The Network, partnering with AVI OnDemand, held its first virtual fall shareholder meeting Aug. 31 through Sept. 1. The meeting brought more than 250 participants representing 37 shareholders and 26 supplier companies for a two-day event. Suppliers brought in multiple staff to handle the influx of meeting requests. Additionally, Network shareholders also brought staff from across their organizations to get the information first-hand.

Discussions encompassed product and marketing initiatives, capitalizing on national accounts, current market conditions and expanded opportunities for overall business. Following the staff presentations, shareholders participated in a tradeshow-style event with more than 200 virtual one-on-one meetings with Network suppliers.

“This event turned out better than we hoped,” said David Prater, president of The Network. “Our members and suppliers all embraced the technology and took full advantage of the time spent. The combination of pre-recorded presentations and live events proved to provide a great mix of concise delivery of information, while still providing interaction between our staff, shareholders, and suppliers. Holding this event in a virtual setting also enabled us to bring in our full staff to experience those interactions which for some was a first-time experience. We will definitely continue to utilize these tools even after we are able to meet in-person.”

“Network Academy has been one of the big success stories this year,” added Steve Tucker, vice president of The Network. :I want to give a special thanks to our academy partner, AVI OnDemand, who produced our meeting and helped to make this such a success. We have plans to expand on this format to provide a venue for suppliers and Network members to more easily hold virtual meetings and keep the communication flowing during these socially distanced times.”