Event Information / what’s happening at EDexpo
Dealer Peer Group Meetings
Wednesday, March 15th 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
EDmarket Peer Groups will have the opportunity to meet face to face with the dealers they have been talking to each month. Curious about how the Dealer Peer Groups work? Come to the Speed Networking event that begins at 10:00 am and at the end you will have a chance to join one.
Dealer Speed Networking
Wednesday, March 15th 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Join your fellow dealers as we get to know one another and enhance connections as Retail Store Council members lead you in interactive games designed to get you talking, sharing, and having fun!
Hot Products Luncheon
Wednesday, March 15th 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Feed your appetite for educational product research. Win free samples of the latest products; every participating dealer will leave with a goody bag full of new items for 2017-18 (valued at over $100!). Take advantage of this opportunity to get details about the best-selling products for your store.
Show-N-Tell Dinner
Wednesday, March 15th 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Be a part of an entertaining evening with your fellow dealers for a variety of fun activities, including games, product demos, make-and-take projects. Vendor-sponsors host this fun-filled event with hands-on learning designed to increase product knowledge, discover new selling techniques, and meet new people.
EDtalks: Dealer Idea Round-up
Thursday, March 16th 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Get energized at this unique education session where educational product dealers share their most innovative programs in 5-minute “EDtalk” presentations. Following this rapid-fire information-sharing time period, you will have a chance to discuss what you learned with fellow dealers at your table and exchange business cards as you grow your professional network. Walk out the door with countless tips and ideas that can be used in your store, on your website, or in your catalog.
Mardi Gras with EDfest!
Thursday, March 16th 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Where is the oldest annual Carnival celebration in the United States? It‘s not New Orleans! Here‘s a hint: It was initiated by Frenchman Nicholas Langlois in 1703 fifteen years before New Orleans was founded. Come celebrate at a special Mardi Gras themed party and find out; all attendees are invited! At EDfest, we‘re looking forward to rekindling friendships, expanding our networks, enjoying the host city, and giving back to our peers, while celebrating our successes.
EDmarket Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
Friday, March 17th 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Congratulate the latest winner of the David McCurrach Distinguished Service Award, Gregory Cooney, and honor those who have contributed to EDmarket’s past success, at this special event celebrating volunteer leaders and award winners. William “Bill” Duffy, who retired in June 2016 from EDmarket staff, will be in attendance to accept Honorary Membership for his 30 years of service to the association. Presentations will be made to the winner of the John L. Spalding Memorial Scholarship, Carly Degard, nominated by Sharp School Service, and the Eddy Awards, and outgoing members of the Board of Directors, Committees, and Councils will be recognized for their service.
Share the Show Dealer Roundtables
Friday, March 17th 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Take a morning coffee break and light breakfast while you research and discover new and innovative products and compare exhibit floor notes with your peers. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to share and identify the the season’s top products with time built into the schedule to return to the exhibit hall to view products you may have missed.