IBPI Connect 2024: A Successful Gathering in Orlando

The annual IBPI Connect event, held this year at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando from April 3rd to 5th, marked another milestone for the organization and its members. This gathering, known for fostering networking and collaboration among dealers in the industry, attracted nearly 90 member dealers and 21 IBPI Vendor Partners, indicating a robust and engaged community.

For the first time, a quarter of the attendees were newcomers to Connect, signaling the event’s growing appeal and the expanding reach of IBPI within the industry. The organization expressed excitement over the newcomers’ participation, emphasizing the importance of growing the community and the opportunities that come with it.

The event kicked off with a welcoming reception at the Convention Center on the evening of April 3rd, setting the tone with the Top 50 Awards and Rebate Check Distributions, followed by a mesmerizing fireworks display at the Marina. The schedule was packed with insightful sessions and keynotes, including the notable “Speed Dating” session, aimed at fostering quick and effective networking among participants.

One of the highlights was the series of professional sessions that covered a broad range of topics, from legal issues affecting the industry, presented by Bob Goldberg, to wellness in the workplace by Kristin Markey. These sessions provided valuable insights and actionable advice, underlining IBPI’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the industry.

A special mention must be made of the Platinum Sponsor comments by Polek & Polek, demonstrating the critical role that sponsors play in making such events possible and successful. The vendor sponsors, including notable names like Arlington, Clover Imaging Group, ConnectWise, Hytec,and Katun, were instrumental in enriching the event experience.

As the event concluded with a joint meeting with BTA and a captivating talk by Don Yaeger, it was clear that IBPI Connect 2024 had not only met but exceeded expectations. The organization’s anticipation for the 2025 event is already building, promising even more opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.