Covid or no, the Industry Summit is a go.
Beckett Media announced Wednesday that the annual gathering of hobby shop owners, distributors and others will take place as scheduled September 13-16 in Las Vegas.
“Throughout the nationwide pandemic we have been in constant contact with key partners,” stated Co-Chairman Ted Barker. “We have monitored the Covid-19 statistics in Las Vegas. We considered contingency plans including a virtual summit or cancellation, if the situation dictated.”
Organizers say they sent out surveys to 2019 attendees and collectors, held meeting with sponsors, manufacturers, distributors, licensors and the Westgate resort, which is again hosting the event. The feedback was to produce the Summit as planned, especially considering the continued growth of the modern card market during the pandemic. A series of new safety protocols will be in place throughout the resort and convention spaces, according to Summit organizers.
“These are extraordinary times in our industry and our country.” said Panini America Vice President of Sales & Product Development DJ Kazmierczak. “We can think of no better way to celebrate the impending return of ‘new normal’ business than to gather in Las Vegas in September and lead discussion into how we will continue the incredible industry momentum we’ve all created and managed. Our entire Panini America team has always felt that a collaborative Industry Summit is of the utmost importance in building this incredible marketplace we’re all a part of.”
Jason Howarth, Panini’s Vice President of Marketing added, “This year, will be an even more important year for us to gather at the Industry Summit to learn how we all responded to the pandemic and continue to form valued relationships as we continue to grow the category.”
Plans for this year’s event include more channel-specific breakout sessions, a new Meet The Industry format and Product Showcase. A keynote address speaker will be announced soon.
The NBA and eBay will join Panini as returning partners.
Presentations, meetings, discussions and social activities are part of the conference.
Barker says registration will open June 15 with s complete schedule of events and major announcements posted to the event’s website as they occur.
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