Call it collaboration on tour.

Counselor Top 40 firm Proforma (asi/300094) recently wrapped up an event series that brought together affiliates from its network of distributors with preferred suppliers for in-person brainstorming and networking in three U.S. cities.

The Energize Summit Meetings occurred in Philadelphia, San Diego and Charlotte.

Organized into 20-minute quick-hit, round-robin-style interactions between distributors and suppliers, the meetings enabled the Proforma pros to develop ideas for key clients and in-the-works campaigns, with suppliers showcasing spec samples and offering consultative ideas.

Approximately 150 supplier partners and Proforma affiliate distributors participated in the traveling series. Fun social events helped augment the networking, including a karaoke night.

“These events go beyond the traditional networking format,” said Proforma Director of Sales Meg Erber. “The trust they foster through personal connections, both in and outside of meeting rooms, makes them unique.” Proforma Vice President of Vendor Relations Michelle Dalton added that the Energize Meetings “help build and strengthen the community past the transactional part of our business.”

In business for more than 45 years, Proforma ranked fifth on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry based on reported 2023 North American promotional products sales of $638 million.