Letter from the SAWD CEO

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN PERSON

It is hard to believe two years have passed since our last in-person Annual Meeting in Williamsburg. To say a lot has changed since June 2019 would be an understatement. Our industry had to pivot and adapt in new ways. From virtual trade shows to Zoom meetings filling our schedules, 2020 will not soon be forgotten.

The pandemic forced everyone to embrace technology and The Southern took full advantage of our members’ skills. In the past year, the association has gotten active on Facebook, started a LinkedIn page and held virtual events including the Annual Meeting, several SLD-hosted meetings, and an Executive Roundtable.

The widespread adoption of Zoom and other platforms will allow the association to connect more often throughout the year. You can expect more roundtables, educational seminars, and an end-of-year Virtual Ten-2-Profit! The Virtual Ten-2-Profit will be the perfect opportunity for vendors and wholesale distributors to share year-end deals, and promote upcoming products releasing in the new year.

2020 also brought the launch of the association’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Starting with a resource page (the-southern.org/dei), the site provides members with articles, videos, and podcasts to aid in their own DEI journey. The page will continue to be updated as more resources become available. The Southern is fully engaged, providing education and discussion around this all too important initiative. We very much look forward to working with all our members as our DEI journey evolves.

For all we were able to accomplish virtually, we were more than thrilled to host the 2021 Midyear Meeting in-person this past January. Friends and colleagues got to reconnect, share stories about quarantine life, and discuss how excited they were for the Annual Meeting.

This year’s meeting is sure to meet the high standard you have come to expect. From the education sessions and buyer events to the networking and social opportunities, the 2021 Annual Meeting is sure to be memorable. Although the end is in sight for the pandemic, attendee safety will continue to be paramount. We are working with the hotel to ensure everyone will get to enjoy themselves in a fun and safe environment.

For many of you, this will be the first time we will be meeting in-person. As much as I have loved our Zoom calls, I cannot wait to share a fist bump with you.

See you in Point Clear! Thank you as always for your continued support of The Southern. VJ Mayor

SAWD CEO