A record-breaking crowd tapped into the power of facilities at the PRSM2018 National Conference. More than 2,000 facilities professionals powered up on advice from Gary Vaynerchuk in the General Session, attended innovative educational sessions and collaborated while visiting the more than 350 exhibitors on the show floor.
“We are pleased to announce PRSM2018 National Conference has set a new all-time registration record,” said Bill Yanek, PRSM CEO. “We are thrilled to see the excitement rippling through the attendees, the excitement on the trade show floor and the outstanding number of retailers who are present.”
The conference kicked off Sunday, April 8, with pre-conference activities that included the PRSM Board meeting, golf tournament, street hockey tournament and general networking. Activities ramped up on Monday as committee meetings, the Foundation Charity Event, RMFP exam and special educational sessions filled the day.
Tuesday’s schedule began with a crisis! A crisis management session that is, which provided attendees insight into how some of the biggest retailers managed the multiple crises that hit the U.S. during the last 12 months.
The highlight of Tuesday’s schedule was Gary Vaynerchuk’s keynote address during the General Session and the PRSM Awards Luncheon, followed by the opening of the Exhibit Hall.
Vaynerchuk, one of the world’s leading marketing experts, built his career by being exactly where consumer attention is going next. His dynamic message challenged attendees to always be looking for ways to grab the attention of potential customers by “following the attention of the customer.”
Jonathan Bauer, PRSM Board Chair, presented the state of the association address. “PRSM is financially strong and sound,” Bauer said. “While we are all dealing with natural disasters, political turmoil, social movements and gun violence, retail is strong and our future is bright.”
Bauer explained that while we cannot control factors that impact the industry, we can control what happens at PRSM. “We have surveyed the membership and we are addressing your needs, which include technology updates, ensuring we have the right people doing the right thing, and establishing a long-term vision for PRSM. The stage is set, the time is now! Be patient, be positive and engage. Together we can take PRSM to the next level!”
Bill Yanek, PRSM CEO, emphasized how PRSM will execute on the Board’s vision. “We are creating new opportunities for PRSM members to connect, enhancing major conferences by increasing the retailer-to-supplier ratios, upgrading and customizing our technology, embracing diversity opportunities and developing a strategic plan that defines a clear path to 2023,” Yanek reported.
The Awards Luncheon on Tuesday recognized outstanding PRSM members and companies across a wide variety of categories. The Department of Energy (DOE) also awarded the Advanced Roof Top Unit (RTU) awards, which also recognized PRSM member companies.
The PRSM Exhibit Hall ribbon cutting welcomed members to the PRSM2018 trade show, which was packed throughout the afternoon and on Wednesday as retailers visited with hundreds of suppliers capable of meeting any retail facility need.
Educational sessions topped off the schedule Wednesday afternoon, providing members the opportunity to catch up on the latest trade trends, learn how to cut costs and even find financing for their companies.
It was a diamond-studded, boot-stomping evening as the award-winning country western band, Diamond Rio, closed down PRSM2018. Members partied the night away and one of the band’s major hit songs summarized how most felt when it was over – because everyone wanted just “One More Day.”
If you missed PRSM2018, you don’t have to wait long for the next PRSM event. PRSM Mid-Year will be September 26-28, at the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, AZ.
The PRSM Foundation Charity project was sponsored by Facility Plus.
PRSM2018 Awards Recipients
Industry leaders set the pace and PRSM recognized FM industry pace setters during the PRSM2018 Conference. This year’s award winners included:
• Retailer of the Year – Paul Walsh – Apple
• Supplier of the Year – Mike Kurland – Branded Group
• Volunteer of the Year – Lynn Harnishfeger – Springwise Facility Management
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Steven Gottfried – ServiceChannel
• Service Excellence Award – Marc Balzamo, Fexa and Brian Foster, The Paint Folks
• Innovation in Sustainability Award– Target and TD Bank
The winners of this year’s DOE Advanced RTU Awards include Walgreens, DaVita, Sheetz, Life Time Fitness, Mass Save with Energy Solutions, Tri Pacific Heating & A/C and Transformative Wave Technologies.
Marc Balzamo, Fexa and Brian Foster, The Paint Folks were awarded PRSM Service Excellence Awards.
Congratulations to Apple and Paul Walsh, who accepted the Retailer of the Year Award.
Steven Gottfried, Founder and former CEO of ServiceChannel, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award.
TD Bank’s Sean Coakley and Target’s Erin Tyler accepted the Innovation in Sustainability Award.
Monica Ferrer of Walgreens was awarded PRSM2018 Young Professional of the Year Award.
(Left) The Home Depot Canada received the 2018 Canadian Retailer of the Year. (Right) David Levy, CEO of Facility Plus was awarded the 2018 Canadian Supplier of the Year Award.
By: Bruce Condit
