After a successful convention for AIM/R’s 50th anniversary in Denver last year, AIMR is excited to host its 51st Annual Conference at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Fla. (near Destin), Sept. 12-15. For many AIM/R members, Sandestin has some great memories as we first visited this location in 2011. The property is stunning and full of beach activities, restaurants, and shopping — all within walking distance or a short tram ride from your room.

This year’s theme is “The Future’s So Bright,” which describes how confident we are that the manufacturers’ representative role in the distribution channel is secure — as long as we continue to evolve and adapt to the changing world. 

Michelle Lewnes-Dadas, CPMR, vice president of Preferred Sales, chairs this year’s Conference Committee. The annual conference and the theme include lots of nostalgia for Lewnes-Dadas and her company. In 2000, her father, Peter Lewnes, CPMR, was the chair of the annual conference at Florida’s Amelia Island. The theme of that conference? Yes, “The Future’s So Bright.” 

Then in 2011, Alan Guidish, CPMR, a partner at Preferred Sales, chaired the AIMR Annual Conference at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort and coincidentally used the same theme — “The Future’s So Bright” — without realizing it was the theme many years prior. 

With the third rendition of this theme, Preferred Sales is the first AIM/R member to have three conference chairs, so Lewnes-Dadas decided to “carry on the legacy of theme and Florida location to honor those before me.” 

Most members agree that networking with colleagues, learning from each other and sharing best practices are the key objectives of the annual conference. This year’s conference location and schedule are designed to ensure that attendees can network nonstop. Even the layout of the resort ensures that from hotel rooms to meeting rooms to outlets, attendees must cross paths and can engage in conversations to grow their skill sets throughout the week.

Scheduled Events

The opening night of the conference takes place Sept. 12 on the Grand Lawn (the backyard of the Sandestin), where manufacturers and rep agents can co-mingle and network before everyone engages in individual dinners. Every night after planned events and individual dinners, all attendees are welcome at the AIM/R hospitality area at Rum Runners Grill and Dueling Piano Bar in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a short walk from the hotel.

Our keynote speaker, body language expert, Janine Driver, opens the conference the morning of Sept. 13. The content will then move into an interactive “talk show” format with a rotation of guests and topics every 20 minutes. Topics will address critical issues facing both reps and manufacturers. The interactive style allows attendees to raise topics often overlooked or uncomfortable to discuss. 

The afternoon will be our popular Rep and Manufacturer Roundtables; many of the topics discussed here will come from the morning’s discussions.

AIM/R will host a reception, dinner and Glow Party that evening for all attendees at Sandestin Baytowne Marina. Some entertainment and lots of networking are in store for one final evening with our manufacturers. 

On Sept. 14, AIM/R recaps the previous day and reintroduces Driver, who will kick off Day 2 with an energetic speech on leadership and reading people. The balance of the day is dedicated to rep-led panels for both large and small rep firms. These panels will address technology, employee engagement and compensation.

In the afternoon, Mike Marks from Indian River Consulting returns; he last spoke at the 2021 conference. For those who attended, he offered incredible insights into the rep business from working and studying in many different industries. Marks also provided a glimpse into where the rep industry is going and inspired attendees to consider a new mission and new ideas for their businesses. He will lead the rep roundtables and encourage everyone present to think outside the box. 

The day ends with more social opportunities with Leaders of Tomorrow/Today’s Brews & Happy Hour and other special-interest receptions. Many restaurants are within walking distance or a short Uber ride for attendees to share a meal with old and new friends. 

AIM/R’s past presidents offer sessions Sept. 15 on warehousing/buy-sell, merger and acquisitions, and service divisions within rep agencies. If attendees are considering changes for their agencies, these sessions are must-attend. Late morning into early afternoon, we will offer vendor-led training and education for those interested in meeting rooms. 

Friday afternoon is a chance to unwind and play volleyball, enjoy the hotel or go golfing. AIM/R will revive the “unofficial” volleyball tournament on the beach. After the great content and hard work, the afternoon will be a welcome end to a great conference.

AIM/R welcomes you to bring your spouse/guest and family — come before and stay after. Complimentary activities, including an excursion to Seaside, Fla., plus a breakfast cruise on Solaris, are planned for officially registered spouses and guests. 

To register, visit www.aimr.net/page/AnnualConference2023

Please register early to make sure you take advantage of early bird rates (until July 1), and book your rooms at the hotel so you are not disappointed. For travel by air, consider flying into these three airports: Destin-Ft. Walton (VPS), Pensacola (PNS) or Panama City (ECP). 

All of us at AIM/R look forward to reconnecting with all y’all in September at Sandestin, where the Future’s So Bright!