Top 40 distributor American Solutions for Business (asi/120075), along with its sister company American Diversity, recently held a virtual event in which salespeople and team members for the Glenwood, MN-based company were able to participate in private 20-minute virtual sessions with up to 69 vendor partners.

Called Thriving in 20, the event played out over two weeks, giving participants time to meet with as many vendors as possible. The digitally driven education initiative kicked off with insightful industry update videos from ASB executives and promotional products industry leaders who included Tim Andrews, president/CEO of the Advertising Specialty Institute, the promo industry’s largest membership organization.

“Just because we aren’t able to host large-scale events in person doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from virtual opportunities to connect our salespeople with our top vendor partners,” said Dana Zezzo, ASB’s vice president of marketing, vendor relations and events. “This format allowed for an inclusive, cost-effective environment that worked around all participants’ schedules.”

ASB executives said the company has been proactive about embracing technology platforms to facilitate collaboration, idea sharing and professional improvement amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has largely put in-person events on the backburner.

“The Thriving in 20 event was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Tom Clouser, national account manager at supplier BEL Promo (asi/39552). “Being able to duplicate an in-person meeting is no easy task, but ASB nailed it. Reps came prepared and ready to discuss opportunities and were super engaging and committed to forming true partnerships.”

With reported 2019 North American promotional product revenue of $202 million, ASB ranked 11th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry.