EPIC SHOWGUIDE 2018

SHOWGUIDE PREPARE TO

ORDINARY OCTOBER 15 - 17, 2018 NEW ORLEANS

INSIDE: LEARN: Full details of the EPIC Education Forums GIVE: Discover this year’s charitable giveback efforts ENGAGE: Tradeshow floorplan, exhibitor list and more!

PLAY: All you need to know about the social side of EPIC

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EPIC INFORMATION:

WELCOME LETTER

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EPIC INFORMATION:

WHAT’s

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THE WEEK’S AGENDA

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t a glan a d a e h a k e e w e Th

Monday, Oct 15

Tuesday, Oct 16

Wednesday, Oct 17

7:00am – 6:00pm Registration Open

7:00am – 6:00pm Exhibitors: Tradeshow Set up

7:30am – Noon Registration Open

8:00am – 6:00pm Arrivals – Airport Transportation

7:00am – 6:00pm Registration Open

8:15am – 9:00am Breakfast*

8:30am – 4:30pm Sales Boot Camp*

7:30am – 8:30am Breakfast & Welcome*

9:00am – 10:30am Helping Hands Give Back Event*

8:30am onwards Optional Activities*

8:45am – 11:30am IS Member Meeting

(pages 20-23)

3:00pm – 5:00pm IS Member Young Leaders Meeting 5:00pm – 6:00pm Southern Bayou Scavenger Hunt, Benefiting City of Hope* 6:00pm – 8:00pm Welcome Reception*

(pages 25-35)

(pages 36-43)

*All membe r & exhibitor 10:45am – 4:30pm attendees in vited Tradeshow Open to attend thes e events 8:45am – 11:30am 11:30am – 1:30pm TriMega Member Meeting Lunch* 11:30am – 12:15pm Lunch*

3:30pm – 4:30pm Tradeshow Power Hour*

12:30pm – 1:30pm IS-only Seminars

4:30pm – 5:15pm Let the Good Times Roll Prize Drawing Reception*

12:30pm – 1:30pm TriMega-only Board Town Hall 1:40pm – 5:20pm Joint Seminars* 6:30pm – 9:30pm Mardi Gras in the Big Easy Reception* at Mardi Gras World & Grand Oaks Mansion – buses departing from 6:00pm

6:30pm – 10:00pm Shuttles to/from the French Quarter and Frenchman Street* (You will need to find your own transportation after 10pm)

Thursday, Oct 18

6:00am – 12:00pm Departures – Airport Transportation*

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EPIC INFORMATION:

HOTEL FLOORPLAN Seminars

EPIC Exhibition

Trimega & Independent Stationers Members Only Meeting

Refreshment breaks

Elevator knowledge

pad

Hold your key under the key

or select your floor

to assigned elevator get elevator assignment go EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

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EPIC INFORMATION:

WELCOME LETTER

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EPIC INFORMATION:

WELCOME LETTER

Welcom

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ORDINAR Y

Dear EPIC 2018 attendees Welcome to EPIC 2018 and to New Orleans where we’re Disrupting Ordinary! Thank you for joining us.

We look forward to spending time with you over the next few days.

There’s so much going on at EPIC 2018, let’s take a quick look at just some of this week’s main highlights.

EPIC Savings On Wednesday, be sure to visit the more than 130 exhibitor booths to learn about new categories, new services and new products to help drive your business. Not only that, but it just makes sense for you to take advantage of the tons

of valuable Show Specials that are available this year! Last year, dealers attending our tradeshow wrote a record number of show orders and walked away with EPIC savings!

EPIC Learning Our Education Forums are all about learning new ideas from peers. From panel discussions on best practices, to roundtable discussions and more – the content is designed for you! Learn from your fellow dealers and expert speakers, discover new information and ideas relevant to your business, and walk away with tips and tactics you can implement when you return home! And be sure to jot those to-do lists, takeaways and ah-ha moments down in the back of this guide to refer to when you’re back in the office.

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EPIC INFORMATION:

WELCOME LETTER EPIC Giving Once again, EPIC is all about making a difference. We have several new, fun events this year starting with our Southern Bayou Scavenger Hunt benefiting City of Hope. Traverse the nooks and crannies of the Hyatt Regency hotel in search of clues to help you find hidden treasures and win prizes! Visit the City of Hope at booth #107 to donate and learn more about the great things they do. Also participate in our Helping Hands Giveback Event where we’ll write notes of thanks to the military, decorate flower pots for seniors, paint pillowcases for children in New Orleans foster care and stuff backpacks for school children in need. And if that wasn’t enough, exhibitors

are doing their part again to help children succeed in school by donating tradeshow product to the Kids In Need Foundation.

An EPIC Thank You Of course we want to recognize the generous support of our exhibitors and sponsors, so a big thank you to all of them, with a special mention for our Premier Sponsor, Essendant.

We’d also like to thank the staff and board members of both groups, and our business partners for their relentless efforts in making EPIC 2018 a huge success!

Finally, we wish you an enjoyable and productive time here this week.

If there is anything we, our staff or board members can do to help you during the event, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Mike Gentile, President & CEO, Independent Stationers

Mike Maggio, President, TriMega

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EPIC INFORMATION:

WELCOME LETTER

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EPIC INFORMATION:

WELCOME LETTER

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EPIC INFORMATION:

LAST YEAR

g n i r e b m Reme

s a g ve A Pictorial Look back at last year’s Epic time in las vegas This year’s venue of New Orleans has everyone excited, but let’s not forget all the fun and frolicks that took place last year at the prestigious Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for EPIC 2017.

Take a moment to look back to that event, which attracted representatives from over 375 dealerships and a total attendance of close to 1,400 for three days of EPIC fun, learning and opportunity.

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EPIC INFORMATION:

LAST YEAR

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EPIC INFORMATION :

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EPIC INFORMATION :

LAST YEAR

THE 2018 EPIC APP

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Have you downloaded this year’s app yet?

You can find it in the Apple App or Google Play Stores, searching ‘EPIC 2018’.

It is THE source for all the latest event info and it really is a bunch of fun too!

You can use it to get the lowdown on all that is going on at EPIC this year, including details of seminars and social events.

It can also help you keep track of meetings.

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EPIC INFORMATION:

WELCOME LETTER

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The

EPIC INFORMATION:

DEALER’s voice

CHAT&APP

Name: Tim Gunning Job Title: Vice President Company: AF Smith

What is your best piece of advice to someone who is visiting EPIC for the first time?

Enjoy yourself, take everything in and get to know the best people in the industry!

What do you like best about the EPIC experience?

Interacting with the many creative and innovative dealers.

What is the most disruptive thing you have ever done?

I was involved in a complete restructuring of AF Smith when the company hit rough financial times. It was painful to go through, but we came out of it stronger than ever.

If you could change one thing about the IDC what would it be?

I see the IDC community as a big family, but often we don’t work together in the best interests of the family. I would like to see that change and there is no more important time than the present.

Which one individual in the history of office supplies has had the biggest impact on the industry (and why)?

The founder of Staples, Tom Stemberg. Although many people are not big fans, he did have an unquestionably huge impact on the industry and it seems like change and disruption has been happening ever since.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?

Took 18 months to completely recover, including learning how to walk again after a rare stroke at age 42.

What are you most proud of?

That is easy…it has to be my beautiful wife Patricia and my amazing daughter Ariana.

Where would you most like to visit/travel and why?

Japan. I have always been absolutely fascinated by their unique present day culture and history.

If you could have the answer to any question, what would you ask?

What are tonight’s lottery numbers?

What is your pet hate?

People who can’t stop looking at their phones during meetings, at dinner, or any other inappropriate time. As much as I hate it, I have also caught myself doing this from time to time!

If you weren’t doing your present job, what would you like to be doing?

General manager of a Major League Baseball team.

APP-iness is easy Disrupting Ordinary shouldn’t mean disrupting your day, so why not update your schedule on the go and stay connected on Android or iOS with our EPIC app?

The EPIC 2018 mobile app allows you to get connected during the event: • View schedules, explore and evaluate sessions and find networking opportunities at EPIC 2018 • Create your own personal schedule for meetings at EPIC 2018 • Access location and speaker info at your fingertips • Interact with a real-time feed of all event activity that showcases which sessions are trending, most liked photos and popular discussion topics

Log into the app using theyou email address with whichand use registered for the event the password: ep ic 20 18

APP FEATURES: Update – a quick way to share photos, comments and handy info on sessions you’re attending Activity Feed – the real-time pulse of the event. See what people are saying, view photos from the event and find trending sessions and topics Agenda – view the full agenda and related information (session times, room number, etc) Users – see who’s at the event and connect with them on the app Exhibitors – find exhibitors, view the show floor and sponsors

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new orleans:

WHAT TO DO

… t i s e o D y s a E Big

rld renowned city of an historic and wo is s an rle mention O w Ne al, a Voodoo – not to al Mardi Gras festiv cuisine and Louisian ole cre p… , Famed for its annu tri sic ur mu yo z ring . It is home to jaz for places to visit du the American South ’s a few suggestions re He IS! NC of s its own spin off serie

old town views

Often called the jewel in New Orleans’ crown, the French Quarter is one of NOLA’s most enticing neighborhoods.

You’ll find plenty of the new mixed in with the old, from a reimagined French Market to modern fashion boutiques – with plenty of artisan cocktail bars to visit along the way. Here are just few attractions to start you off…

JACKSON SQUARE 700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Located on Decatur Street, between the Jax Brewery Shopping Mall and the French Market, Jackson Square is home to an open-air artist colony, where artists display their work on the outside of the iron fence. Visitors even have the opportunity to see the artists at work and perhaps have their portrait drawn by one of the many talents utilizing Jackson Square as their studio.

The area surrounding the square contains a mix of commercial and residential property. The Cabildo, the Presbytere (on the opposite side of the Cathedral), and one of the apartment townhouses of the Lower Pontalba Apartments are now state museums. There are a lot worse ways to start a tour of NOLA than grabbing coffee and beignets from Café du Monde and enjoying breakfast while people watching in the Square.

OLD URSULINE CONVENT MUSEUM 2505, 1100 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Dating back to 1752, this is said to be oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley. It is also one of the oldest surviving examples of the French colonial period in the United States.

Tours begin at the Chartres Street Gatehouse and continue through the beautifully manicured formal garden.

Inside the main building, visitors encounter the original handcrafted cypress staircase, dozens of oil paintings of past archbishops, religious statues and bronze busts.

Over the years the building has fulfilled many functions: a convent, an orphanage, a makeshift hospital and later a residence hall for local bishops.

Behind the main building, there is a peaceful walled courtyard, with statues that pay homage to the founding Ursuline Sisters, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and Father Francis Xavier Seelos. This area is ideal for prayer and reflection. Also worth a visit is the herb garden in the back of the convent previously featured on Victory Garden on PBS.

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NEW ORLEANS:

WHAT TO DO

Spooky spending In addition to the famous French Market, there are plenty of regular shopping options in New Orleans, but here are a few with a NOLA twist…

THE CABILDO 701 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 This is one of the most historically significant buildings in America. Built between 1795 and 1799 to replace a structure that burned in the 1794 fire, the Cabildo served as the seat of government in New Orleans during the Spanish colonial period.

In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was signed in the Sala Capitular, one of the rooms of this three-story structure. This single, bloodless act nearly doubled the size of the United States at the time and it opened the areas west of the Mississippi River for exploration, expansion, and settlement.

From 1803 to 1812 the Cabildo was used by the Louisiana Territorial Superior Court. After Louisiana became a state in 1812, the building continued to be used by the New Orleans City Council until the mid-1850s when Gallier Hall opened on St Charles Avenue.

Now a museum, the Cabildo continues to showcase the rich and colorful history of New Orleans and Louisiana.

ST LOUIS CATHEDRAL 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116 Facing Jackson Square and flanked by the historic Cabildo on one side and the equally historic Presbytere on the other, St Louis Cathedral is among the tallest and most imposing structures in the French Quarter. And one of the most recognizable. It has been seen in hundreds of movies, TV shows and is a local and international architectural icon.

It has a long and interesting history. It is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States, originally built in 1727 and dedicated to King Louis IX of France, The Crusading King, who was later canonized by the Church. The original St Louis Cathedral burned during the great fire of 1794 and was rebuilt. The present structure was completed in the 1850s.

In September 1987 the cathedral witnessed the historic visit of Pope John Paul II and the plaza directly in front of the church was renamed in the pope’s honor. Shortly afterward the status of the Cathedral was upgraded to a Basilica.

HEX: OLD WORLD WITCHERY 1219 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Warlocks Christian Day and Brian Cain present an authentic New Orleans Witchcraft shop for everyone from curious visitors to experienced practitioners. Features include: spell candles, occult books, incense, jewelry, voodoo dolls, potions, broomsticks, and psychic readings by practicing witches.

MASKARADE 630 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Masks are pretty much a must at Mardi Gras and this shop puts a lot of pride into its amazing creations. It carries an extensive collection of masks from local and national artists. They even have some handmade Italian masks created in the traditional Venetian style. If you’re looking for a mask that’s unique or special, or just want to have a look at some amazing craftmanship, then this is the place to go.

BOUTIQUE DU VAMPYRE 709 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116 A one-stop shop for all things pointy-toothed. Capes, costumes, curses and, of course, canine teeth are all readily available in this fantastic place. The staff are very friendly and every purchase earns you a slip of paper with the address of a nearby bar and the passphrase to enter its specially vampire-themed speakeasy.

MARIE LAVEAU HOUSE OF VOODOO 739 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Marie Laveau’s House of Vodoo is a store and museum with many Voodoo-related items on display. There’s a Voodoo Altar, as well as a selection of spiritual items and books from around the world. For those so inclined, there’s a back room that hosts spiritual meetings, spell incantations and Tarot card readings.

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new orleans:

WHAT TO EAT

Soul food sources Home to some of the greatest restaurants in the country, New Orleans is world famous for its magical mix of cajun and creole cookery. We’ve picked a short selection of places to visit to get a real taste of the Big Easy, from a drop in chicken shop to the finest of dining options.

COMMANDER’S PALACE RESTAURANT 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 P: (504) 899 - 8221 www.commanderspalace.com This restaurant is often described as the quintessential New Orleans dining experience, with one guide suggesting that “if you can’t find something to rave about on the menu at Commander’s Palace, just walk across the street to Lafayette Cemetery because you might as well be dead.” The menu consists of classic Cajun and Creole cuisine with a modern twist. Although the menu changes frequently, recurring favorites include Creole crawfish gnocchi, Gulf yellowfin tuna & redfish ceviche and a shrimp & tasso henican.

NAPOLEON HOUSE 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 P: (504) 524 - 9752 www.napoleonhouse.com If you prefer more laid back surroundings, but still want to enjoy a bit of New Orleans’ history, Napoleon House is a 200-year old landmark that’s as casual and unique as its French Quarter surroundings. The signature dish is the toasted muffuletta (a local sandwich made using Sicilian bread with layers of salami, ham, mortadella, Swiss cheese, provolone and marinated olive salad) while those in the know drink a Pimm’s, a refreshing gin-based drink created in England in the mid-19th century.

WILLIE MAE’S SCOTCH HOUSE 2401 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70119 P: (504) 822 - 9503 www.williemaesnola.com Willie Mae’s is a local and international favorite, known for its simple menu and famous fried chicken – dubbed the best in the United States by the Travel Channel and Food Network. Tucked away in the Treme neighborhood there’s always a line out the door, regardless of weather.

It’s a walk-ins only spot, so be prepared to wait. Willie Mae herself passed away in the fall of 2015, but her great-granddaughter Kerry Seaton continues to run the restaurant and help preserve this incredible local gem.

ANTOINE’S RESTAURANT 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 P: (504) 581- 4422 www.antoines.com Run by the same family without interruption for more than 175 years, Antoine’s is one of the places that has set the standard in New Orleans and helped make the city one of the great dining destinations of the world. It is home to such New Orleans culinary treasures as Crawfish Cardinal, Shrimp Remoulade and Oysters Rockefeller. It has hosted VIPs from presidents to popes and if that’s not enough to entice you, it boasts one of the richest wine cellars in America.

NOLA FUN FACTS

THE 3 PROHIBITED ITEMS FOR SALE ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE: SILLY STRING, SNAP POPS AND STINK BOMBS

100 miles OF ON- AND OFF-STREET BIKEWAYS

PLUS

1.2 WALKABLE SQUARE MILES IN DOWNTOWN ALONE

650

NUMBER OF PORTABLE TOILETS AT THE CARNIVAL FOR PUBLIC USE EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

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EPIC INFORMATION:

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MONDAY :

CHARITY

SOUTHERN BAYOU SCAVENGER HUNT

This year’s EPIC will see a fun new charity event. Join more than 100 members of the office products industry as they participate in the Southern Bayou Scavenger Hunt benefiting life-saving cancer and diabetes research and treatment at City of Hope.

The Scavenger Hunt will take place on Monday, 5:00pm-6:00pm.

Participants will be randomly assigned to small teams from all walks of the industry and will be challenged to work together to unlock clues to five destinations throughout the Hyatt Regency New Orleans hotel where they will either seek out a secret item they’ll need to bring back OR complete a group challenge in order to advance to their next destination!

The team that completes all five destinations within the shortest time will be crowned the winner! Prizes will be awarded to each of the winning team’s participants after the hunt and will be recognized during the Let the Good Times Roll Prize Drawing Reception on Wednesday! (see page 43) The City of Hope team will set up at the EPIC registration area for the Scavenger Hunt check in. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hunt for a quick briefing on the rules. Once there, participants will: • Receive a ‘Mardis Gras’ packet • Be assigned a group number • Be given a booklet of clues to five destinations throughout the hotel.

• Be provided with a checklist to be stamped after completing each station.

BASIC RULES 1. All participants will check-in at COH registration counter during EPIC

About City of Hope City of Hope is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of

Registration in the Elite Foyer.

2. All participants will be randomly assigned to a team of 6 – 8 members.

3. Teams will be numbered, i.e. 1 – 20, and each participant will be provided a card at check-in identifying which team they are assigned to along with a CHECK LIST to mark off completed challenges.

4. All participants will meet in the Empire Foyer / starting line 15 minutes prior to the hunt starting for team gathering and rules.

5. ALL participants will start at a uniform time.

6. When at hunt destinations, teams will need to complete tasks on a “first come first served basis” should multiple teams be at a single destination. We will sequence “clue cards” so that not all teams go to the same destination at the same time to start.

7. Challenges must be completed in the order they are provided to each team.

8. When completing challenges / collecting items, teams must have their CHECK LIST checked off by destination monitor.

9. First team to complete all challenges at the fastest time will be the WINNER!

people with cancer, diabetes and other serious illnesses. Their mission is to transform the future of health care by turning science into a practical benefit, hope into reality.

They accomplish this by providing outstanding care, conducting innovative research and offering vital education programs focused on eliminating these diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of only 41 comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. Their role as leaders in patient care, basic and clinical research, and the translation of science into tangible benefit is widely acknowledged.

City of Hope continues to be a pioneer of patient centered care and remains committed to its tradition of exceptional care for patients, families and communities.

Each day, they live out their credo: “There is no profit in curing the body, if, in the process, we destroy the soul.”

Learn more about City of Hope and the National Business Products Industry support at http://www. cityofhope.org/national-businessproducts-industry.

TO DONATE city of ho TO pe

visit boot

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MONDAY:

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MONDAY :

CHAT

Name: Nelda Farrington Job Title: Managing Director Company: Island Services (BVI) What is your best piece of advice to someone who is visiting EPIC for the first time?

It is important to attend as many of the sessions as possible. The experiences and best practices shared are priceless.

What do you like best about the EPIC experience?

One of my favorite parts of EPIC is the Market Day. I would encourage anyone to come prepared to take advantage of the many show promotions while at the show.

What is your favorite memory of an EPIC event?

One year Smead had a drawing for a van. I was a runner up, did not win the van, but it was very exciting.

What is the most disruptive thing you have ever done?

Moved back to the British Virgin Islands and became a partner in an office supplies company after working at Universal Pictures, two different worlds, both exciting nonetheless.

If you could change one thing about the IDC what would it be?

With the IDC it is easy to stay connected and current with relevant OP industry news. It’s all good and I don’t know what I would change.

Which one individual in the history of office supplies has had the biggest impact on the industry (and why)?

F W Taylor pioneered the manufacturing of the “Modern Efficiency Desk” with a flat top and drawers. This gradually evolved into the cubicle system used through the world today. Billions of dollars are spent each year on desks and cubicles and this is the cornerstone of defining an office.

What word do you use the most?

Thanks What’s your ideal night out?

A five star meal followed by live music.

What is the best way to spend free time in New Orleans?

Listening to live music and taking a riverboat cruise.

Where would you most like to visit/travel and why?

I would like to visit Thailand, because it has a rich history and culture, coupled with friendly locals and delicious food.

If you weren’t doing your present job, what would you like to be doing?

I would be a politician and bring positive change to the world.

The

DEALER’s voice Name: Curtis Kogami Job Title: Director of Sales Company: Conrad Enterprises, Inc What do you like best about the EPIC experience?

Getting together with people that know the industry and how crazy we all are.

What is your favorite memory of an EPIC event?

So far every EPIC event has been a favorite memory. Well, especially if there is something refreshing to drink.

What is the most disruptive thing you have ever done?

What? That’s unheard of!!!

Which one individual in the history of office supplies has had the biggest impact on the industry (and why)?

Grady Taylor. This guy is always there to help in any situation. He knows everything and every program. He is willing to stand up for all of the distributors. How all the knowledge is kept in that head of his, I’ll never know. I hear he’s an awesome tennis player too.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?

Being forced to give a sales presentation without prior detailed knowledge of the product line.

What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Recently, being told by my mother that she was proud of me.

What is the best way to spend free time in New Orleans?

At night with good friends.

Where would you most like to visit/ travel and why?

Japan, because it’s safe, the culture is perpetuated and the food is awesome.

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Let’s agretty

MONDAY:

WELCOME RECEPTION

this P

Started

2018 evening to get EPIC Join us on Monday guests! t cre se r thanks to ou off to a snappy start

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Whether you are just arriving in the Big Easy, had a hard day at Boot Camp or been on one of the sightseeing trips around town – don’t miss this year’s fantastic Welcome Reception. It will take place between 6:00pm and 8:00pm, just after the Southern Bayou Scavenger Hunt.

Located in the Hyatt Regency’s Empire Ballroom and Foyer, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and those you haven’t seen since last year’s EPIC. It’s also a fantastic way to meet new friends and networking partners!

It will be an evening of fantastic experiences, with food created by the Hyatt Regency Executive Chef Didelot, who brings a diverse background of culinary expertise from Europe, Latin America and now New Orleans. A winner of numerous awards worldwide, Didelot’s creative style and innovative ideas make for extraordinary sweet and savory cuisine that you are sure to love.

To complement the chef’s finest fare, there’ll be great cocktails, music from Virtuosa (an all-girl electric string quartet playing classical and pop music with a dance beat) and a special guest appearance from a local celebrity or two!

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EDPUCIC s M U R O F ATION Tuesday:

SEMINAR GUIDE

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7:30am – 8:30am

Welcome Breakfast and Event Kickoff – Empire AB

8:45am – 10:15am

TriMega Members Only Meeting – Empire CD

8:45am – 10:15am

Independent Stationers Members Only Meeting – Empire AB

10:15am – 10:30am

Group Break – Independent Stationers & TriMega – Empire Foyer

10:30am – 11:30am

TriMega Members Only Meeting (cont.) – Empire CD

10:30am – 11:30am

Independent Stationers Members Only Meeting (cont.) – Board Breakouts – Strand & Bolden

11:30am – 12:15pm

Lunch – Empire AB

12:30pm – 1:30pm

TriMega Members Only Board Town Hall – Empire CD

12:30pm – 1:30pm

Independent Stationers Members Only Seminars – Strand 11 & 12

ROOMS

Strand 10

Strand 11

Strand 12

Strand 13

Foster 1

1:40pm – 2:45pm

ERP Systems & eCommerce – Strategies for Your Future T.J. Crayne

2018 Online Marketing: A Dealer Discussion Jennifer Schulman

Business Succession Planning & 2018 Tax Law Updates Gary Pittsford

Process, Productivity & Prospecting in the Digital Age Marisa Pensa

Grow Your Government Business with EBE EBE Team

2:45pm – 3:00pm

Group Break – Independent Stationers & TriMega – Empire Foyer

3:00pm – 4:05pm

Hiring, Training & Retaining Great Sales Professionals Marisa Pensa

Winning in Print with HP Hewlett Packard

4:15pm – 5:20pm

Timeless Purchasing Strategies for a Changing Marketplace IS & TriMega Staff

Strategies for Increased Jan/San Success David Frank

Strength in Numbers: How Buy Local Campaigns and Local Alliances Are Helping Indies Thrive Jeff Milchen WORKSHOP: Instigating Buy Local Initiatives and Independent Business Alliances Jeff Milchen

Empire CD

Grow Your Healthcare/ Commercial Business with EBE EBE Team

Amazon, the Invisible Competitor Mike Tucker

New Opportunities with EBE EBE Team

Leveraging Technology and Data to Compete in the Age of Amazon Rick Marlette

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tuesday:

SEMINAR GUIDE

learn

outside the

It’s 2018 and Time to Learn Outside of the Box!

box

Education Forums are designed with you – our member attendees – in mind. Take advantage of the many opportunities to learn from your peers. Just like ‘thinking outside of the box’, learning outside of the box is all about letting yourself be open to new ideas, new concepts, and new ways of problem-solving. Our education sessions are open to all attendees, including all dealer-group members and supplier partners.

1:40pm – 2:45pm 2018 ONLINE MARKETING: A DEALER DISCUSSION STRAND 11 From search to social, the world of online marketing changes every single day. Not only is it hard to keep up with your digital presence, but we all struggle with what the best practices should be, execution of a solid online marketing strategy and of course delivering results. Jennifer Schulman, president of Fortune Web Marketing, is here to help answer all of those questions and more, as she hosts a dealer panel and taps into the audience for insights and discussion. You will walk away with a better understanding of: l The digital landscape and emerging online trends in 2018 l The top five online strategies you need to execute l How to implement localized digital campaigns l What your colleagues are doing digitally and the success of their campaigns Who Should Attend: Marketers, webmasters, owners Moderator: Jennifer Schulman, President, Fortune Web Marketing

ERP SYSTEMS & ECOMMERCE STRATEGIES FOR YOUR FUTURE STRAND 10 This session will discuss how technology will affect your business today and into the future. We will discuss the history of how the industry underinvested in technology and how that needs to change as the channel continues to evolve. The importance of eCommerce and controlling your marketing and search engines will be discussed as well as the strategy to deploy. The importance and difference of on-premise systems versus cloudbased technology will be discussed.

Importance of being technologically relevant Traditional investment strategy and how we’ve got it wrong l eCommerce l Controlling your own destiny l Search engine strategy and ownership l Marketing l We’re losing the battle here with current 3PVs l Cloud based versus on-premise l Shared services in a cloud environment – removing supply chain costs l My way versus industry best practices l The real cost of customization Who Should Attend: Business owners and senior staff, CIO, IT professionals Presenter: TJ Crayne, President, PTC Associates l l

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Tuesday:

SEMINAR GUIDE

SPEAKERS

Jennifer Schulman

TJ Crayne

Gary Pittsford

Marisa Pensa

Scott Zintz

Toby Tobin

Nita Turpin

BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING & 2018 TAX LAW UPDATES STRAND 12 Gary Pittsford, CFP, president and CEO of Castle Wealth Advisors will moderate a panel of four business owner members who will each share their business succession planning and execution stories. Every succession scenario is different based on individual family situations, and the panelists share what worked and what didn’t work for them. Last year’s scenarios included selling of the business to a daughter and son-in-law and how setting ground rules and being open and honest made a difference. The importance of a written plan, regular communication, having agreements in writing, preparing the next generation to takeover and having clear goals/benchmarks for all parties was discussed by another panelist. Real life experience is helpful in learning how you might want/need to approach your own business succession plan and this session provides many different scenarios.

Gary Pittsford will also briefly discuss six critical areas of succession planning, the new 2018 tax law changes and how those changes will affect your individual and corporate taxes. Audience questions for the panelists and Gary welcomed and encouraged.

Who Should Attend: Any independent dealer thinking about selling/transitioning their business in the future would benefit from this session. Members planning on selling/ transitioning their business in the next three to five years should attend and those wanting to do so in one to three years should definitely attend. Next generation business owners will also benefit.

Moderator: Gary Pittsford CFP, President and CEO, Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC

PROCESS, PRODUCTIVITY & PROSPECTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE STRAND 13 New business is the lifeblood for any organization. This powerful session is built for sales professionals in the supply industry, to help you stay in control of the sales process and utilize the most up to date methods for driving new business, increasing your sales productivity and winning with effective outbound prospecting in today’s highly competitive market.

Key takeaways: l Converting a pipeline from a wish-list into a realistic forecasting tool with expected order dates l The 12-touch sales process from cold call to gaining a repeat order commitment l Leveraging the mix of phone calls, emails, social selling and good old fashioned snail mail l The five-touch process to get to the Decision Maker; winning with voicemail and email l Improving productivity and key information to know when selling across generations Materials: A recap of all points covered will be provided to attendees, including sample voicemails, emails and resources for digital age selling.

Who Should Attend: Field and inside sales representatives & sales managers Presenter: Marisa Pensa, Founder, Methods in Motion GROW YOUR GOVERNMENT BUSINESS WITH EBE FOSTER 1 This session will include information about our current Federal (GSA, FSSI and ICPT) and Public Sector (National IPA) agreements. Every dealer has opportunities to grow their business by selling to local and federal government accounts. We will focus on proven sales strategies, how to cross sell other categories such as jan/san, print/promo and more to these all important customers, and hear best practices from the EBE team and successful dealers. We will reserve the last 15-20 minutes for Q & A, or for brief one-on-one meetings with an EPIC team member.

Who Should Attend: All dealers interested in growing their business via national accounts.

Presenters: Scott Zintz, Toby Tobin, Nita Turpin

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SEMINAR GUIDE

3:00pm – 4:05pm STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: HOW “BUY LOCAL” CAMPAIGNS AND LOCAL ALLIANCES ARE HELPING INDIES THRIVE STRAND 12 Year after year, independent businesses in communities with long-term “buy local and independent campaigns” report higher revenue growth than independent businesses not served by such efforts — nearly double the sales growth in the latest annual study.

This presentation and follow-up workshop will show you keys to launching effective local campaigns and sustaining collaboration to shift local culture and spending toward independent businesses.

You’ll see examples of the best materials, events and ads from Independent Business Alliances across the country. We’ll review keys to effective message crafting and delivery, storytelling, audience targeting, funding and other essential elements to help you instigate action at home.

Note: Attending this session is a prerequisite for the Instigating Buy Local Initiatives Workshop.

Who Should Attend: Business owners, sales managers Presenter: Jeff Milchen, Co-Director, American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) WINNING IN PRINT WITH HP STRAND 11 We’ll discuss the trends and priorities that your customer’s purchasing and IT decision-makers should consider in evaluating printing technology investments and how independent OP dealers can bring greater value and cost savings to customers by leveraging HP’s portfolio of programs.

Seminar Focus: For dealers – See how your peers are protecting their existing supplies business, and pursuing new profit streams by using valuable ink and toner usage data to offer cost savings and recommend strategic upgrades to your customer’s aging printer fleet.

For customers – Uncover significant cost savings by utilizing HP Qualified Partners and see the benefits of upgrading your customer’s installed base of older printers to provide a more secure print environment, reduced energy use, less maintenance, improved page yield and increased print speed, all of which reduce the overall cost of their business printing.

Who Should Attend: HP Qualified Partners wanting to better understand the key dynamics driving customer investment decisions, and how you can gain a bigger portion of that business.

Presenters: Hewlett Packard

AMAZON, THE INVISIBLE COMPETITOR – DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE A PLAN? EMPIRE CD Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos, as an online bookstore in 1995. Even though their sales now exceed $200 billion they have remained amazingly invisible.

Like the Robber Barons of the railroad industry, Amazon has harnessed a new technology and used it to stifle competition across multiple industries. Incurring losses to steal market share and using manufacturer’s and dealer’s data against them to bring products and customers under Amazon control. At the same time Amazon has made securing government favors and avoiding taxes an integral part of their strategy, collecting no sales tax in many states and paying an average federal tax rate of 2%.

In this session we will do a brief history of Amazon’s growth since 1995, showing significant events and a timeline of Amazon’s expansion. We will share examples of how Amazon’s tactics are: l destroying competition and leaving consumers with fewer choices. l eliminating more jobs than they are creating. l driving down wages and working conditions across sectors. l leaving our communities and cities with more vacancies and less tax revenue.

NOPA will share ways you can protect your business and educate your customers on the value of local small business: l Learn how to engage and talk with local officials l Strategies for working with other businesses in your community l Training/marketing materials for use with customers and employees Who Should Attend: Owners, commercial & government sales managers and representatives Presenter: Mike Tucker, President & CEO, National Office Products Alliance

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Tuesday:

SEMINAR GUIDE

SPEAKERS

Jeff Milchen

Mike Tucker

Marisa Pensa

Scott Zintz

Toby Tobin

HIRING, TRAINING & RETAINING GREAT SALES PROFESSIONALS STRAND 10 Hiring, training and retaining great sales professionals involves taking a hard look at previous team members who excelled in your culture, along with those who were not such a good fit. It takes finding the right people to hire, plus a pig-headed determination and discipline to build a culture of coaching. This session is built to provide the essential tools Managers need to create a well-oiled machine when it comes to successful onboarding. It introduces a systematic process, both for onboarding and for ongoing training.

Key takeaways: l The Methods in Motion coaching model for onboarding new representatives l The five pipeline problems during the ramp-up of new representatives l Converting a pipeline from a wish-list into a realistic forecasting tool with expected order dates l The eight-week onboarding coaching plan and displaying leadership over strictly managing l Essential onboarding – 90-day and annual reviews l Creating a realistic rhythm of regular one-on-ones and how to keep team meetings from getting stagnant l The missing step when it comes to finding the best candidates for many telephone sales positions and how to build this step into your hiring process l Employees are coin-activated; creating levers to drive the desired results Materials: A recap of all points covered will be provided to attendees, including an 8-week coaching plan for managers to immediately put the strategies to work.

Who Should Attend: Inside and outside sales managers & owners Presenter: Marisa Pensa, Founder, Methods in Motion

“

The best resourc e for knowledg networking wit h other dealeres & Lynn Fish – Bedf ord Office Supply

Nita Turpin

GROW YOUR HEALTHCARE/COMMERCIAL BUSINESS WITH EBE FOSTER 1 This session will focus on successful sales strategies and how you can use the EBE contracts (Premier, CHAMPS, etc) to retain your existing business and win new large opportunities.

You will also see how to use these tried and true sales strategies to approach regional and national commercial accounts in your market. We will begin with a very brief explanation of the contracts and then cover an A-Z sales process on how to be successful in this all important vertical market. We will cover current opportunities and how to best work with EBE to grow your local business in these important categories. We will reserve the last 1520 minutes for a Q&A or for brief one-on-one meetings with an EPIC team member.

Who Should Attend: All dealers interested in growing their business via national accounts.

Presenters: Scott Zintz, Toby Tobin, Nita Turpin

”

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4:15pm – 5:20pm WORKSHOP: INSTIGATING “BUY LOCAL” INITIATIVES AND INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCES STRAND 13 This interactive discussion will provide you with an understanding of organizing principles and offer key resources to enable you to successfully instigate action in your community that will help local businesses prosper.

While participant interests will drive this session, expect to learn: how to attract interest toward launching your initiative, funding your group, whether and how to incorporate as a non-profit organization, engaging your local government, choosing your initial communication channels, and more.

Note: This session is limited to people who attend the “Strength in Numbers” seminar during the previous hour.

Who Should Attend: Business owners, sales managers Presenter: Jeff Milchen, Co-Director, American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY AND DATA TO COMPETE IN THE AGE OF AMAZON EMPIRE CD Like it or not, Amazon is driving competition today. Staples, WB Mason, Wal-Mart and many more are chasing Amazon.

Independents have to stand out in this crowd of copycats by stepping up their technology and effectively leveraging available data.

The industry shopping carts of the past, stamped out like identical bottle-caps, won’t cut it in the Amazon age. The dreaded “click here to shop” is a one-way ticket to oblivion for your business. If your entire site is not search engine friendly, you will not thrive in the Amazon age.

If you don’t show competitive prices on your site, like every one of your competitors, then don’t expect to attract any new business.

If your website pricing is not open to the public, then neither are you. You may claim you’re B2B only, but you’ll never know how many businesses went to your site and left because you were closed. You wouldn’t stop at a gas station that said “come in for price” and today’s Amazon-trained consumers won’t stop at your site either.

All of this is fixable, but you have to be willing to change. Come to the seminar to find out how to grow in the age of Amazon.

Who Should Attend: Owners, marketing leaders, technology leaders Presenter: Rick Marlette, OPSoftware

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SPEAKERS

Jeff Milchen

Rick Marlette

David Frank

STRATEGIES FOR INCREASED JAN/SAN SUCCESS STRAND 11 Join Jan/San industry expert David Frank as we break down the specific action items to grow your Jan/San business and product categories. During this interactive and intimate session, David will provide you with the trade secrets to bring your company to new levels through Jan/San. Who Should Attend: Business owners, sales managers, purchasing professionals,janitorial category specialists Presenter: David Frank, President, American Institute for Cleaning Sciences (AICS)

TIMELESS PURCHASING STRATEGIES FOR A CHANGING MARKETPLACE STRAND 10 With uncertainty in the industry, there’s never been a Ty Blankenbaker better time to trade notes with fellow dealers. Gross margin dollars start with the purchase order. So, are you taking your purchasing strategy as seriously as your sales strategy? Share and gain new insights into how your peers are maximizing profitability on the buy-side.

Tom Hoffman Who Should Attend: Owners, purchasing managers, sales managers Presenters: IS & TriMega Staff: Ty Blankenbaker, Tom Hoffman, Grady Taylor Grady Taylor

Scott Zintz

Toby Tobin

Nita Turpin

NEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH EBE FOSTER 1 If you want to know more about the future of EPIC Business Essentials, then this is the session for you.

Come and learn more about how EBE can help you to sell more categories, to more customers, utilizing national contracts. EBE is more than just office supplies and it can help you enter the markets of energy solutions, national furniture contracts, print/ promo and more. Come for the information, stay for the best practices and set up some one-on-one time with the EBE team. We will reserve the last 15-20 minutes for Q&A, or for brief one-on-one meetings with an EPIC team member.

Who Should Attend: All dealers interested in growing their business via national accounts.

Presenters: Scott Zintz, Toby Tobin, Nita Turpin EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

Tuesday:

EDUCATION FORUM

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tuesday:

EDUCATION FORUM

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the DEALER’s voice

Tuesday:

CHAT

Name: Wes Wittner Company: A&W Office Supply, Inc What is your best piece of advice to someone who is visiting EPIC for the first time?

Take advantage of the seminars that best meet your needs. They are very informative and inspirational. And have fun!

What do you like best about the EPIC experience?

My favorite is the camaraderie! The next best thing is meeting and speaking with other office supply dealers and friends. And of course the manufacturers reps’ booths.

What is your favorite memory of an EPIC event?

The time I was called up on stage to play ‘Minute to Win It’ and won it!

What is the most disruptive thing you have ever done?

Hiring the wrong type of person who played a very important role/ job at my business.

If you could change one thing about the IDC what would it be?

I would change the manufacturers and wholesalers being able to sell to our client base. They are cutting out the independent dealers when they sell through Amazon, Staples and Office Depot to my customers.

Which one individual in the history of office supplies has had the biggest impact on the industry (and why)?

I would say my father, Adolph Wittner, Jr. In the 1960s he started a typewriter repair business. He discovered his customers needed ribbons for the typewriters he was repairing. He was one of a kind in Corpus Christi doing this. Once I was old enough to work, I was selling supplies and furniture, and that is the beginning of A&W Office Supply, Inc. (Adolph and Wes)

NOLA FUN FACTS

393,292 POPULATION OF NEW ORLEANS as of July 1, 2017: (U.S. Census Bureau)

What is the most memorable travel experience you’ve had while in OP? Atlantis in the Bahamas. Everything was planned for us and the excursions were a lot of fun. If you ask about family travel, the first S.P. Richards trade show was at Disney World. Dealers were housed at the Grand Floridian hotel. It was designed in 1920s style. Again everything was planned out for detail.

What are you most proud of?

I would have to say each and every one of my family members. And my A&W Office Supply family. I wouldn’t be here without them.

What is your favorite gadget?

My iPhone.

What is the best way to spend free time in New Orleans?

My opinion is bar hopping to experience different music, eating authentic food from New Orleans and Harrah’s for gambling.

Don’t forget the bus tours, they are always educational.

Where would you most like to visit/travel and why?

Europe, I want to experience all the countries in Europe my ancestors are from.

RETAIL STORES

243

1550

NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS

as of August 1, 2017: 1550 (nomenu.com)

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tuesday:

MARDI GRAS IN THE BIG EASY Mardi Gras turns EPIC as we visit the World Float Den for a great night of fun, food and festivity!

Float into

the party

The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception in the famous Mardi Gras World Float Den – an enormous, 80,000 sq ft space full of huge, colorful floats and larger-thanlife props. Though it’s a working warehouse by day, where Blaine Kern Artists create the floats for many Mardi Gras parades, by night, you can walk the red carpet, cocktail in hand, with tour guides offering interesting information behind the history of the building and designers teaching you the tricks of the trade!

Then a brass band will lead a Second Line Parade to the aweinspiring Grand Oaks Mansion next door for a dinner celebration like none other. This superb recreation of an antebellum mansion will make you believe you have stepped back in time.

Towering columns, magical footbridges, magnificent oak trees and a starlit sky all add to the sense of wonder.

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Tuesday:

MARDI GRAS IN THE BIG EASY

There will be a number of different themed rooms, based on the history of New Orleans: Bienville Offering French-quarter flair with tarot card readers Iberville Continuing the Mardi Gras theme, with caricaturists and photo booths Riverview Bringing traditional Jazz club flair, thanks to the fabulous Rick Trolsen trio and, as the name suggests, a beautiful view of the Mississippi Mansion At the heart of the Antelbellum atmosphere you’ll be able to enjoy NOLA’s premiere party band Mojeaux and dance the night away Of course there’ll be plenty of fantastic food and drink and a menu of New Orleans favorites including jambalaya, fresh fish, red beans and rice, grits and more!

You can also expect a few surprises along the way! It’s sure to be an EPIC night to remember.

TUESDAY

6:30pm – 9:30pm Buses to Mardi Gras World and the Grand Oaks Mansion will depart the Hyatt Regency New Orleans from 6:00pm onwards.

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Wednesday:

CHARITY

HELPING HANDS GIVE BACK EVENT

WEDNESDAY 17TH 9:00AM-10:30AM

Join us for a fun and rewarding event that will benefit military members, seniors and children. No matter what projects you immerse yourself in during this event, you’re sure to make new friends and network with old ones all while giving back to the community!

The Helping Hands Giveback event takes place on Wednesday morning, between breakfast and the opening of the vendor tradeshow.

EPIC participants can take part in one or more of these activities: WRITING NOTES OF THANKS AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ACTIVE MILITARY MEMBERS, WHICH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BY THE AMERICAN RED CROSS. The Red Cross started the nationwide Holiday Mail for Heroes program in December 2007 as an outlet for the American people to express their appreciation to service members during the holiday season. People create cards, send them to the Red Cross, and we help distribute them to military members, veterans and their families. Since then it has grown into a year-round opportunity to support our service members. “Thank a Hero” – as it’s now called – is the perfect opportunity for anyone to submit thank you, get well and holiday cards to the armed forces all year round.

PAINTING AND DECORATING FLOWERPOTS AND FILLING THEM WITH PRETTY FLOWERS TO BRIGHTEN UP A SENIOR’S DAY AT A LOCAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, KINGSLEY HOUSE. Kingsley House’s Adult Services program, licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health, provides day care for senior citizens and medically fragile adults 18 and over in the Greater New Orleans area. Participants receive nursing services, health monitoring, social services, case management and personalized nutritional consultations.

Recreational and educational activities include bingo games, arts and crafts, music therapy and field trips to community and cultural locations. Its goals are to maintain independence for the participants, reduce isolation and to assist families in keeping their loved ones’ lives enriched.

HAND-PAINTING PILLOWCASES STUFFED WITH A BOOK FOR FOSTER CHILDREN WITH ONE HEART NOLA. These foster children often take their belongings to new homes in trash bags and a decorated pillowcase is a wonderful alternative for them to transport their treasured possessions.

One Heart Nola, originally called In His Hands, was started in 2008 by two foster families who recognized that the needs of foster children, birth families and foster families were greater than the state was able to provide. With a grass roots vision, these folks began spreading the word about the various needs to friends and family, neighbors and church members, as well as going to garage sales and asking for whatever wasn’t sold. It did not take long for an empty bedroom to become a resource facility benefiting children and families in need.

PACKING BACKPACKS WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES. Join NEXT and NetWork Volunteers as they pack backpacks with school supplies for local New Orleans students in need. Why? Unfortunately, over 40% of children in New Orleans live in poverty. Many New Orleans schools have over 90% of their students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. As a result, it is difficult at times to provide the necessary school supplies and equipment for students to be successful.

Providing backpacks, and filling them with school supplies and a personal note of encouragement to the student provides students in New Orleans the necessary tools they need while relieving the burden off the schools to help fill in the gaps. It’s also a great team building and network activity for the volunteers to work together and get to better know one another.

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Wednesday:

EXHIBITOR FLOORPLAN

Where ? y e h t e r a

oor e expolls fl th to e id u B g A& r u Ha o it Y , Elite Exhib ncy New Orleans Hyatt Rege

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wednesday:

EXHIBITOR FLOORPLAN

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Wednesday:

EXHIBITOR LIST COMPANY BOOTH 3M.............................................................. 907 ACCO Brands...............................................916 Accutech Data.............................................. 207 Acme United Corporation........................... 1209 Acroprint.....................................................1515 Alliance Rubber ......................................... 1505 AMAX........................................................1313 American Tombow.......................................1321 Arlington / Digitek.......................................1218 Artistic Products.............................................113 Aster Graphics............................................. 420 Avery......................................................... 1207 AVW / Max Pro............................................110 Baumgartens.................................................614 Bi-silque / MasterVision............................... 1117 BIC Consumer Products..................................912 Boneco........................................................ 206 Brother International......................................313 Bush Business Furniture (BBF)....................... 1023 C-Line Products........................................... 1009 CANON USA...............................................215 Charles Leonard..........................................1019 Chartpak.................................................... 1222 Chicago Lighthouse Industries........................517 City of Hope................................................. 107 COE Distributing / OfficeSource.....................513 Crayola.......................................................1108 Deflecto......................................................1213 Dial Professional..........................................1216 DiverseID..................................................... 301 Domtar........................................................ 307 ECi Software Solutions.................................. 401 Eco-Products................................................1514 Educators Resource.....................................1513

Energizer....................................................1212 Energy Zone....................................... 419/1217 EPIC Business Essentials............................... 1500 EPSON........................................................ 414 Ergotron........................................................319 ES Robbins................................................... 413 ES Tech Group........................................... 1503 Essendant....................................................1107 Eurotech.................................................... 1223 Fellowes........................................................213 Fire King International................................ 1407 Fiskars...........................................................514 Flash Furniture.............................................1419 Flexsteel / DMI............................................. 922 Fortune Web Marketing...............................1415 GHENT........................................................ 415 Global..........................................................913 GOJO Industries.......................................... 1113 Hirsh Industries............................................. 204 House of Doolittle........................................1123 HP..............................................................1013 HSM of America..........................................1015 Iceberg Enterprises....................................... 321 Iconex.........................................................1018 Independent Stationers................................1417 Intertape Polymer......................................... 923 ISSA............................................................ 103 JM Smucker............................................... 1308 Jonti-Craft..................................................... 108 EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

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wednesday:

EXHIBITOR LIST JP Gould Office Papers................................1319 K.Coaching.................................................. 109 Katun Media Sciences....................................618 KFI............................................................... 402 Kids in Need Foundation..............................1413 Lathem Time................................................. 303 Lee Products............................................... 1508 Lesro Industries..............................................314 Liberty Laser Solutions...................................519 LinkMax Paper........................................... 1502 LMI Solutions...............................................1516 Logicblock.................................................. 1422 Master Manufacturing...................................212 Max USA....................................................1021 Maxell Corp. of America.............................. 208 MMF Industries............................................1418 Mooreco.......................................................917 National IPA...............................................1501 Neenah Paper.............................................. 416 Nestle Professional..................................... 1323 Newell Brands.............................................. 507 NOPA / IOPFDA.......................................... 105 Norstar / Boss Office Products..................... 1115 Office Snax.................................................. 921 Office Star Products...................................... 607 Officemate International............................. 1022 OFM............................................................ 201 Pacon / Dixon Ticonderoga...........................616 PapaNicholas Coffee.................................. 1504 Pentel of America....................................... 1008 Pilot Corp. of America................................ 1409 Prima Edge...................................................115 Rayovac....................................................... 400 RB/ Professional Lysol..................................1421 RightAngle Products...................................... 418 RJ Schinner...................................................915

Royal Sovereign..........................................1016 Rubbermaid Commercial Products....................................................... 506 S P Richards................................................. 807 Safco/Mayline............................................. 209 Samsill........................................................1122 Samsonite.....................................................515 Saunders.....................................................1017 Screenflex.................................................... 200 Sellars...........................................................317 Sentry Safe................................................. 1119 Shachihata / X-Stamper...............................1416 Shurtech Brands........................................... 306 Smead Manufacturing................................ 1007 Special-T.....................................................1315 STAEDTLER - Mars...................................... 1506 Storex Industries..........................................1317 STOUT by Envision........................................112 Supplies Network........................................ 1118 SYNNEX.......................................................219 Tabbies........................................................ 202 Tarifold.......................................................1517 Tennsco........................................................ 407 The HON Company.................................... 1307 The United Group........................................1512 TOPS Products.............................................. 409 TriMega........................................................101 Tripp LIte.................................................... 1507 UPS..............................................................214 Verbatim.......................................................315 Veritiv...........................................................615 Victor Technology......................................... 521 Vistar........................................................... 909 Winix America............................................ 1121 Zebra Pen.....................................................919 Zep............................................................. 1116

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Wednesday:

EXHIBITOR FLOORPLAN

EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

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wednesday:

PRIZES TO BE WON

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL PRIZE DRAWING RECEPTION This year in the final session there’ll be plenty of chances to win some great prizes, not to mention enjoy some fantastic food and drink.

• There’ll be a variety of prize drawings led by our exhibitors, some of whom will be coming up on to the stage to award their prizes.

• There will also be some fun trivia questions about New Orleans and it will also be useful to hone your knowledge about the event’s sponsor 3M as we’ll be quizzing you about them as well.

• Those that took part in Monday afternoon’s Southern Bayou Scavenger Hunt will be recognized for their efforts.

• Finally, dealers that participated in the Tickets to Treasure promotion earlier in the day will be eligible for the grand prize of $5,000. (see below for details).

TICKETS TO TREASURE

“King Cake” will make the final decision Tickets to Treasure is a great new Grand Prize opportunity for EPIC 2018. Here’s how it works: • Exhibitors opt in to participate on the trade show floor on Wednesday and will be given raffle tickets.

• Independent Stationers and TriMega member attendees will receive a list of participating exhibitors (you’ll get this along with your name badge at the registration desk).

• The key to your chance of winning $5,000 is to collect one ticket from as many of the participating exhibitors as you can, by visiting their booths and having a meaningful conversation with them. The exhibitor will give a ticket after what they deem a meaningful conversation.

• Each attendee will turn in their tickets, in the ticket drop off bin at the Info Booth.

• Three tickets will be drawn at the Let The Good Times Roll prize drawing reception and those three attendees will come to the stage.

• This is where the old New Orleans custom of the King Cake comes in. Traditionally, King Cakes are eaten during Mardi Gras and each one has a small plastic toy inside (to represent the Baby Jesus) and whoever receives the piece of cake with the toy, gets certain privileges. In this case, each of three winning ticket holders will select a different King Cake.

• Tear that cake apart!!!!

• The attendee that picks the King Cake with the plastic baby inside will win the Grand Prize of $5,000!!!!!

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EPIC INFORMATION:

STAFF DIRECTORY

WHO’S

WHO

INDEPENDENT STATIONERS Executive staff

TOM ASHBURN

Director of Dealer Development ashburn@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1117

CHARLES FORMAN

Chief Operating Officer forman@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1177

MICHAEL GENTILE

President & CEO gentile@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1113

TY BLANKENBAKER

DEAN DALRYMPLE

JANET ESHENOUR

ROBIN KELTNER

CORA LIENEMANN

JEFF MATTHEWS

Director of Merchandising blankenbaker@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1163

Controller keltner@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1102

IT Director dalrymple@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1135

Administrative Assistant lienemann@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1111

Director of Marketing eshenour@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1153

Chief Financial Officer matthews@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1109

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EPIC INFORMATION:

STAFF DIRECTORY INDEPENDENT STATIONERS staff

KAREN BOLL

Accounting Clerk boll@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1176

DOUG FOX

Senior Financial Analyst fox@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1140

ROXANNE KEHL

Assistant to Controller/HR kehl@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1107

JENNIFER MURRAY

ANGELA SUMMERS

jennifer@independentstationers.coop

summers@independentstationers.coop

Merchandise Data Analyst 317-579-1139

Accounts Payable 317-579-1134

DOUG MURRAY

EDI & Systems Specialist

murray@independentstationers.coop

317-579-1103

HENRY YEE

Oracle Systems Analyst yee@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1112

board of directors

TONYA HORN Chairman Rogard’s tonya@rogards.com Ph: 217-359-1795

TERRY KING

Schwegman’s Office Products Batesville, AR tgking@schweg.com Ph: 870-698-1557

JOEL VOCKRODT Past Chairman Office Peeps

joel.vockrodt@officepeeps.com

Ph: 605-886-6488

MARY CATHERINE KENNEDY SIGMON Kennedy Office

msigmon@kennedyoffice.com

Ph: 919-878-5400

JORDAN KUDLER

TIM TRIPLETT

BRIAN KERR

TOM BRAMLETT

DALLAS OWEN

DAVID GUERNSEY

Vice Chairman Legacy Office Solutions jkudler@crest-op.com Ph: 718-235-2200

OEC tb@oecbi.com Ph: 251-471-3368

Treasurer Triplett Office Essentials ttriplett@tripletts.com Ph: 515-270-9150

Regency Plaza Printing & Office Supply dallaso@regencynow.com Ph: 214-939-3456

Secretary Kerr Group bkerr@kerrog.com Ph: 270-765-6171

Pinnacle Affiliates Rep Guernsey Office ceo@buyguernsey.com Ph: 703-968-8200

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EPIC INFORMATION:

STAFF DIRECTORY

WHO’S

WHO

847-699-3330

President mmaggio@trimega.org Ext 116

Trimega Executive staff

GRADY TAYLOR

Executive VP Member, Development; Managing Director, Epic Buisness Essentials gtaylor@trimega.org Ext 119

GENE RIGITANO VP Finance grigitano@trimega.org Ext 120

MIKE MAGGIO

TOM HOFFMANN VP of Purchasing thoffmann@trimega.org Ext 164

BRIAN STEVENSON

Director of Technology and Managed Print Services bstevenson@trimega.org Ext 143

Trimega staff

AUDREY DANIEL Customer Service adaniel@trimega.org Ext 123

RACHEL DORMAN Rebate Manager rdorman@trimega.org Ext 111

BARBARA KRAUS Credit Manager bkraus@trimega.org Ext 126

MAUREEN MODELSKI Marketing Administrator mmodelski@trimega.org Ext 127

DIANE PAKONEN

Customer Service Manager dpakonen@trimega.org Ext 122 EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

46

EPIC INFORMATION:

STAFF DIRECTORY Trimega staff

MARIE SCHMIDT

BOB SAMBORSKI

Office Manager mschmidt@trimega.org Ext 110

Systems Administrator rsamborski@trimega.org Ext 133

ERIC JENSEN

CAROLYN YOST

IT Administrator ejensen@trimega.org Ext 132

Accounts Payable cyost@trimega.org Ext 125

ALLISON LITTLE

KELLY LAYDEN

Merchandising Manager alittle@trimega.org Ext 117

Technical Support Specialist klayden@trimega.org Ext 121

TJ CRAYNE

TANYA ROSS

IT Director tcrayne@trimega.org Ext 137

Business Partner Manager tross@trimega.org Ext 170

board of directors

IAN WIST

Chairman Wist Office Products Tempe, AZ 480-921-2900 ianw@wist.com

GEORGE WOOD

Vice Chairman Greenwood Office Outfitters Fort Worth, TX. 650-385-2612

gwood@greenwoodoffice.com

MARK PORTER

Porter’s Office Products Rexburg, ID 208-356-4616 mwporter@portersop.com

THOMAS JORDAN Treasurer Herald Office Supply Dillon, SC 843-774-5155 tmjordan@hosnet.net

JERRY CARROLL

T.H.E. Office City Hayward, CA 650-385-2612 jerryc@theofficecity.com

GARY ABLES

Secretary Ables-Land Inc Tyler, TX 903-593-8407 gary@ablesland.com

WAYNE STILLWAGON Miller’s Supplies at Work Lorton, VA 703-644-2200

wstillwagon@millersoffice.com

YANCEY JONES, SR.

Director Emeritus TSRC Inc. Ashland, VA 804-412-1200 yjones@thesupplyroom.com

BOB SHULMAN

Suburban Stationers Middletown, CT 860-347-0299 Bob2@suburbanop.com

LYLE DABBERT

Immediate Past Chairman Innovative Office Sioux Falls, SD. 605-336-1960

ldabbert@innovativeos.com

KRIS COLT

Next Committee Chairperson Supply Chimp, New York, NY 800-952-1706 kris@supplychimp.com

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EPIC INFORMATION:

STAFF DIRECTORY

Epic business essentials team

SANDY TEETS

Implementation Support steets@epicbusinessessentials.com 317-579-1127

TOBY TOBIN

National Accounts Business Development Manager ttobin@epicbusinessessentials.com 520-334-5759

SCOTT ZINTZ

Managing Director szintz@epicbusinessessentials.com 630-220-9505

SARAH EDGAR

Pricing and Systems Analyst sedgar@epicbusinessessentials.com 847-261-0043

ANDY SULLENBERGER

Manager, Customer Support and Quality asullenberger@epicbusinessessentials.com

847-261-0054

DAVIDA TOWNZEN

NITA TURPIN

Director of Operations nturpin@epicbusinessessentials.com 847-261-0053

PAM QUACKENBUSH

Implementation and Collections Supervisor dtownzen@epicbusinessessentials.com 827-261-0057

Accounting and Systems Support Supervisor

LALANI BOWEN

AMANDA LUSK

Accounting and System Support Specialist lbowen@epicbusinessessentials.com 847-261-0044

pquackenbush@epicbusinessessentials.com

847-261-0082

Administrative Assistant alusk@epicbusinessessentials.com 847-349-9545

EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

48

EPIC INFORMATION:

STAFF DIRECTORY

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EPIC INFORMATION:

NOTES

TAKE NOTE!

EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

50

EPIC INFORMATION:

NOTES

EPIC SHOWGUIDE PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH OPI Director Janet Bell +44 20 7841 2941 janet.bell@opi.net Head of Media Sales Chris Turness +44 20 7841 2953 chris.turness@opi.net Show Guide Editor Rowan McIntyre (703) 531 8507 rowan@idealercentral.com

Connecting the

business products world

112 Clerkenwell Rd London EC1M 5SA United Kingdom

Show Guide Designer Joel Mitchell +44 20 7841 2950 joel.mitchell@opi.net

www.opi.net

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EPIC INFORMATION:

NOTES

EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

52

EPIC INFORMATION:

NOTES

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EPIC INFORMATION:

STAFF DIRECTORY

EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

54

EPIC INFORMATION:

SPONSORS

Thank you

Sponsors

TriMega and Independent Stationers recognize and thank our EPIC 2018 sponsors for making this event possible.

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EPIC INFORMATION:

STAFF DIRECTORY

EXCLUSIVE PREMIER SPONSOR

56