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SHOW GUIDE

Nashville | November 1-3 2016

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WELCOME LETTERS : E P I C I N F O RMA

N ashvi le ’s Ma yor we lco

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E P I C I N F O RM

A T I O N : WELCOME LETTERS

We lco me to E P I C 2 0 1 6 W e re b ig happens h

Dear EPIC 2016 attendees, Thank you for taking the time to join us here in Nashville for EPIC 2016, co-located with ECi’s Connect 2016 Conference. We look forward to visiting with you over the next few days.

There are so many big things going on here at EPIC 2016; let’s take a quick look at just some of the highlights: EPIC Savings On Thursday, be sure to visit the more than 140 exhibitor booths to learn about new categories, new services and new products to help drive your business. You’d be wise to take advantage of the tons of valuable Show Specials that

are available this year! Last year, dealers walked away with thousands and thousands of dollars in savings!

EPIC Meetings And kudos to those of you that are participating in our first-ever EPIC Get Togethers (EGTs)! These one-on-one appointments on the show floor are a great opportunity for focused and constructive conversations to help grow your business.

Finally, a gentle reminder – make your booth visits count.

Make them productive and focused. Don’t just collect stickers!

EPIC Learning We’re excited about the many different types of learning opportunities available during our forDealers,byDealers Education Forums. From a panel discussion on best practices, to roundtable discussions, idea swaps and more – the content is all for you, and by you! Learn from YOUR industry peers, discover information and ideas relevant to YOUR business, and walk away with tips and tactics YOU can implement right away!

EPIC Networking There are countless scheduled (and unscheduled) opportunities during your time here in Nashville to exchange ideas, share insights, ask questions, and discuss those issues that are critical to your success. Don’t miss out!

EPIC Giving As always, EPIC is a place where GOOD happens too!

From the second annual Hike for Hope – taking place Friday and benefiting City of Hope, to our Next Give Back event, called ‘Spreading Cheer’ benefiting the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital & City of

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PS. Have you downloaded the EPIC 2016 app yet? Get it in the Apple App or Google Play Stores, searching “EPIC 2016”! It’s got everything you need to get the most out of EPIC 2016! And have fun too!

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WELCOME LETTERS : E P I C I N F O RMA

T IO N

Hope, EPIC is helping make a difference in the fight against cancer and those battling other life-threating diseases.

And EPIC 2016 exhibitors are doing their part to help children succeed in school by donating post-trade show products to the Kids In Need Foundation.

Thank you to all who are helping EPIC 2016 do good!

“M ak e yo u r b o o t h v i si t s c o u nt “ An EPIC Thank You Events such as EPIC are not possible without the generous support of our exhibitors and sponsors, so a BIG THANK YOU to all of them, with a special mention for our Exclusive Premier Sponsor, Essendant. We also thank the staff and board members of both groups and our business partners for their tireless efforts in making EPIC 2016 a big success!

Finally, we wish you an enjoyable and productive stay here in Nashville. 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.

Make it EPIC!

Sincerely EPIC SHOW GUIDE

SPONSORED BY:

Mike Gentile, President & CEO, Independent Stationers

Produced in association with OPI

Mike Maggio, President, TriMega

Director Janet Bell +44 (0)20 7841 2941 janet.bell@opi.net VP North Ameria Chris Turness +44 (0)20 7841 2953 chris.turness@opi.net Show Guide Editor Rowan McIntyre +44 (0)20 8503 7768 rowan.mcintyre@opi.net Show Guide Designer Joel Mitchell +44 (0)20 7841 2950 joel.mitchell@opi.net

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE : E P I C I N F O RMA

T IO N

E P atI c Ch TthI eP c W

W hat’ s O N

e ol or of th ate s to nav ig day! y page headG er b y da de ui ow Sh the

The week ahead at a glance…

E A rL y B irds, O CT 3 1 3:00pm – 9:00pm Airport Ground Transportation Available 3:00pm – 6:00pm Registration Open

T uesday, nov 1

( pages 1 6 - 2 3 )

W ednesday, nov 2

( pages 2 5 - 3 7 )

T hursday, nov 3

( pages 3 9 - 4 9 )

7:30am – 6:30pm Registration

7:00am – 6:00pm Tradeshow Setup – Exhibitors

8:00am – 12:00pm Registration

8:00am – 4:00pm TriMega Purchasing Clinic

7:45am – 8:15am Member Breakfast Sponsored by S.P. Richards

8:30am – 9:00am Breakfast – Tennessee Ballroom Sponsored by Domtar*

8:30am – 9:30am Independent Stationers Shareholders Meeting

9:00am – 10:15am General Session – Tennessee Ballroom Sponsored by Domtar*

8:30am – 4:30pm EPIC Sales Boot Camp 9:00am – 6:00pm Airport Ground Transportation Available Golf Shotgun Start 10:00am Kitchen Culinary Tour at Belle Meade Plantation 1:00pm

8:30am – 9:30am TriMega Only Seminars 9:45am – 10:45am TriMega Membership Meeting 9:45am – 10:45am Independent Stationers Only Seminars 10:55am – 12:00pm Education Forums: forDealers,byDealers*

3:00pm – 5:00pm NEXT Spreading Cheer Give Back Event – Benefiting City of Hope 4:00pm – 5:30pm TriMega ThinkTank Breakout 5:30pm – 7:00pm NEXT Breakout and Mixer 7:00pm – 9:00pm EPIC Street Fest Welcome Party at Pub District* – Sponsored by Smead EPIC SHOW GUIDE

SPONSORED BY:

12:15pm – 1:10pm HP Lunch & Learn – Tennessee Ballroom Sponsored by Hewlett Packard 1:15pm – 4:50pm Education Forums: forDealers,byDealers* 6:00pm – 9:00pm EPIC Meets CMA Awards Party at Country Music Hall of Fame* Sponsored by Essendant * All Member & Exhibitor Attendees Invited to Attend

10:30am – 4:30pm Tradeshow Open – Ryman Exhibit Hall C2 11:30am – 1:30pm Tradeshow Lunch Sponsored by Avery* 4:45pm – 6:00pm Prizeapalooza – Tennessee Ballroom Sponsored by 3M*

use the epic 2 0 1 6 app to share your photos for the c hanc e to w in great priz es

Fr iday, nov 4 6:00am – 12:00pm Departures 9:00am – 2:00pm Hike for Hope – Benefiting City of Hope (*See page 16)

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E P I C I N F O RM

A T I O N : LAST YEAR

LE A V I N G L A S VE G A S A few me

mo ries of E pic 2

As we prepare to get the most out of EPIC 2016, let’s take a quick look back to last year’s event, which saw over 1,400 people representing more than

0 15 in la s V egas

400 dealerships and 150 supplier partners descend on the breathtaking Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for three days of EPIC fun, learning and opportunity.

Did you know that you can use the EPIC 2016 app to upload and share your favorite photos from the show so far? Download it from the Apple App or Google Play stores

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EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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LAST YEAR : E P I C I N F O RMA

T IO N

“li f e’ s t o o sho rt t t hi nk sm all“ o T I M F E R R I SS - A utho r of ‘ T he F our Hour W eek’

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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E P I C I N F O RM

A T I O N : LAST YEAR

d n fi ’t n a c u o y e g d e l “know anywhere else“ Lynn Fish - Bedford Offi

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ce Supply

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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LAST YEAR : E P I C I N F O RMA

T IO N

Have you got this year’s app yet? Find it in the Apple App or Google Play Stores, searching “EPIC 2016”. It is THE source for the latest event info – and it’s 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 your EPIC Get Togethers and other meetings and let you vote for the EPIC 2016 Partner of the Year.

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GUIDE : E P I C I N F O RMA

N ashvi le c hat

T IO N

Music City welcomes EPIC 2016!

A creative melting pot that seamlessly stirs together rock, country, bluegrass and jazz with world-class art, award-winning cuisine, unique shops and outdoor activities to create an unforgettable experience. We bring you a few highlights to help you hit the right notes…

W alk t he li ne

For those who don’t know, a honky tonk is an establishment that contains at least one rockin’ stage, cold beverages and a party that lasts all day, everyday. And we mean every SINGLE day. Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway, located on Lower Broadway, is a row of these beautiful venues pumping live music into the streets from 10am to 3am.

There’s no cover charge – in Music City they understand music should be shared to all – but don’t forget the musicians play for tips. Best of all, you may be watching the stars of tomorrow in these Lower Broadway clubs. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Gretchen Wilson, Dierks Bentley and other top country stars began their careers on this amazing street.

Another great way to hear new music in Nashville is at a songwriters show.

Typically called a Writers’ Night, several singer/songwriters will play ‘in-the-round’ as they sit on stage accompanied only by a microphone, a guitar, and their immense talent. These shows can be found in small, intimate clubs all over town, including the famous Bluebird Cafe in Green Hills and The Listening Room Cafe downtown.

Fu nky Chicke n Put aside the cloth napkins to sample some of the more down-home cooking that has nourished Nashville locals and visitors alike for decades.

A city of creators, Nashville is credited for the invention of hot chicken. Hot chicken is exactly what it sounds like... hot fried chicken. Head to the birthplace of this amazing dish, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. Other local hot chicken faves include Hattie B’s, Party Fowl, Pepperfire and Scoreboard, but many restaurants have their own variation of the recipe on their menu.

Another Nashville food staple is the classic ‘meat and three’ – Southern cooking where you typically go through a line, cafeteria style, and order a meat and three sides.

Places like Loveless Cafe, Arnold’s Country Kitchen, Swett’s and Monell’s will force you to make those tough life decisions like fried chicken or meatloaf, mac & cheese or mashed potatoes.

And do not think about leaving without having tried a slice of delicious pie or banana pudding.

Another nod to Nashville’s Southern heritage involves the award-winning barbecue restaurants you’ll find throughout the city – such as Martin’s BOBBIE’S DAIRY DIP and This classic ice cream BBQ Joint, Peg Leg Porker, Edley’s the th wor l wel is t burger join cialty Bar-B-Que, Jack’s, Bar-B-Cutie and long lines. Bobbie’s spe Cake milkshakes, Hot Fudge Puckett’s Grocery. Each have their sic clas ous fam Sundaes or ille own distinct recipes that have loyal dip cones are a Nashv kitchen staple. Remember the locals passionately debating the best ice ore bef r hou closes one barbecue spot in town. cream. , 5301 Charlotte Avenue West Nashville 615-463-8088

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E P I C I N F O RM

A T I O N : GUIDE

W ide open spac es

If you want to spend a bit more time in the ope n air, why not take in a Nashville Sounds ball game at First Tennes see Park or head to Arrington Vineyards to enjoy a vino amid the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee. If you’re with kids, check out Nashville Shores Waterpark and Treetop Adventure Park or the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere which recently added the Soaring Eagle zip line experience.

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T his O le House

A CHY B reaky A rt

The Ryman Auditorium, AKA the “Mother Church of Country Music”, has had artists as diverse as Elvis Costello and Patsy Cline perform on its legendary stage since 1892. You can take a backstage tour and record your own song in the Ryman studio.

In November, the stars of the Grand Ole Opry take to the stage of the Ryman Auditorium every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night with guest appearances by the biggest names in music. With 90 years of history, the Opry is the world’s longestrunning broadcast and proudly boasts to be “the show that made country music famous”.

If you’re still hungry for a bit of history, why not take a tour of Music Row and visit the historic RCA Studio B – the famous recording studio where Elvis recorded over 200 songs. Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold and many more also recorded many of their classic hits here.

Alternatively, pay homage to the Man in Black at The Johnny Cash Museum located on 3rd Avenue. Featuring the most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world, this is THE Cash venue to visit for all ages.

In Nashville’s Centennial Park, you’ll find the world’s only fullscale reproduction of the ancient Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

The Nashville Parthenon houses an art gallery and museum, as well as Alan LeQuire’s Athena Parthenos. Standing at almost 42 feet high, Athena is said to be the tallest indoor sculpture in the western world.

Just a mile from The Parthenon is the LeQuire Gallery, where you can visit Alan in his studio and witness one of the nation’s premier sculptors in action.

Indeed, Nashville’s art scene is booming, with art galleries, festivals, art crawls, landscaped gardens and much, much more to see. Art is everywhere and there is something for everyone.

Among the worthwhile attractions are the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, OZ Arts Nashville, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, the galleries of the Wedgewood/Houston (WeHo) district, and the 5th Avenue of The Arts galleries downtown – which hold the First Saturday Art Crawl taking in the best art shows in the area on the first Saturday of every month.

If you’d rather check out some American history, there are three US Presidents that called Tennessee home: Andrew Jackson, James K Polk and Andrew Johnson. You can visit Andrew Jackson’s former residence, the Hermitage – the most accurately preserved early presidential home in the country, while Polk is buried in the grounds of the historic State Capitol building in downtown Nashville.

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

SPONSORED BY:

tuesday : CHARITIES

G Iv eB

IG

Ki ds in N eed Fo undation

EPIC 2016 exhibitors can help children succeed at school by donating post-trade show products to the Kids In Need Foundation!

The Kids In Need Foundation is a national charitable organization, founded in 1995, whose mission is to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed by providing free school supplies to students nationally who are most in need. Its national network of resource centers includes 34 facilities where teachers from lowincome schools can go to obtain free school supplies for their students.

School supply giveaways in communities not served by resource centers are accommodated

through the School Ready Supplies program, and students who have gone through natural disasters are helped to get back to their normal routines with new backpacks and supplies through the Second Responder Program. In addition, two teacher grant programs award Pre-K–12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning

“The Kids In Need Foundation’s mission is to ensure that every child is prepared to learn”

Spreading Cheer

experiences for students.

To date, the Kids In Need Foundation has distributed more than $668 million in school supplies directly benefiting 4.2 million students and more than 120,000 teachers annually, and has awarded $1.6 million in grants to teachers.

In the past, through your support, EPIC exhibitors have proudly supported the Kids in Need Foundation, and contributed over $125,000 in product donations. For more information on the Kids in Need Foundation, visit www.kinf.org.

Annual Give Back Event Tues Nov 1 3:00pm – 5:00pm OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES TriMega members, IS members, exhibitors and guests Cheeriodicals helps bring cheer to individuals when they need it most, through thoughtful gifts that make people smile. It is also the beneficiary of this year’s Annual Give Back Event taking place at EPIC 2016 in Nashville.

To set the stage for this special event, we want to tell you about the amazing project participants will be working on.

If you have ever had a family member or friend in the hospital you know how heartbreaking it can be. This is even worse when that patient is a child.

Hike for Hope Tackle Tennessee’s rolling hills to help City of Hope Fri Nov 4 9:00am – 2:00pm (Lunch provided) Last year’s EPIC debuted the inaugural Hike for Hope as some 35 walkers challenged themselves to hike Red Rock Canyon (pictured right), raising more than $10,000 for City of Hope! Well, it is back again in 2016 – this time in Tennessee!

The 2nd Annual Hike for Hope,

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EPIC SHOW GUIDE

SPONSORED BY:

CHARITIES : tuesday

During this give back event, your team will assemble hundreds of gift boxes filled with toys, magazines and crafts for patients at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville and pediatric patients at City of Hope in Duarte, California.

The assembly of the gift boxes

“Help us make even more Cheeriodical boxes and maximize the smiles we’re able to spread“

again hosted by TriMega’s Michael Morris, will take place at the conclusion of EPIC 2016 and participants will tackle demanding and exciting hiking in the picturesque Warner Parks, just outside of Nashville.

The Hike for Hope is a wonderful opportunity to take in beautiful landscapes and natural surroundings EPIC SHOW GUIDE

SPONSORED BY:

will take place at the NEXT Give Back Assembly event on Tuesday afternoon at EPIC, giving all participants a chance to roll up their sleeves to help make a difference to these children in need. Plus, EVERYONE has a chance to support this touching effort through the fundraising campaign that supports this event! Participants, colleagues, friends and family all have a chance to donate to help us make even more Cheeriodical boxes and maximize the smiles we’re able to spread!

And the magic continues: following the gift box assembly, when the Cheeriodicals are taken to the children’s hospital in Nashville and Duarte and personally distributed to children and families. Top fundraisers

while having fun with your EPIC friends, enjoying some adventurous physical activity and making a difference to support an incredible cause, the fantastic City of Hope!

and select participants will have an opportunity to take part in these heartfelt deliveries. It’s a truly emotional experience to see the cheer that these bright boxes can bring – thanks to your efforts.

If you would like to donate to Spreading Cheer please visit: http://bit.ly/2d08LJn

There’s a hike for everyone, but if you can’t make it, you can still contribute. To donate visit http://bit.ly/2ceNRVt

Cheeriodicals boxes can brighten the lives of those in the hospital.

City of Hope is a charitable organization committed to making a difference in the lives of those with cancer, diabetes and other serious illnesses by providing pioneering patientcentered care through its main campus in Duarte, CA and a network of community practice sites.

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CHAT & APP : tuesday

vE eryb ody’ s tal kin’

e ords of d ic fe d ce en ri pe fro so e … rs re tu en dv A E P IC

N am e: Charl ie K ennedy J ob T itl e: V P of Sal es & M arketing Com pany: ennedy Office

Do wn l oad the E P I C 2 0 16

A pp

Describe what you hope to get out of this year’s EPIC. Excellent advice and knowledge from fellow dealers What’s your best piece of advice to someone coming to EPIC for the first time? Spend time with other dealers to hear what they do successfully

Keep thinking BIG on the go and stay connected on Android or iOS with our EPIC app for phones and tablets!

Which part of this year’s EPIC are you looking forward to the most? Minute To Win It by the one and only… Michael Morris

The EPIC 2016 mobile app allows you to get connected during the event: • View schedules, explore and evaluate sessions and find networking opportunities at EPIC 2016 • Track your planned EPIC Get Togethers (EGTs) • Create your own personal schedule for meetings at EPIC 2016 • Access location and speaker info at your fingertips • Post updates to sessions, keynotes and exhibitor booths • Interact with a real-time feed of all event activity that showcases which sessions are trending, most liked photos and popular discussion topics • Have your say – vote for EPIC Partner of the Year and complete session evaluations • Expand your professional network and have FUN

What is your favorite office product of all time and why?

Purell, because people are nasty

Features of the app: 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

Log into the app using the email address with which you registered for the event and use the password: epic

is he offici l o ile pp for the ev ent – W here B I G Happens EPIC SHOW GUIDE

SPONSORED BY:

What do you think will be the biggest single factor/ issue affecting the OP industry over the next five years?

Google/Amazon and how the next generation goes to market What do you like most about the OP industry? The people Which of the seminar/roundtable sessions at this year’s EPIC would you recommend as essential viewing? forDealers,byDealers forums on-work/personnel questions What skills do you have that might help you in EPIC’s Minute To Win It games? I cheat!

Who would you like to play you in an EPIC movie of your life? Denzel Washington What is your most EPIC adventure? My wife, Helen, and I will be taking it next year because I won a trip to Spain courtesy of The Highlands Group… yes I’m bragging

W ho is your fav orite Country and W estern perform er?

E arth W ind & F ire

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WELCOME PARTY : T uesday

sponsore d by

Fo r T he G ood T ime s G etting E P I C off to a roc kin’ start

Don’t miss the chance to catch up with your fellow EPIC attendees on Tuesday night at our EPIC Street Fest, located in the Pub District of the hotel in the Magnolia Atrium. The event is spread over three venues: Findley’s – a chilled-out Irish pub with comfort food such as fish and chips and Irish stew; Jack Daniel’s – a lively,

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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Southern-style bar with dueling pianos and BBQ-based eating options; and Fuse – with DJ Tyrus controlling the dance floor along with international cuisine such as sushi and Thai chicken skewers. There will be a communal area between all three bars open for mingling and networking. It’ll be an evening not to be missed.

T HE P A R T Y ’S HE R E

D A T E : N ov 1 T I ME : 7 - 9 pm V enue: P ub distric t

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T uesday: STATS

A ttendee

ILLINOIS I N SI G HT S WHERE Y’ALL FROM? MAKE SOME NOISE FOR

Geographic Breakdown by Region of Who’s Here (Exhibitor & Dealer Attendees)

NORTH EAST

MIDWEST

WEST

33% 13% SOUTH EAST

SOUTH CENTRAL

R E L A D E E

11% 30%

CMAS

ARE CELEBRATING THIS YEAR!

# OF MINUTES OF POWER PACKED LEARNING OPPORTUNITY IN THE FORDEALERS,BYDEALERS EDUCATION FORUMS ON WED NOV 2ND.

HOME FIELD

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TENNESSEE NESSEE

Decrease by up to 1 – 5% - 6% 2016 Forecast* Decrease by 5-10% 7% 2016 vs 2015 Sales willthan increase more than 10% - 17% Decrease by more 10% -by3% Increase by 5.01-10% - 28% Increase by 1- 5% - 23% Flat - 15% Decrease by up to 1 – 5% - 6% Decrease by 5-10% 7% Decrease by more than 10% - 3%

Top 3 Names of People at EPIC this Week:

35 44 29

10

by more than 10%

13

22%

by 5-10% by more than 10%

9%

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Attendee Insights Dealer $ales: A look at last year’s revenue tends 2015 vs 2014 Sales Increased by more than 10% - 22% Increased by 5.01-10% - 21% Increased by 1 - 5% 23% Flat - 9% Attendee Insights $ales: DecreasedDealer by 1 - 5% 11% at last year’s DecreasedAbylook 5.01-10% - 11%revenue tends 2015 vs 2014 Increased by more DecreasedSales by more than 10% - 3%than 10% - 22% SUSAN CINDY Increased by 5.01-10% - 21% (OR SUZANNE) Increased by 1 - 5% 23% 2016 Forecast* 2016 vs 2015 ATTENDEES EES FROM Flat 9% Sales will increase by more than 10% - 17% Decreased by 1 5% 11% Increase by 5.01-10% - 28% by 5.01-10% - 11% Increase byDecreased 1- 5% - 23% Flat - 15% Decreased by more than 10% - 3%

ADVANTAGE: NTAGE:

*Source: Phoenix Report MWA

21% 23%

FLAT 9% 3%

by 5-10%

by 1-5%

23%

FLAT

11%

by 1-5%

DECREASED

3%

11% 11%

by 1-5% by 5-10% by more than 10%

by 1-5% by 5-10% by more than 10%

WILL I N I W L L 17% 28% IN by more than 10%

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DECREASED

11%

17%

by 5-10%

S REA E ECASE CR

A N A M E ?

S L $ A 21%

28% 23%

by more than 10%

15%

by 5-10%

by 1-5%

15%

23% by 1-5%

7%

JOHN (OR JON)

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MICHAEL (OR MIKE)

DAVID (OR DAVE)

SUSAN (OR SUZANNE)

DEBBIE (OR DEBRA)

CINDY

DECREASE 6% 7%

by 1-5% by 5-10% by more than 10%

DECREASE

6%

by 1-5% by 5-10% by more than 10%

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

2016 Forecast 2016 vs 2015

W HA T ’ s I N

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*S HA IN 22%HAS I N

EASED ARSED EC CR

# OF YEARS THE

1,480

State with the highest number of EPIC 2016 attendees

A look at last year’s revenue trends 2015 vs 2014

13%

TOTAL ATTENDEES!

SPONSORED BY:

CHAT : tuesday

vE eryb ody’ s tal kin’

adv ic e A few w ords of enc ed ri pe x E e from som d en urers

N ame : c ookie L E Hma n J ob T itl e: president Comp any: Office r ners

What’s your best advice to someone coming to EPIC for the first time?

Best advice to a newbie: Be a sponge! Take in all information no matter how irrelevant it might be at the time. It is those pieces of information that tend to be the most helpful or can inspire creativity. Don’t look at EPIC as a vacation but as an expedition for your next Epic catch!

What do you like most about the OP industry?

I love, love, LOVE this industry – I get to help companies, people, kids, non-profits, etc move forward with their everyday activities, get paid for it and have fun at the same time.

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Who is your OP hero/heroine?

Hero (ˈhɪərəʊ/) n. pl. -roes. 1. a hero, especially in children’s comic books and television cartoons, possessing extraordinary, often magical powers. Origin of superhero: As I pondered this question and actually looked up the definition, my thoughts were “who in this industry is knowledgeable, genuine, has my back if needed, cares about my company (my ‘hood’) with no hidden agenda, is honest when honesty is sometimes hard and possesses a magical power – the name that comes to mind for me is Grady [Taylor]. I know it sounds like a commercial for Grady – but seriously he is the Mister Rogers of the OP industry – kind, sweet, a soothing southern voice and he cares about my ‘hood’.

Who is your favorite Country and Western performer?

There is only one Willie Nelson; he has been there and back and has survived!

Who would you like to play you in an EPIC movie of your life?

Julia Roberts – she has played a broad range of characters - MY LIFE has consisted of a broad range of characters.

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SEMINAR INFORMATION : WE

E pic E

7:45am – 8:15am

Group breakfast and event kickoff Independent Stationers & TriMega: Tennessee Ballroom

8:30am – 9:30am

Independent Stationers Shareholders Meeting: Tennessee Ballroom

M em b er M eetings & G roup Sem inars

8:30am – 9:30am

CHEEKWOOD G/H

HERMITAGE A/B

Maximizing Your TriMega ROM

9:30am – 9:45am

Group Break – Independent Stationers & TriMega

9:45am – 10:45am

TriMega Members Only Meeting: Tennessee Ballroom

ndependen S

HERMITAGE C

HERMITAGE D

Essendant Alliance In Depth

Coming to a Screen Near You – Tapping into TriMega’s New Website

ioners Specific Se in rs

CHEEKWOOD A/B/C

CHEEKWOOD G/H

HERMITAGE A/B

HERMITAGE C

HERMITAGE D

The Safety Business, Personal Protective Equipment, and Your Opportunities In It

Revamp Your Digital Marketing with IntelliWeb

Snacking for Success

Expand Your Printing Solutions with Independent Stationers Vistaprint Program

IS Board-Member Open Discussion

CHEEKWOOD A/B/C

CHEEKWOOD G/H

HERMITAGE A/B

HERMITAGE C

HERMITAGE D

10:55am – 12:00pm

EBE: How EPIC Business Essentials Can Help You WIN

Furniture for the Future

Idea Swap

Killer Sales Tips, Tricks and Takeaways

M&A Strategies for Success

12:15pm – 1:10pm

HP Lunch & Learn – Tennessee Ballroom

Digital Marketing Success

Clean Scene – Tips for Jan-San Success

To Bid or Not to Bid? Bid Tactics Examined in Depth

Creating a Culture of Accountability

Category Corral – New Category Success Stories Swapped

R O O M

E duc ation F orum s: forD eal ers, b yD eal ers – I S & T riM ega

Specific Se in rs

CHEEKWOOD A/B/C

9:45am – 10:45am

SPONSORED BY:

E SD A Y

duca tion Fo rum ri e

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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1:15pm – 2:20pm

Sales DNA – Attracting & Retaining

EBE/NIPA/TCPN: Winning with Cities and Schools: Unlock Your Sales Potential with Public Procurement Professionals

2:30pm – 3:35pm

Competing Against AND Selling on Amazon

Fountain of Youth – Tapping into Millennials in Your Biz

EBE: The Federal Government – Still the Largest Consumer of What You Sell

3:45pm – 4:50pm

Everything You Think You Know About Pricing Is Wrong

Buy Local in the Age of Amazon

Best of the Best – Dealer Best Practices Shared

System Secret – Tips, Tricks and Hidden Workarounds to Get More out of Your System

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E P I C E duca tion Fo rums: I ndependent Stationers & T

riMe ga

Le arnin’ n ine to Idea Swap Hermitage A/B This Idea Swap session provides dealer attendees with the opportunity to share best practices, discuss the issues that keep you awake at night and swap big ideas in an open exchange among small groups. You’ll get to choose the topic that means the most to you and brainstorm solutions, new ideas and tactics for success. This session is for YOU and by YOU. Bring your ideas to share, bring your insights to add and bring an open mind!

Moderator: Eddie Moore, K Coaching Killer Sales Tips, Tricks and Takeaways Hermitage C Whether you’re a hunter, focused on lead generation and acquisition, or a farmer focused on growth and customer retention, it all comes down to sales tactics! And there is no single way to skin the proverbial cat! There are many different killer sales processes, ideas and approaches that can create success for you and your dealership – and there is no shortage of dealers with killer ideas to share. In this collaborative roundtable session, you will have a chance to exchange plans, insights, tips and tricks with fellow dealers about what sales tactics, closing strategies and prospecting tools have been successful for various objectives, customer types, product categories and more. Facilitated by a sales expert, this session will get your creative sales juices flowing and will be sure to leave you with at least one killer sales tactic you can use in your business! Come prepared with your thoughts, ideas and questions to share in this interactive forum.

Moderator: Dave Fellman, David Fellman & Associates Who Should Attend: All dealer principals or owners

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M&A Strategies for Success Hermitage D Mergers & acquisitions are an increasingly effective growth strategy, as well as an exit strategy, for independent dealers.

Attend this valuable session to learn how to buy or sell a business effectively from dealers who have done it – successfully. This session will address important questions, such as how to prepare a business for sale and improve its value; what elements are considered most important and valuable by buyers; and how to mitigate pre-closing and post-closing risk whether buying or selling a business. You’ll walk away with practical M&A knowledge and real examples that will give attendees valuable insight to rely upon later.

Moderator: Sam Johnson, NewPort Board Group Who Should Attend: All dealer principals or owners

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fi e How EPIC Business Essentials Can Help You WIN Cheekwood A/B/C Join us to learn more about EPIC Business Essentials (EBE), the joint venture between Independent Stationers National Accounts/Federal Sales Division and TriMega’s Point Nationwide.

At last year’s EPIC in Las Vegas, EPIC Business Essentials was officially launched. Since then, it has been a year of new opportunities, great wins and strengthening the independent dealer channel to compete and win multi-geographic opportunities!

Whether you are looking to learn more about EPIC Business Essentials, understand how to take advantage of existing programs or looking for ways to go after and win larger size accounts – this session is a must for you to attend.

Presenters: Toby Tobin and Scott Zintz from EPIC Business Essentials Who Should Attend: Any member from Independent Stationers or TriMega who wants to learn more Furniture for the Future Cheekwood G/H With traditional office products sales on the decline there is no better time than NOW to focus on Office Furniture. There is more to this category than transactional sales, so learn how to go uncover the BIGGER opportunities. By attending this dealer panel discussion you will learn how to capitalize on this profitable category.

Moderator: Ty Blankenbaker, Independent Stationers Who Should Attend: Dealer principals, general /sales management, sales professionals

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BIG THOUGHTS

“You have a better chance of staying in business if you educate yourself on trends and find out what other dealers are doing, don’t rely on the wholesaler show only” − Luke Maucher, Allen Business Machines

Digital Marketing Success Hermitage A/B With so many different initiatives you can engage in when it comes to digital marketing, which ones are the most effective for office products dealers? From social media and search engine optimization to effective website design and influential content marketing, we examine what works best for your peers.

Our panel will include dealers who have engaged in one or more of these strategies. Find out what they learned, how they measured each and which strategies ultimately produced the best results. This interactive and engaging session will have you learning from the best of the best!

Moderator: Jennifer Schulman, Fortune Web Marketing Who Should Attend: Marketing, dealer owners/principals

Clean Scene – Tips for Jan-San Success Hermitage C Facilities Maintenance is a hot topic and a growth opportunity for traditional office products dealers. But what does success look like, and how does your dealership get there? Join a panel of your fellow dealers for a discussion on how to win in this category. Who are the right partners? What are ‘healthy’ margins in the category? What is the value proposition of the OP dealer compared to the incumbents? What are effective strategies for selling to the ‘back of the house’? We’ll cover these topics and more during this session.

Moderator: Kenny Sayes, Sayes Office Supply Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in learning how to be successful selling Jan-San products

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Bid Tactics Roundtable Hermitage D Do you tend to stay away from bid proposals because of complexity and competitiveness? Have you worked too hard on a proposal only to see your pricing get crushed by the Power Channel?

Attend this roundtable dealer discussion and see first-hand how dealers have successfully navigated the bid proposal process.

Find out how to make a competitive bid at or below cost and still make an acceptable profit.

Learn about the Power Channel’s war chest of ‘dirty tricks’ and how to address them one-byone. Learn that pricing is important but so is the narrative that often accompanies a proposal.

Find access to databases of information that can help you speed up the process and make your presentation stronger.

Bottom line: attend this session and increase your batting average with bids!

Moderator: Grady Taylor, TriMega Who Should Attend: Owners, principals, sales It’s All In The (Sales) DNA: Attracting and Retaining Top Sales Personnel Cheekwood A/B/C It’s an age-old problem. Where do you find good salespeople and how do you keep them?

Obviously there’s more to finding them than running an ad in the paper or on monster.com and, just as obviously, there’s more to keeping them than the earnings opportunity. This roundtable session will assemble the shared knowledge of a wide range of dealers. You’ll learn what’s working and what’s not for others, and have the opportunity to share your success stories and horror stories.

Dave Fellman will be the moderator of this session and he will introduce some of the findings of The Office Products Sales DNA Project (OPDNA), an industry-wide research study that was completed in October, just in time for EPIC 2016. Fellman developed OPDNA to identify the skills, attitudes and personality traits that make up the optimum Office Products Sales DNA. Moderator: Dave Fellman, David Fellman & Associates Who Should Attend: Owners and sales managers. We do not recommend bringing your sales personnel to this session, unless they also have a management role.

BIG THOUGHTS

“The networking with other dealers is knowledge you can’t find anywhere else. You get true rewards in the form of information and new friendships” − Lynn Fish, Bedford Office Supply

EPIC Business Essentials/NIPA/TCPN: Winning with Cities and Schools: Unlock Your Sales Potential with Public Procurement Professionals Cheekwood G/H Join the National IPA/TCPN organization as we take a deeper look into the nuances of public procurement and working with your local government customers. Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of successful government selling and how to maximize your success by utilizing the resources of the National IPA team.

In addition, the EPIC Business Essentials team will present the National IPA/TCPN contract overview, provide examples of wins and answer questions on how your dealership can harness this important contract to win more business in your geographic area.

Moderator: Wayne Casper, National IPA/TCPN; Toby Tobin, EPIC Business Essentials Who Should Attend: Any member from Independent Stationers or TriMega who wants to learn more

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Category Corral – New Category Success Stories Swapped Hermitage D At the end of the day, it is all about products and customers. If you want to grow, you can add more customers or sell more products to your existing customers.

So in this interactive session, you’ll have a chance to discuss, brainstorm and exchange ideas (and success stories) on what products and services represent the next big opportunity for you. Jan/ EPIC Business Essentials: The Federal Government – Still the Largest Consumer of What You Sell Hermitage A/B The federal marketplace has changed significantly over the years and navigating these changes can be challenging.

Learn how EPIC Business Essentials (EBE) has simplified the process of selling to the federal government by offering numerous federal procurement vehicles. Offering two solutions for OS3, a Schedule 75 (Office Products), and a recently awarded ICPT contract (opening opportunities to Department of Energy contractors) EBE has what you need to sell in the federal space. Hear from dealers first-hand how they are doing it as they share their secrets of success.

Moderator: Charles Forman, Independent Stationers Who Should Attend: Any member from Independent Stationers or TriMega who wants to learn more

Creating a Culture of Accountability Hermitage C When you have a culture of accountability, everyone buys in to your vision, is focused on company results, owns their part and takes action. Just do it, right? Unfortunately, it’s too easy for people to fall into unproductive behaviors of finding excuses, blaming others or just downright complaining.

With all the challenges facing independent dealers, this is the last thing we need! In this engaging session you’ll learn techniques from other dealers who have conquered the challenge and found new approaches to creating a more positive environment of ownership and accountability. This will be an interactive session where you can ask questions of your fellow dealers, share your thoughts and discuss ways to build a leading team. You’ll leave inspired to rally the troops, get more done and have a lot more fun.

Moderator: Janet Collins, Partner, TurningPoint Strategy Who Should Attend: Dealer principals, owners, managers

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San is an easy one. But what about the others…? Lighting? Sound?

Ad specialties? Tech? Safety? Software? Equipment? You name it, in this session you’ll hear how other dealers are penetrating new categories and tapping into new revenue streams – and stretching the boundaries of ‘traditional’ and moving into the world of ‘innovative’!

Moderator: Sam Richardson, Fellowes Who Should Attend Dealer principals, general managers, marketing managers and personnel, sales managers and personnel, purchasing managers and personnel

Competing Against AND Selling on Amazon Cheekwood A/B/C Everyone is battling Amazon in some fashion. With their thousands of available items, price fluctuations, sophisticated marketing and Prime delivery service, it’s hard to compete. Or is it? As independent dealers, you offer exceptional, personal, customer service, a wealth of product knowledge, competitive pricing and so much more!

You might be thinking: “if you can’t beat them, join them”. Has your dealership jumped on the Amazon bandwagon? While you might think selling on Amazon is a viable option, it’s not for everyone.

In this session, you’ll learn what your fellow independents are doing to level the playing field to compete against and also sell on Amazon.

Moderator: Jeff McRitchie, Mybinding.com Who Should Attend: Dealer principals, operations, marketing or sales personnel interested in competing against or selling on Amazon

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SEMINAR INFORMATION : WE

BIG THOUGHTS

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Fountain of Youth – Tapping into Millennials in Your Biz Cheekwood G/H We’ve all heard the stats. More than one-in-three American workers today are Millennials and, according to new research and census data, last year they surpassed Generation X AND Baby Boomers to become the largest share of the American workforce.

Is this the case in our industry or in your company? Probably not, but the fact remains that Millennials, and younger employees in general, are having a tremendous impact in reshaping the workplace for everyone.

So how do you tap into the potential that they can offer in your business?

Join in this interactive session to hear from fellow dealers (and real-live Millennials) who have successfully attracted younger employees (including launching successful intern programs), onboarding Millennials (and how it differs from older new hires), how to develop compensation programs that hit the mark for Millennials and more! Panelists will share their insights and you can share yours on how to train and retrain younger employees, how to sell to Millennial buyers, and how to evolve your corporate culture to work with Millennials as a part of your existing team!

Moderator: Rosemary Czopek, Gorilla Stationers Who Should Attend: Everyone with an eye to the future

“This is your livelihood you need to understand the changes that are taking place” − Karen Bogart, Office Edge

Best of the Best – Dealer Best Practices Shared Hermitage A/B Success is around us! There are dealers that are at the top of their game. Success in penetrating new markets, competing against the national players and dealers crushing it in their business! Well, back in its third year is Best of the Best! A powerful and interactive session that brings together the best of the bunch to share their learnings with fellow dealers. You’ll hear tips and techniques for success, things to avoid and important lessons along the way. Ask questions, come with your own ideas to share and leave with real-life takeaways you can use in your own business.

Moderator: Eddie Moore, K Coaching Who Should Attend: All member attendees EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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BIG THOUGHTS

“Being at these meetings not only helps me grow as a person, but it helps me learn how to make my dealership profitable” − TriMega Member

System Secrets – Tips, Tricks and Hidden Workarounds to Get More Out of Your System Hermitage D The capabilities of systems in our channel are incredibly complex and can accomplish a great deal. However, there are definitely areas where they fall short. This panel will discuss some tips, tricks and techniques to get the most out of your system. Join your colleagues in this productive session to discover how to get more value for your company from the systems you use. Topics will include: what bolt on software works best for GL, data analytics, commissions, etc; how to easily export to external systems; how to make price updates work better/ faster; month end speed; and clever patches, workarounds and ‘duct-tape’ fixes to get more stuff done with your system.

Bring your questions, your own ‘fixes’ and ideas to share and be prepared to walk away with tips and tricks that you can use back at the office to get more bang out of your system! Don’t miss it.

Moderator: TJ Crayne, TriMega Who Should Attend: All attendees

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Everything You Think You Know About Pricing Is Wrong Cheekwood A/B/C “Every time I think I’ve got pricing figured out, a competitor throws me a curve and I have to rethink my strategy.”

Sound familiar? Many dealers struggle with this issue in today’s rapidly changing, competitive market.

This informative session presents the perfect opportunity to leverage our shared knowledge base and market intelligence to find out from the trenches what works when it comes to pricing, and, maybe more importantly, what doesn’t. This open forum will have dealers and industry veterans sharing best pricing practices and how we can all better understand some of the pricing strategies currently deployed by the national and online players. Come prepared to learn, share and discuss in the priceless educational session.

Moderator: Rick Marlette, OPSoftware Who Should Attend: Dealer principals, general managers, sales managers, marketing managers

Buy Local in the Age of Amazon Cheekwood G/H Most of us can agree about the importance and value of Buy Local in our marketplaces.

In fact, according to recent research by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Buy Local initiatives have played an important role in strengthening independent businesses, with those companies with active ‘Buy Local’ efforts experiencing revenue growth of 7% in 2015, compared to 4% for those without such an initiative. But you’ve got to ask the question: what really does Buy Local mean when you are going to battle against disrupter and behemoth Amazon and other Big Box competitors? This insightful and interactive session will take a look at their effect on the marketplace in relation to Buy Local strategies, their impact on our customers’ mindset and how to use the powerful Buy Local story as a tool to compete. Moderated by a Local First expert, you’ll also hear from other dealers who have successfully used Buy Local in their business and learn how to position your business to benefit from being local – while competing against the 800lb gorilla!

Moderator: Stacy Mitchell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance Who Should Attend: All attendees

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we dnesday: CHAT & STATS

vE eryb ody’ s tal kin’

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N ame : K ris Col t J ob T itl e: president Comp any: o M no Ma c hines Describe what you hope to get out of this year’s EPIC. We hope to create better relationships with a few key suppliers and are seeking more direct drop-shipping relationships.

What’s your best piece of advice to someone coming to EPIC for the first time?

Be intentional. Know what you want to accomplish before you attend. I always make a list of three people I want to meet, three suppliers I want to connect with and I select one or two topics/new opportunities/classes that will help grow my business.

What is your favorite office product of all time and why?

Beard nets! First, I didn’t know we carried them and second, we actually sell them!

What do you think will be the biggest single factor/issue affecting the OP industry over the next five years?

The beard net category is going to shake the foundations of the OP industry! Honestly, I believe the industry will continue to consolidate.

Dealers need to adapt and change with technology and try to differentiate themselves. If they continue to stay the same, they’re not going to make it.

How will you relax after this year’s EPIC event?

I’ll take a 15 minute break… chips and salsa sound good! Then it’s back to growing the business by 25% this year!

Who would you like to play you in an EPIC movie of your life?

Brad Pitt without a doubt. He and I just look so much alike!

What is mankind’s most EPIC invention?

Imagine how it felt to be the inventor of the calculator. You thought you had the best invention of all time and then someone comes up with the computer! Talk about having your world shattered!

What is your most EPIC adventure?

I’d like to continue traveling the world with my wife. 32 or so countries down but there’s a lot more to see and do! We’re taking a little break with all these little kids running around the house. It’s amazing how much time and effort they require… ha!

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% Jan/San Average tion of ta represen ers OP deal s total sale

#

OF EPIC 2016 EXHIBITORS THAT REPRESENT JAN/SAN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

CL E A N

SCE N E Here’s a handy infographic to illustrate just how important the Jan/San sector is to the Office Products industry

Clean

$51bn Estimated size of the US cleaning market*

=

46 PERCENT

Reduced absenteeism if workplaces are clean*

ISSA

SQUARE FEET OF EPIC TRADESHOW SPACE DEVOTED TO JAN/SAN

7,200

Booth Number

Members in ISSA.

Are you one of them? *Source: ISSA EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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We dnesday : CMA PARTY

R ed C arp et s & c o ld c o c k t ai ls EPIC meets at the home of Country on the biggest night of the year to see the awards handed out…

Every year we try and lay on some unforgettable nights out for our attendees to enjoy after a hard day’s work at EPIC. This year in Nashville we are fortunate enough to have

That’s right – our annual EPIC bash takes place the same evening as the 50th Annual CMA Awards – country music’s biggest night, highlights of which will include the presentation of

“A ni g ht o f li v e M u si c and st ar sp o t t i ng “ landed ringside seats to one of the greatest events in the music calender – the Country Music Awards (CMAs). Not only that, but this year’s EPIC happens to coincide with the 50th anniversary of this iconic Country and Western event.

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a lifetime achievement award to the one and only Miss Dolly Parton, and live perfomances from Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Maren Morris, and Keith Urban.

Talk about where BIG happens!

So join us on Wednesday November 2 at the iconic

Country Music Hall of Fame – directly across from the CMA Awards Red Carpet for a night of EPIC celebration featuring live music and dancing, a live stream of the awards, fabulous

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food, ice-cold cocktails and star spotting!

There’ll also be the chance to win a classic Hatch Show Print, produced by the famous Nashville graphic design team just for EPIC 2016. There’ll be more information on how to win that on the night, but it’s a night that is simply not to be missed.

We’ll see you there!

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GENERAL SESSION : thursday

E P I C is in session This year’s General Session takes place on Thursday, Nov 3rd in the Tennessee Ballroom The event starts at 8:30am with a breakfast buffet before an opening address by TriMega president Mike Maggio and CEO of Independent Stationers Mike Gentile.

They will talk about the strides made by the industry since the EPIC event began, as well as take a look at some key trends in our sector and how independent dealers can harness them to improve their business.

Another feature of the General Session is that it will be the last chance to vote for the EPIC Partner of the Year. First awarded at the inaugural EPIC show in 2013, this year members from both TriMega and Independent Stationers will determine which of our contracted vendors will get the recognition they deserve – as EPIC Partner of the Year!

We’ve been collecting nominations for the past

few weeks and the top five finalists will be announced at EPIC 2016 – where all attendees will have the chance to vote via text or the EPIC 2016 app before and during the General Session at which time we will reveal the winner LIVE of the EPIC 2016 Partner of the Year Award!

Plus, we’ll reveal all the exciting details about EPIC 2017 and there will be other EPIC surprises at this session, so you won’t want to miss it!

Wha t ma kes a suppli er an E P I C P artner of the Y ear?

Well, that’s really for you and your fellow members to decide… but we think that an EPIC Partner of the Year makes a BIG difference for independent dealers, works to help dealers grow and win market share, earns the trust of the channel by exhibiting fairness and integrity in everything they do, and brings BIG ideas and opportunities to independents!

Here are some other criteria you might consider: • Exhibits exceptional field support • Provides exceptional customer service to dealers • Shows strong program support to independents • Provides creative marketing tools to help dealers grow • Promotes independents in ‘Where to Buy’ listings on their websites • Quick to support independent dealers through dealer groups, national wholesalers and direct programs • Demonstrates innovative new product development EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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thursday : TRADESHOW

3 T ips to G et the Mo st of Y our E G T

s

So you signed up for the first ever EPIC Get Togethers (EGTs) to tap into one-on-one appointments set on the show floor? Smart move. Well, now what? You have your EGT schedule conveniently located in your EPIC 2016 app – so, armed with that and these three EGT tips, you’ll be ready to take your EPIC experience to the next level! Read on…

arl y P rep: Come P repared!

Review your listing of EGT exhibitors and come prepared to discuss any problems, opportunities or questions you may have for these suppliers. Do your homework prior to the meeting to yield the best results. And, if you haven’t done so already – have a talk with these folks in your office to check on the following: • Purchasing manager service issues lead times inventory fill rates, etc • perations manager shipping issues carton labeling uality control, call frequency, sales rep accessibility • Sales and or marketing manager sales support manu acturer rep group performance, marketing support required, customer feedback, training programs, etc

our the rest of he sho oor Your EGT appointments are only one component of the EPIC 2016 show floor experience. Remember, in addition to your (maximum eight) EGT appointments, be sure to take the time to tour the rest of the show floor, discovering new exhibitors, taking advantage of valuable Show Specials and learning about all the opportunities to grow your business in 2017 and beyond!

et there on time Don’t be late! EGTs are scheduled in 15 minute intervals, so every minute counts. Arrive on time to keep yourself on schedule and help the exhibitor keep their meetings flowing smoothly too!

Also, please try to wrap up your meetings on time so as to not keep the next dealer waiting. Doing so will help make everyone’s EGTs effective and efficient!

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TRADESHOW FLOOR : thursday

Mapped out

thursday : TRADESHOW FLOOR

W HO ’ S W HE R e PapaNicholas Coffee

105

3M

307

Flexsteel Commercial Office/DMI Furniture208

Paris Corporation

419

Acco Brands

327

Flipside Products

730

Pentel of America

406

Accutech

421

Fortune Web Marketing

330

Pilot Corp. Of America

611

Acme United Corporation

210

Georgia-Pacific

511

PM Company

615

Acroprint

516

Global Seating Solutions

113

Powerhouse Two Inc.

111

Alliance MRO

531

Global Furniture Group

609

Quality Park

310

American Tombow Inc

206

Gmi Companies

716

R3 Safety

232

AMMEX

608

GOJO Industries, Inc.

404

Rayovac

629

Arlington Industries/Carolina

614

Gould Paper

821

RB

214

Artistic

231

House of Doolittle

915

RightAngle Products

912

Avery

503

HP

409

RJ Schinner

612

AVW Inc., dba Max Pro

433

HSM of America

807

Roaring Spring Paper Products

217

Baumgartens

528

Iceberg Enterprises

913

RoyaL Sovereign

918

BIC Corporation

521

ILG (International Laser Group)

212

Safco Products

221

Bi-silque- MasterVision

411

Imprint Plus

211

SalesTactix

732

Boise Paper

819

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions

230

Samsill Corporation

619

Box Partners

415

Intertape Polymer Group

718

Satco Products / STRATEGIC Sales

932

Brother International

312

Independent Stationers

133

Saunders Midwest LLC

620

Bush Business Furniture (BBF)

517

Independent Stationers

131

Screenflex

621

CANON

617

ISSA

927

SentrySafe

831

Charles Leonard, Inc.

533

JM Smucker Co -

226

Shachihata

515

Chartpak, Inc.

316

K. Coaching, Inc.

532

ShurTech Brands

520

Chicago Lighthouse Industries

917

KFI

509

Smead Manufacturing Co.

303

City of Hope

413

Kids in Need Booth

Special-T

328

C-Line Products

519

Lathem Time

813

S.P. Richards

319

Clover Imaging Group

604

Lee Products Company

616

Staedtler MARS

530

COE Distributing

227

LESRO INDUSTRIES, INC.

633

Stanley-Bostitch

627

Crayola

417

Liberty Laser Solutions, Inc.

833

Storex

916

Deflecto

218

LMI Solutions

204

Supplies Network

512

Dial Professional / Henkel

510

Logicblock

712

SYNNEX Corporation

713

Digitek

518

Master Manufacturing Co., Inc.

229

TABBIES, Div. of Xertrex International Inc. 332

DiverseID

103

MAX USA CORP

714

Tennsco

610

Diversified Computer Supplies

728

Maxell Corporation of America

815

Thalerus Group

930

Dixon Ticonderoga

216

Mayline Company LLC

109

The HON Company

203

Domtar

603

Medline

318

Tolco Corporation

628

EPIC Business Essentials

121

Millennium Mat

219

TOPS Products

827

ECi Software Solutions

505

MMF Industries

618

TriMega

929

Eco-Products

526

MooreCo Inc

513

TriMega

931

eDist Business

720

National IPA/TCPN

119

TriMega Next Committee

933

Educators Resource

630

National Office Products Alliance

127

Unimed Corp

Energizer

202

Neenah Paper Inc

632

UPS Shipping Booth

EPIC Info Booth

400

Nestle Professional

408

Verbatim

710

Ergotron TESS

719

Networking Garden 1

331

Veritiv Corp

431

ES Robbins

429

Networking Garden 2

731

Victor Technology

613

Esselte

117

Newell Brands

707

Virco Inc

215

Essendant

403

Norstar Office Products, Inc. dba BOSS 921

Vistaprint

228

Eurotech

727

Office Snax

213

Vistar

233

Fellowes Inc.

209

Officemate International Corp

631

von Drehle Corp

529

FireKing

427

OFM

313

Zebra Pen Corp

606

Fiskars Brands

920

Pacon Corp.

919

Zep

928

COMPANY

44

BOOTH

Flash Furniture

527

1000

914

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N ame J ob T Comp & IN T

: SK I P I R E L A N D itl e: P R E SI D E N T any: CO S B U SI N E SS P R O D U CT S E R IO R S

Describe what you hope to get out of this year’s EPIC. When I attend shows like EPIC, I am always looking for Dealer Best Practices just to find one or two new ideas of how the most successful dealers in our industry are handling a certain process or situation.

F urniture

F O R W A R D It’s wrong to look at office furniture as just part of the scenery, these infographics show why…

SQUARE FEET OF EPIC TRADESHOW SPACE DEVOTED TO FURNITURE

54 OF DEALERS S PERCENT

THAT HAVE A FURNITURE SHOWROOM AT ONE OR MORE OF THEIR LOCATIONS

UCT CATEG O OD R P

RY

NNUAL U. S. -A 5%

12.3%

5.3%

What is the biggest change that has taken place in the industry since your career began?

The obvious answer would be the introduction of the big box stores, but the biggest change has come in the introduction, use and evolution of technology in our businesses.

Who is your OP hero/heroine?

Steve Lynn, SVP at S.P. Richards, I have known him my whole working career. No one cares more about the independent dealer or our success than Steve.

Who is your favorite Country and Western performer?

George Jones. The best ever.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Ice cream. Love it.

Who would you like to play you in an EPIC movie of your life?

Clint Eastwood. Need I say more?

What is mankind’s most EPIC invention?

Electricity. While we take it for granted, nothing has done more for civilization than to have power and lights.

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27.7%

10.6% 10.7%

$14.4 billion

U.S. OFFICE FURNITURE MARKET FORECAST FOR 2017*

+7.2% forecast

growth over 2016*

28.3%

UCTION B OD Y PR

What do you like least about the OP industry?

Red tape. Government regulations. Non-business related expenses.

Even as a small business, we seem to be burdened with a continual barrage of new rules, regulations and time wasters.

FURNITU ICE RE FF O

What do you like most about the OP industry?

The people. I love the interaction it provides with employees, customers, vendors and other dealers. I like the idea we can work with a business and actually help them improve their company.

2015 Systems 27.7% Seating 28.3% Files 10.7% Casegoods 10.6% Storage 5.3% Tables 12.3% Other 5.0%*

THIRTY TWO

#

of EPIC 2016 exhibitors that represent furniture

*source: BIFMA

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Search for OPI magazine.

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Connecting the business products world www.opi.net

WIN BIG : thursday

WI

N B IG

A Card of m any c ol ors T oo Mu ch Fu

Are you ready to work to win some EPIC cash? Take advantage of Color Your World and earn a chance to win $5,000!

n

Join us directly after the trade show closes on Thursday, November 3 at 4:45pm for Prizeapalooza, a great chance to join your colleagues for a bite to eat, a few drinks and a great deal of fun after the hard work you’ve put in at the show.

We’ll be handing out thousands of dollars in prizes.

There’s on-stage, show-related fun such as Minute To Win It and Color Your World (below and right, respectively), as well as other booth-based promotions giving you a chance to win BIG!

At the EPIC 2016 tradeshow, participating suppliers will be assigned one of three booth colors, which will be indicated by a sticker on the floor in front of their booth.

You’ll get a Color Your World card with your registration materials in Nashville. On that

So we look forward to seeing you after the end of the trade show at Prizeapalooza for some EPIC fun.

a M atter of T im e It’s back for another year! Time on the tradeshow floor will increase your chance of cash prizes!

A minute isn’t a very long time … but it’s long enough to win cold hard cash! However, first you need to be a Tradeshow Warrior and put in some time on the tradeshow floor. Your hard work could lead to the chance to win BIG with our post-show competition… Minute To Win It. This fun-filled event gives you the chance to compete in a range of 60-second games, using household objects, for a shot at $500 cash.

How do you win?

From 1pm to 4pm a mystery individual will be walking the show floor, handing out random Minute To Win It contestant certificates to unsuspecting, hard-working dealer attendees on the tradeshow floor. Just be there, networking with the tradeshow suppliers, and you could be one of the lucky recipients!

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Y ou need to b e a T radeshow W arrior card will be a list of all the participating suppliers, and what color sticker they hold.

Your mission is to fill your card with the proper number of stickers by visiting vendors who correspond to that color.

To obtain a sticker, you must have meaningful discussions with the vendor about their products, services, and your business experience with them. After your card is filled, you will drop it off at the EPIC Information Booth, and that enters you into the drawing for $5,000! One card per dealership, you must be present to win!

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E P I C I N F O RM

A T I O N : STAFF DIRECTORY

Who ’s Who Main switchboard:

847-699-3330

E xe cu tive Staff 1. Mike Maggio President mmaggio@trimega.org Ext 116

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2. Greg Fish Executive VP Purchasing gfish@trimega.org Ext 112

5. Gene Rigitano VP Finance grigitano@trimega.org Ext 120

3. Michael Morris Executive VP Marketing mmorris@trimega.org Ext 118

6. Brian Stevenson Director of Managed Print Services bstevenson@trimega.org Ext 143

4. Grady Taylor Executive VP Member Development; Managing Director, Point Nationwide gtaylor@trimega.org Ext 119

5

7. Tom Hoffmann Director of Purchasing thoffmann@trimega.org Ext 164

Staff 8. Audrey Daniel Customer Service adaniel@trimega.org Ext 123

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8

6

9. Rachel Dorman Rebate Manager rdorman@trimega.org Ext 111 10. Barbara Kraus Credit Manager bkraus@trimega.org Ext 126

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11. Maureen Modelski Marketing Administrator mmodelski@trimega.org Ext 127 12. Diane Pakonen Customer Service Manager dpakonen@trimega.org Ext 122

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13. Tanya Ross Partner Business Manager tross@trimega.org Ext 170

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EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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STAFF DIRECTORY : E P I C I N F O RMA

T IO N

b oard of direct ors

21

22

23

24

29

25

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22. Dave Kenworthy Immediate Past Vice Chairman Storey Kenworthy Co, Des Moines, IA 515-558-6058 dkenworthy@ storeykenworthy.com

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23. Thomas Jordan Treasurer Herald Office Supply, Dillon, SC 843-774-5155 tmjordan@hosnet.net

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14. Bob Samborski Systems Administrator rsamborski@trimega.org Ext 133

21. Lyle Dabbert Chairman Brown & Saenger, Sioux Falls, SD 605-336-1960 ldabbert@ brown-saenger.com

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

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

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

17

30. Wayne Stillwagon Director Miller’s Supplies at Work, Lorton, VA 703-644-2200 wstillwagon@ millersoffice.com

26. Lane Harper Gulf Coast Office Products, Pensacola, FL 850-434-5588 harper@gcop.com 27. George Wood Greenwood Office Outfitters, Ft Worth, TX 817-617-5138 gwood@ greenwoodoffice.com

18

31. Stephanie Yarborough NEXT Committee Chairperson Herald Office Solutions, Dillon, SC 650-385-2612 syarborough@hosnet.com

28. Rose Molz EZ Offfice Products, Madison, WI 608-310-4300 rmolz@ezop.com

19

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

20. TJ Crayne IT Director tcrayne@trimega.org Ext 137

15. Allison Little Marketing Manager alittle@trimega.org Ext 117

18 15

16. Marie Schmidt Office Manager mschmidt@trimega.org Ext 110 17. Kelly Schoen Product Analyst kschoen@trimega.org Ext 121

13 11

19 16

18. Carolyn Yost Accounts Payable cyost@trimega.org Ext 125 19. Eric Jensen IT Administrator ejensen@trimega.org Ext 132

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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20 17

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E P I C I N F O RM

A T I O N : STAFF DIRECTORY

Wh o’s Who E xe cu tive Staff 1. Michael Gentile, President & CEO gentile@independentstationers.coop – 317-579-1113 2. Charles Forman, Executive VP forman@independentstationers.coop – 317-579-1177 3. Dean Dalrymple, IT Director dalrymple@independentstationers.coop – 317-579-1135 4. Janet Eshenour, Director of Marketing eshenour@independentstationers.coop – 317-579-1153

1

5. Mike Foster, Director of Merchandising foster@independentstationers.coop – 317-579-1101

5

6. Robin Keltner, Controller keltner@independentstationers.coop – 317-579-1102 7. Cora Lienemann, Administrative Assistant lienemann@independentstationers.coop – 317-579-1111 8. Jeff Matthews, Chief Financial Officer matthews@independentstationers.coop – 317-579-1109

2

Staff 6

3

7

9. Tom Ashburn Membership Development Representative ashburn@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1117

14. Doug Murray EDI & Systems Specialist murray@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1103

10. Ty Blankenbaker Merchandising Manager blankenbaker@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1163

15. Angela Summers Accounts Payable summers@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1134

11. Joe Downham Oracle Systems Analyst downham@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1112

16. Kimberly Wells A/R Customer Service wells@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1143

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

17. Kathy Zunica Accounting Clerk zunica@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1176

13. Phyllis Kriner Senior Financial Analyst kriner@independentstationers.coop 317-579-1151

4

8

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EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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STAFF DIRECTORY : E P I C I N F O RMA

T IO N

b oard of direct ors 23

26

20 18

19. Joel Vockrodt Vice Chairman Office Peeps joel.vockrodt@officepeeps.com 605-886-6488

24

27

21 19

20. Brian Kerr Treasurer Kerr Office Group bkerr@kerrog.com 270-765-6171 21. Steve Gordon Secretary Independence Business Products steve.gordon@ibuyibs.com 216-398-8880

25

28

22

18. Bryan Kristenson Chairman Office Plus of Kansas bryan@officeplusks.com 316-838-9329

22. Tonya Horn Rogard’s Office Plus tonya@rogards.com 217-359-1795 23. Randy Garcia Office Express Supply randy@xpressbuy.com 305-557-1667 24. Tim Triplett Triplett Office Essentials ttriplett@tripletts.com 515-270-9150

9

12

15

25. Jordan Kudler Legacy Office Solutions jkudler@crest-op.com 718-235-2200 26. Bill Schuette Smart Business Products bill@smartbusinessproducts.com 573-474-4057

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EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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14

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27. Kenny Sayes Past Chairman Sayes Office Supply ksayes@sayesoffice.com 318-448-4225 28. David Guernsey Pinnacle Affiliates Representative Guernsey Office ceo@buyguernsey.com 703-968-8200

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E P I C I N F O RM

A T I O N : STAFF DIRECTORY

E pic b usiness essential s team 1. Andy Sullenberger Manager, Customer Support and Quality asullenberger@epicbusinessessentials.com 847-261-0054

8. Scott Zintz National Accounts Business Development Manager szintz@epicbusinessessentials.com 630-220-9505

2. Cindy Bruce EPIC Administration Team cbruce@epicbusinessessentials.com 815-433-6059

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

3. Davida Townzen Implementation Specialist/Collections dtownzen@epicbusinessessentials.com 827-261-0057 7

4. Doug Fox National Accounts Pricing/Data Analyst dfox@epicbusinessessentials.com 317-579-1140 5. Nita Turpin Implementation Manager nturpin@epicbusinessessentials.com 847-261-0053

4 1

6. Pam Quackenbush Accounting and Systems Specialist pquackenbush@epicbusinessessentials.com 847-261-0082

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7. Sandy Teets Implementation Support steets@epicbusinessessentials.com 317-579-1127

5 2 9

6 3

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E P I C I N F O RM

A T I O N : NOTES

T ake N ote

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EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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NOTES : E P I C I N F O RMA

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

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T IO N

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OUR SPONSORS : E P I C I N F O RMA

T IO N

T hank you

s r o s n o Sp

and thank ners recognize io at St t en nd depe ssible.

TriMega and In ing this event po ak m r fo rs so spon our EPIC 2016

EPIC SHOW GUIDE

SPONSORED BY:

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