ASI Show ConneX, an in-person event that blended the hosted-buyer concept with a product expo, made its debut last week at the Cosmopolitan resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

From Sept. 28-Oct. 1, ASI Show facilitated more than 2,000 individual meetings between suppliers and distributors – an industry first – with additional meetings taking place during networking activities and the product expo.

“Going in, we didn’t know if the industry would embrace a new, one-of-a-kind concept in promo events, but the reviews are in and they’re spectacular,” said Tim Andrews, president and CEO of ASI. “We’re already planning next year’s ConneX, further refining this winning formula, so mark your calendar for September 2022 and be sure to join us.”

A total of 175 industry professionals attended the hosted-buyer portion of the event, with more than 100 additional distributors pre-registered for the product expo held on the final day. Suppliers and distributors who attended the premiere cited the event’s unique matchmaking format and results-driven networking in their personal customer-satisfaction reviews.

“I was really excited by this matchmaking meeting format because of my niche product line, which would benefit from a more selective and fine-tuned meeting schedule,” said Brandon Westmoreland, sales manager for National Banner Company (asi/73280). “Reviewing the event’s participants to set up meetings with those who offered me the most opportunity led to great conversations that have been highly productive to the point that the 18-minute meetings were just not long enough.”

Check out video from @TheASIShow ConneX event in Las Vegas! pic.twitter.com/UbUA1iteE0

— ASICentral (@asicentral) September 30, 2021

Since June, ASI has hosted five in-person events, including three fASIlitates and ASI Show Chicago.

ASI Show presents another hosted-buyer fASIlitate at the Hilton in downtown Nashville, Oct. 19-22, featuring private, preset meetings between qualifying top-level distributors and suppliers, with each 20-minute meeting taking place in the privacy of the supplier’s suite. In addition to in-person shows and events, ASI Show continues to host virtual gatherings like the Digital Expo, October 26-27, featuring product sourcing, educational sessions and networking, free to ASI members and non-members.