More than 800 promotional products professionals attended Top 40 distributor Proforma’s (asi/300094) “2018 Convention and Family Reunion” at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The recent four-day event, which centered on the concept of “The Steps” promo pros should take to engender greater success, served as a forum for professional education, networking and inspiration.

Convention attendees included Brenda Angelini (far right), co-owner of Proforma Angelini + Diamond Solutions of Houston, TX, and sales representatives from her team -- (left to right) Kathy Baker, Sharon Henry and Andrea Winans.

“It’s an event where our amazing owners, supplier partners and support team members come together to exchange ideas, share new products and learn new strategies in helping each other achieve their goals and attain more success,” said Proforma founder Greg Muzzillo.

Attendees benefitted from insights about everything from new sales strategies and engaging customers through social media, to streamlining processes through new technology. Speakers included influential Proforma owners such as Fred Albrecht, a member of Proforma’s 25-Million-Dollar Club and co-owner of Proforma Albrecht & Co. (asi/116308) in Milford, OH. He provided strategic insight into implementing the 12-week year theory – a concept that advocates setting and achieving goals at 12-week intervals rather than annually. Meanwhile, Bill Hageman, a member of Proforma’s 10-Million-Dollar Club and co-owner of Proforma Graphic Services in Columbus, OH, also spoke. He delivered insights about the rich opportunities that can come when both owners and sales reps embrace savvy eCommerce initiatives.

Proforma Founder Greg Muzzillo with Fred and Suzette Albrecht, co-owners of Proforma Albrecht & Co., which earned this year’s “Top Biller” title with nearly $30 million in 2017 sales.

Additionally, Proforma introduced convention attendees for the first time to the Proforma Learning Center – interactive training videos designed for owners and sales representatives to gain mastery in business development, product knowledge and building a lifestyle business.

Another popular stop for many attendees was the “Show & Grow Exhibit.” There, attendees could learn how Proforma owners and sales reps have partnered with suppliers to grow sales through direct client interaction. The “Supplier Partner Showcase” featured new products from more than 300 suppliers.

Rising Star Award winners from left to right: Chad Vollmer, owner of Volmco Enterprises Powered by Proforma; Josh Fuller, owner of Relevant Business Solutions Powered by Proforma; Deborah Lanigan, owner of Proforma Mega Marketing Solutions; and Rhonda Reedy, co-owner of Barefoot Swag Powered by Proforma.

“We would never have a lot of the ideas, energy, opportunities and relationships that allow us to continue to grow without attending the convention. We leave reenergized and refocused, ready to attack our business plan,” said Allison Washburn, co-owner of Full Throttle Marketing Powered by Proforma in Bonita Springs, FL.

The convention also played host to Proforma’s annual awards ceremony, during which 32 owners were recognized for qualifying for the 2018 Inc. 5000. Relatedly, 12 Proforma businesses and their 26 owners received accolades for making the list of “Fastest-Growing Companies in America.”

Proforma Founder Greg Muzzillo with Phil Yale (holding award), owner of Proforma Legacy, and Yale’s son Brian Yale. Phil Yale is Proforma’s 2018 Hall of Fame Award winner.

Proforma also recognized nine “Rising Star” Award winners. Phil Yale, owner of Proforma Legacy in Westlake, OH, was this year’s Hall of Fame Award winner. There were 15 “Top Supplier Partner” Award winners, and 19 Proforma owners were recognized as the “Best of the Best” for making “Top Billers” status. Fred and Suzette Albrecht, co-owners of Proforma Albrecht & Co., earned the “Top Biller” title with nearly $30 million in 2017 sales.