Facilisgroup’s in-person events are back in a big way.

The partnering community and software-as-a-service company for the promotional products industry hosted more than 700 attendees at its Partner Summit and Supplier Showcase, held June 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, FL. Organizers said it was Facilisgroup’s largest event since 2018.

Sessions at the summit were packed.

“Our community was hungry for an amazing, immersive time together,” said Facilisgroup President Ashley McCune, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “We’ve made the best of virtual events and webinars, but our community knows there’s no substitution for building relationships in person while learning from each other and having a great time.”

Facilisgroup said the event drew industry pros from more than 130 distributorships and over 60 suppliers. Attendees engaged in sessions geared toward professional development, Facilisgroup product updates, and motivation. In total, there were 28 sessions, ranging from training to panels given by members of the Facilisgroup community and other industry leaders.

Speakers included Tim Andrews, president and CEO of ASI. He presented on the current and future state of the industry. Meanwhile, Dan Pantano, a Power 50 member and president/CEO of promo’s second largest supplier, alphabroder (asi/34063), gave an in-depth supplier’s perspective on the state of the market. Another Power 50 member – Chris Anderson, CEO of Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966) – spoke on supply chain.

Other speakers included author and TEDx speaker Stan Phelps, who discussed ways to empower employees. Emily Grigot, senior manager of sustainability at promo’s biggest supplier, SanMar (asi/84863), presented on the importance of having an environmental, social and governance (ESG) plan. Facilisgroup pros Liam Conlan and Amy Rabideau reviewed the company’s latest and upcoming tech innovations.

Beyond the sessions, the event’s Supplier Showcase saw a trade show floor filled with 62 of Facilisgroup’s preferred suppliers.

“Besides top products from suppliers, attendees experienced promotional products in several new ways,” Facilisgroup noted. “The Rock the Block Fashion Show featured apparel and accessories modeled by Facilisgroup staff, as well as members of Facilisgroup’s reigning Distributor Partner of the Year, SCG & Associates (asi/315978). A live cooking demonstration from HPG Brands brought kitchen products to life, including a delicious, branded recipe.”

The event had a charitable component. Through a partnership with United Way, a Facilis Cares initiative involved making blankets for local organizations: Harbor House, Vitas Healthcare, Seniors First and the Osceola Council on Aging.

There were good-natured social happenings, too. “A Block Party was held on the hotel’s 1,500-acre property, complete with live music, an ice cream truck, branded games and caricature artists,” Facilisgroup noted. “At a separate Sea World event, Facilisgroup reserved the new Ice Breaker roller coaster and a private party area for a one-of-a-kind experience for all in attendance.”

Attendees gave the overall experience of the Partner Summit a thumbs up.

“The whole week was excellent,” said Todd Deacon, general manager of Action Athletic Wear (asi/104627). “Facilisgroup does a great job of bringing its members together and making us feel like one team – with such attention to detail.”