors who participated in the survey will be invited to review the results during a session with Mackay Research Group.

Membership Meeting
All distributors are invited to attend. 

Networking Events

Tuesday, April 30

Kayak Tour (Pre-Registration Required)
This beginner's kayak tour navigates the beautiful waters of Lake Oconee in search of relaxation while focusing on kayaking basics. For this trip, we use roomy, 2 person (tandem), recreational kayaks that will provide you with plenty of leg room and stability.

First Time Attendees Reception
If this is your first time at the Annual Meeting, please arrive at the Welcome Reception 30 minutes early to meet Board members and connect with other first timers.

Welcome Reception
Connect with old friends and meet new ones during our Welcome Reception on the Lakeside Lawn. Dinner will be served. Dress code is business/resort casual but it is near the water so please bring a sweater if you get chilly.

Wednesday, May 1

Spouse Candle Making (Pre-Registration Required)
Experience a unique activity that blends entertainment with pure relaxation. Each guest will make two 8 oz. candles using natural, non-toxic ingredients. Guests are provided the ability to choose their own scent from a collection of unique fragrance oils, all of which are designed to perform well when mixed with soy wax.

Wednesday Reception & Dinner
Join us for an off-site dinner at the amazing Sandy Creek Barn. Once a working barn, this marvelously restored structure dates back nearly 200 years. Meet down at The Ritz-Carlton docks for a boat voyage over to this venue. Bus transportation will be available, please speak with staff for more details. Dress code is casual, break out your blue jeans. Please dress in layers, the event will be both inside and outside.
*Transportation to the barn will be by boat on Lake Oconee. If you do not wish to take the boat, let staff know and we have buses available. Return trips will be by bus after dark. Meet at the hotel dock beginning at 4:45pm for your boat ride over to the barn*

Thursday, May 2

Awards Gala
Dress is Suit & tie/cocktail attire. Join us for cocktail hour at 5:00pm, the awards ceremony at 6:00pm, and the dinner party and dancing at 7:00pm.

Friday, May 3

Bike Tour (Pre-Registration Required)
Guided bike rides are the best way to explore the Reynolds community while getting in a great workout. Our Adventure Leaders will guide you on an 8-mile ride through scenic Reynolds, to Linger Longer Marina, and back. The trails are full of hills and curves, providing fun challenges along the way.

Golf Tournament at the Oconee Course (Pre-Registration Required)
Defined by a scenic routing along the Lake Oconee shoreline, this Rees Jones design is a true risk/reward layout. The Oconee offers inspiring lake views while presenting options to play shots over inlets or carry corners of tree-lined doglegs. This par-72 layout has captured the attention of the golf industry due to its stimulating, challenging and playable layout. Breakfast and Lunch are included.