American Solutions For Business (ASB, asi/120075), the eighth-largest distributor by revenue in the North American promotional products industry, hosted about 525 attendees and 120 supplier exhibitors at its recently concluded National Sales Conference.

The first in-person event for ASB in two years (due to COVID-19), the conference in Orlando, FL, featured a two-day tradeshow, resort day (filled with open golf, pool party, swag show and ASI-hosted late-night party), professional development, supplier and home-office workshops, two charity events that raised more than $9,000, and more.

American Solutions For Business held its first in-person conference in two years in February.

“Our team has spent months making sure this was the best conference yet,” said Dana Zezzo, ASB’s vice president of marketing, vendor relations and events. “We missed those who weren’t able to be present physically, but we’re so thankful for those who made the trip and participated all week long.”

The week began with a morning golf session at the Omni Resort. It was open to ASB associates and preferred supplier partners. A vendor swag show also premiered. Professional development included nine optional workshops, allowing associates to choose which sessions they wanted to attend and when.

Supplier Ennis (asi/52493) sponsored a morning coffee lounge. A newbie reception was hosted that gave sales associates an opportunity to connect with each other, share ideas and network.

Meanwhile, the charity efforts included an all-abilities memorial walk at ChampionsGate Omni Hotel in honor of late ASB sales associate Tom Keller. Proceeds went to the First Church Coral Springs Youth Program. Keller, whose family attended the walk, taught Sunday school and the program was important to him.

ASB’s second charity effort was a flamingo race at a poolside social. Proceeds went to Say Goodnight to Hunger, which is affiliated with Feeding America. The race involved participants purchasing a flamingo floatie for $5 to enter a race in the resort’s lazy river. The initiative and custom flamingos were sponsored by Phenix Direct.

“Being our first in-person conference in two years, we were excited but mindful of safety,” said Larry Zavadil, founder and CEO of ASB and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “Making sure that everyone was healthy and safe was our top priority, so we took the necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment. This was a great event to celebrate and nurture the growth of ASB.”

With reported 2020 North American promo product revenue of $238.3 million, ASB ranked eighth on Counselor’s most recent list of the Top 40 distributors in the industry.