Members aim high and reach wide during final PRSM National Conference.
Not even a late-spring snowstorm could stop the final PRSM National Conference from being a major success. From changing the branding of the association from PRSM to Connex, to the motivational keynote address by Mel Robbins, members rocked the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center for three days.
From across the nation, members arrived early to participate in the PRSM Foundation Top Golf tournament and tour cannabis store operations as well as the Denver Broncos stadium.
Action ramped up Monday morning as more than 100 attendees participated in the PRSM Foundation Impact project benefiting the Volunteers of America Family Motel. In the afternoon, a snowstorm rolled in during the Opening Reception, but the cold white stuff didn’t put a chill on the action as members used the latest high-tech gadget — a business card clicker — to make more than 60,000 connections that were immediately uploaded to their personal conference app.
Tuesday morning, the General Session included the association’s annual meeting presentation and a transfer of association power, as Jonathan Bauer, Sr. Director Store Development, Gap Inc. and PRSM Board Chair for the last two years, handed over the reins to Myriah Kingen, Director, Facilities Management, DaVita Kidney Care, the incoming Board Chair for Connex 2019-2020. The new Connex 2019-2020 Board was also introduced.
The session was highlighted by world-renowned speaker and author Mel Robbins. She helped the audience learn how to use her now famous 5-Second Rule to make better business and personal decisions, break bad habits and take their lives to a new level.
At the end of the General Session, CEO Bill Yanek rolled out the biggest change in the association’s history, announcing that PRSM will now be known as Connex. The branding change was a six-month process directed by the Board of Directors and staff involving extensive member and industry research. The rebranding process was highlighted in the inaugural special issue of Connexus magazine delivered in early May.
During the Awards Luncheon, the PRSM 2019 industry awards were presented to outstanding companies and individuals that have contributed to the success of the industry and the association.
Between the General Session and Awards Luncheon, the Retail Quick Connect provided suppliers the opportunity to meet with dozens of retailers in person in a speed-dating setting that maximizes the networking process, providing easy access to Connex retailers.
The Exhibition Hall opened Tuesday afternoon filled with more than 400 exhibitors, all ready to meet with the hundreds of retailers attending the conference. Special Power Session presentations on a variety of topics attracted attendees to stay on the show floor.
The Exhibition concluded Wednesday afternoon with a Grand Prize drawing at the Lennox booth that saw Ashley Briones-Oliveros win a 36-month lease on a Ford EcoSport.
Wednesday’s schedule was also packed with dozens of educational sessions covering a wide range of FM topics, from avoiding safety fines, to effective selling, energy efficiency case studies, leadership tips by Drew Dudley, TCO for HVAC systems, financing company growth and others.
Wednesday’s daytime schedule concluded with the special Women in FM Chocolate and Champagne reception, attended by more than 200 members.
As the sun set behind the Colorado Rockies, Connex members wrapped up the conference at the closing event featuring music by Wash Park, dancing and truly unique body marbling experience where members could get colorful temporary tattoos.
This was the final PRSM National Conference. The event has served members well for almost a quarter century. Make plans now to attend Connex2020 National Conference at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, April 20–22, 2020. Connex2020 promises to be bigger and better as Connex expands its influence across the multi-site FM industry. (For more on the Connex rebranding, read the Special Issue of Connexus online at connexfm.com/connexus.) 
Learn more online!
For more information on Connex and the new face of the association, visit connexfm.com.
