It's an eclectic city.

September 17 - September 20, 2024...

AIM/R's headed to Nashville for the 52nd Annual Conference. The Renaissance Nashville Hotel is our headquarters - a block away from Broadway and City Center.

Together we can "Light Up Nashville" this fall but only if you join us. Join your industry colleagues and peers this September for an experience that will have your boots kickin' in no time.

Sandestin

It's more than Boot-scootin' Boogie.

Greetings, colleagues and friends! I am excited to be your Conference Chair in 2024. You might think that it's simply ten gallon hats and Yee-haws! But Nashville is so much more. Broadway, Mother Church. Hot Chicken. Grand Ole Opry, GooGoo Clusters. Music City USA. Bluegrass. Rock. Indie. Jazz. Gospel.

Both the Conference Committee and I are deeply invested in every detail from networking opportuniteis, to critical topics facing the industry, to Vendor Exhibits, to the LOT/T Experience, and off-site adventures. We aim to provide the very best for you and your team members. There is something for Manufacturers, Rep Agencies, and guests this fall. We all know that Content is King. The "AIM/R Live" format showcasing interviews with industry experts from the supply chain continues this year. The educational sessions planned will afford you and your company knowledge to protect your bottom line and your company's future. Scroll down to the Schedule and Program sections to see why.

There's more... we're opening the doors to the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Wednesday for AIM/R. Check-out what awaits you in Nashville through this video!

See you in Nashville!

Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC

Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC
2024 Conference Chair
President, WHB

Registration

Who Attends and When?

Rep Agents 3 Days: September 17–20, 2024
Manufacturers 2 Days: September 17–18, 2024

2024 Fees

CategoryEarly Bird RateThrough 7/1Regular RateAfter 7/1All fees in USD / Per Person
Rep Agents: First Registrant* $995 $1,195
Rep Agents: Additional Registrants (same firm)* $895 $1095
Past Presidents' Incentive* (contact [email protected] to access this discount) $700 $700
Spouses/Guests* $650 $750
Rep Agents: Non-member* $1,500 $1,900
Vendors: Software & Service Provider*** $850 $850
Vendors: Additional Software & Service Provider (same firm)*** $650 $650
Manufacturers** $650 $650
New Members $550 $550

*Rep Agency, Past Presidents, and Spouses / Guests

Tuesday Welcome Reception; First-timers' Reception (First-timers' only); all networking breakfasts and lunches, all educational sessions; and Wednesday evening Reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.

**Manufacturer Activities / Sept. 17th - 18th

Tuesday Welcome Reception; networking breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, keynote presentation & educational sessions on Wednesday; and Wednesday evening Reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.

***Vendor Activities

(1) Tabletop display, Tuesday Welcome Reception, all networking breakfasts and lunches, all educational sessions, Wednesday evening Reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.

Early Bird Discount

Available through July 1, 2024

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received by July 1st, 2024 will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued after July 1st, 2024. Cancellations must be in writing and sent to [email protected].

If the event cannot take place due to reasons of Force Majeure, AIM/R will provide monetary credits for registrations fees purchased in 2024 for this event in 2025.

Payment

Payment can be made online or by fax. The following credit cards are accepted by AIM/R: VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Payments by check can be mailed to AIM/R 800 Roosevelt Road, C-312, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

Safety Guidelines Consent

AIM/R is committed to your safety and comfort at the AIM/R 52nd Annual Conference (Sept. 17 - Sept. 20, 2024) and will adhere to the guidelines and restrictions set forth by the State of Tennessee, Davidson County, and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel at the time of the Annual Conference. By registering as an attendee, I agree to abide by these guidelines and any restrictions.

Photography & Video Recording Consent

Photography and video recording will be used throughout AIM/R's Annual Conference and at related activities. Registration and attendance at and/or participation in AIM/R's Annual Conference or other activities constitutes an agreement and consent by each registrant or participant for AIM/R and/or its licensees to use and distribute (both now and in the future) the image, likeness and voice of each registrant or participant (or family members) in photographs, videotapes, printed material, electronic reproductions and audio recording that are taken or recorded at such event or related activities.

If you have any questions, please contact AIM/R at [email protected] or 630.942.6581.

Schedule

We're taking Conflict, Negotiation, and Resolution head-on.

All times are central time. For details on the sessions and presenters, visit the Program section of the site.

AIM/R has returned to its traditional schedule: Manufacturers join us from September 17th - 18th; Rep Agents, their Spouses/Guests, and Vendors join us from September 17th - 20th.

Tuesday, September 17 Reps & Manufacturers

8:00am – 12:30pm

AIM/R Board of Directors Meeting

By invitation only

1:00pm – 7:00pm

Registration & Check-in

Stop by the AIM/R Registration Desk to claim your badge.

2:00pm – 5:00pm

Vendor Exhibits Set-up

AIM/R Vendor Service Providers and Partners will set-up tabletop displays.

2:00pm – 5:00pm

LOT/T Field Trip:

Charting the Path - Guiding Young Leaders Through Nashville's Wholesale Distribution Landscape

Check back for more details.

Advance registration by Rep Agents is required. Seats are limited.

5:30pm – 6:00pm

First-Timer's Reception

First-time attendees and New Members of the Association are invited to attend. Members of AIM/R's Leadership look forward to meeting you for this prequel to the Welcome Reception.

By invitation only.

6:00pm – 7:30pm

Welcome Reception

All attendees (Manufacturers, Vendors, Rep Agents, and Spouses/Guests reconvene at this kick-off event for the week.)

Sponsored by Supply House Times

7:30pm

Dinner on Your Own

8:00pm – 11:00pm

AIM/R Hospitality

Location: Friends in Low Places (FLP)

Wednesday, September 18 Reps & Manufacturers

7:00am – 7:50am

Breakfast & Vendor Exhibits

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and networking. Don't forget to visit with our Vendor Service Partners.

Reps, Manufacturers, Vendors, and Speakers, are welcome.

7:00am – 10:00am

Registration & Check-in

Stop by the AIM/R Registration Desk to claim your badge.

8:00am – 8:10am

AIM/R Live: Opening Remarks

Host:

Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC, AIM/R Conference Chair and Executive Committee; President, Wiggs-Haun & Bohan

8:10am – 9:30am

Keynote:Never Split the Difference

Negotiating as if your life depended on it.

Presenter:

Chris Voss, The Black Swan Group

8:30am - 9:45am

Spouse/Guest Breakfast

All officially registered Spouses and Guests for the AIM/R 52nd Annual Conference are welcome to attend. Your credentials - your badge - are required.

Nashville City SmartHunt® immediately follows breakfast for registered/ticketed individuals.

9:30am - 9:45am

Networking Break & Vendor Exhibits

Grab a cup of coffee and catch-up with colleagues and friends.

9:45am - 10:45am

AIM/R Live: Navigating Industry Evolution – Unraveling Conflict Dynamics

Presenters:

Ryan Davenport, Davenport Associates

Andrew Windsor, WATTS Water Technologies.

10:00am – 12:30pm

Spouse / Guest Excursion:

Nashville SmartHunts®

Advance sign-up required as seats are limited. Event is ticketed at $50 / person for Spouses / Guests.

10:45am - 11:15am

AIM/R Awards

Find out who will be inducted into the AIM/R Hall of Fame. The recipient of the AIM/R Golden Eagle Award will be revealed!

11:15pm – 12:15pm

Lunch & Vendor Exhibits

Grab a plate! And, do visit our Vendor Exhibits before and after lunch!

12:30pm - 1:30pm AIM/R Live: Wholesaler Interviews
1:45pm – 3:30pm
(Table Assignments)

Rep and Manufacturer Roundtable (RAM)

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Closing Remarks & End of Day Break

Wet your whistle in the Container Hub Bar!

6:00pm –9:30pm

Reception, Harmony in Tradition:

Celebrating AIM/R's Tradition at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum

Join us for a memorable celebration of rich history and tradition at the museum as we come together to honor AIM/R and its esteemed members in Nashville.

All attendees are welcome to attend (and should)! Shuttle buses will run between the Renaissance Nashville Hotel and the museum.

Sponsored by The Wholesaler

Thursday, September 19 Reps Only

7:00am – 7:50am

Breakfast & Vendor Exhibits

Start the day with a full breakfast and networking. Remember to visit our Vendor Exhibits.

Reps, Vendors, & Speakers are welcome.

7:00 am - 7:50am

Past Presidents' Breakfast

8:00am – 8:05am

AIM/R Live: Recap

Host:

Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC, AIM/R Conference Chair & Executive Committee Member; President, Wiggs-Haun & Bohan

8:05am – 8:50am

Session: Empowering Growth

Collaborating with Wholesalers and Local Companies for Success

Moderator:

Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC, President, Wiggs-Haun & Bohan

Panelists:

Jessica Kolaitis, CPMR, Vice President of Operations, Tim Morales & Associates, Inc.

8:50am - 9:30am

Session: Harmony Beyond Borders

Navigating Conflict Management Across Lines and Geographies withing Organizations

Moderator:

Troy Joyce, CPMR, The Joyce Agency

Presenters:

Jim Ambrey, President, Hugh M. Cunningham Companies

Austin Cunningham, CPMR, Vice President Business Development, Hugh M. Cunningham Companies

 

9:30am – 9:50am

Vendor Exhibits & Networking

Visit our Vendor Partners in the Foyer and grab refreshments!

9:50am – 10:45am

Session:The U.S. Economy in 2025

Presenter: Elliot Eisenberg, "The Bowtie Economist," GraphsandLaughs

10:45am - 11:15am Networking & Vendor Exhibits
11:15am - 12:15pm

AIM/R Live & Membership Town Hall

Hear what your Association and Board have been up to this past year! An update on the new Strategic Plan as well as the incoming Board slate will be presented.

12:15pm – 1:30pm

Lunch at Assembly Food Hall & Vendor Exhibits

Enjoy lunch with fellow Rep Agents and visit with our Vendors.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Session: Conflict Management

Presenter: Nancy Milton, Leadership Coach & President, NMI, Inc.
2:30pm - 2:45pm Networking & Vendor Exhibits
2:30pm – 4:30pm

Rhythmic Exchange:

The Rep Roundtables (RISE)

Moderators:

Jessica Kolaitis, CPMR, Vice President of Operations, Tim Morales & Associates, Inc.

Michelle Lewnes-Dadas, CPMR, Vice President, Preferred Sales, Inc.

4:30pm – 4:45pm

AIM/R Live: Recap

Host:

Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC, AIM/R Conference Chair & Executive Committee Member; President, Wiggs-Haun & Bohan

6:00pm – 8:00pm

LOT/T's of Brews Happy Hour

Join fellow Leaders of Tomorrow... Today (LOT/T) for duckpin bowling and libations at Pins Mechanical.

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Special Interest Receptions

Women of AIM/R

Canadian Members

Visit one or both receptions. Reps & Vendors plus Spouses / Guests are welcome.

8:00pm – 11:00pm

AIM/R Hospitality

Location: Friends in Low Places (FLP)

Friday, September 20 Reps Only

7:00am – 7:50am

Breakfast & Vendor Exhibits

Remember to visit our Vendor Exhibits. Reps, Manufacturers, Vendors, Speakers, Rep & Vendor Spouses/Guests are welcome.

Vendor Exhibits will continue until 11:00am.

8:00am - 8:15am

AIM/R Live: Recap

Host:

Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC, AIM/R Conference Chair & Executive Committee Member; President, Wiggs-Haun & Bohan

8:15am - 9:30am

Session: Restore Trust

Presenter:

Nancy Milton, Leadership Coach & President, NMI, Inc.

9:30am - 10:30am

Session: Private Equity

Presenters: TBA

10:30am - 10:45am

AIM/R Live: Closing Remarks

Host:

Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC, AIM/R Conference Chair and Executive Committee; President, Wiggs-Haun & Bohan.

Schedule is subject to change.

Program

The topics and speakers planned for 2024 are aimed at the heart of your business operations. Actively listen and fully participate in every session. Note the specific dates that Manufacturers and then Rep Agents participate.

Rep Agents

Attendance:
September 17 – 20
(Tues. – Fri.)

Manufacturers

Attendance:
September 17 – 18
(Tues. – Wed.)

There were more than 520 total registrants at the 2023 Annual Conference in Miramar Beach, Florida. For a recap of the Annual Conference 2023, click here.

Sponsorships

MarqueeAssociation Partnership

  • A.O. Smith
  • Bradford White
  • Winsupply

ChampionAssociation Partnership

  • Mifab, Inc.
  • Morris Group International
  • Smith & Stevenson
  • Southwestern Mechanical Sales
  • Taco
  • Watts Water Technologies

SustainingAssociation Partnership

  • Hajoca
  • Sloan Valve Company

2024 EventSponsorship

  • American Bath Group

    Welcome Reception Bar – Tue Sep 17

  • American Supply Association

    General Support

  • Barclay Sales

    AIM/R Hospitality Off-site

  • Carr Company

    For Reps Only – General Support

  • Central Sales, Inc.

    For Reps

  • Cooper New England Sales

    For Reps

  • Deerman Sales

    For Reps Only – General Support

  • Hugh M. Cunningham Companies

    Keynote – Wed Sep 18th

  • Inland Sales

    For Reps Only – General Support

  • Marsh & Moore, Inc.

    For Reps

  • Mega Western, Inc.

    General Support

  • Michel Sales Agency

    For Reps

  • New Century Sales, Inc.

    For Reps Only – General Support

  • Pepco Sales & Marketing

    LOT/T Event – Thu Sep 19th

  • Platsky Company, Inc.

    For Reps

  • P-M & Associates, Inc.

    Keynote – Wed Sep 18th

  • Preferred Sales Associates

    Keynote – Wed Sep 18th

  • Preferred Sales, Inc.

    For Reps

  • Rich-Tomkins

    For Reps Only – General Support

  • Signature Sales

    LOT/T Event – Thu Sep 19th

  • Snider, Inc.

    Keynote – Wed Sep 18th

  • Southwest Sales

    For Reps

  • Spirit Group

    Entertainment – Welcome Reception Sep 17th

  • Sunbelt Marketing

    Keynote – Wed Sep 18th

  • Supply House Times

    Welcome Reception – Tue Sep 17th

  • Synergy Sales NW, LLC

    For Reps

  • The Joyce Agency

    For Reps

  • The Morgan Group

    For Reps

  • Tim Morales & Associates

    For Reps Only – General Support

  • United Sales Agency

    General Support

  • Wiggs-Haun & Bohan

    Conference Chair Support

  • The Wholesaler

    Reception – Wed Sep 18th

  • W.R. Bristow

    Keynote – Wed Sep 18th

  • NH Yates

    For Reps Only – General Support

Vendor Exhibits

AIM/R Vendor Partners

Photo courtesy of Kim Burke, IS/Quote

Service Providers, Media, and Fellow Associations

The Vendor Exhibits at the Annual Conference is a good opportunity for attendees to one-stop shop for the latest service providers and to touch base with industry publications and associations.

Thank you to our Vendors in 2023:

  • ATS Software
  • Empowering Systems
  • FOCALCXM
  • Growth Dyamics
  • HARDI
  • IS QUOTE Job Quoting & Tracking Software
  • Mindset-Conquest
  • MRERF
  • Rep Order Management
  • Rep Fabric
  • Southern PHC
  • Supply House Times
  • T.I.P.S. 4 Reps
  • The Wholesaler

Interested in exhibiting? Contact [email protected] or call 630.942.6581.

Leaders of Tomorrow... Today

AIM/R LOT/T – Leaders of Tomorrow ...Today

Are you a member of AIM/R LOT/T?

Not sure? AIM/R LOT/T is Leaders of Tomorrow... Today. If you are an up-and-coming leader in your organization or new to the industry, then you automatically qualify as a member of LOT/T. Team members with Rep Agencies and Manufacturers can participate in LOT/T events. This year, we are pleased to offer the following programming with our future leaders in mind.

Tuesday, Sep 17th – 1:00pm to 5:00pm

LOT/T Field Trip: Charting the Path - Guiding Young Leaders Through Nashville's Wholesale Distribution Landscape

Complimentary – Advance reservation is required. Must be 21 years or older to attend.

Check back for an update on this tentative site visit of a local distribution center with a large wholesaler.

Thursday, Sep 19– 6:00pm to 8:00pm

LOT/T's of Brews Happy Hour - 7th Annual!

Complimentary - Must be 21 years or older to attend.

What's duck pin bowling? Join your colleagues at Pins Mechanical and find out! It is lucky number seven for this Annual celebration. Network with your peers and establish a invaluable connections that can serve you throughout your entire career as a Rep Agent. Stay tuned for further details.

Interested in more information regarding AIM/R LOT/T? Contact [email protected] or call 630.942.6581.

Accommodations

Plan your getaway

AIM/R has secured guestrooms at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

Renaissance Nashville Hotel

Renaissance Nashville Hotel
Room TypeRates*
Single / Double Occupancy $299 / night
Triple Occupancy $319 / night
Quadruple Occupancy $339 / night

* Exclusive of applicable taxes.

Reserve Online

Or contact Renaissance Reservations Department at 615.255.8400 and request the AIM/R Group Block.

Policies

Cut-off Date: Friday, August 23, 2024

Check-in is currently at 4:00 pm central. Check-out is currently at 11:00 am central.

If the group rate is no longer available, prevailing rates may be offered for some or all of your dates.

Deposits, Cancellations, & Payments: Read carefully.

The Renaissance Nashville Hotel requires one night's room and tax as a deposit with each reservation or it will be cancelled. Reservations can be cancelled without penalty before 11:59 pm central (local hotel time) and three days prior to arrival. Any cancellations after this deadline will result in foreiture of the deposit on each reservation.

Spouse / Guest Program

There's something for everyone...

There are a couple activities planned for AIM/R Spouses / Guest in 2024. What's different in 2024? All activities are complimentary to officially registered Spouses / Guests.

Individuals under the age of 18-years-old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. There are no additional fees to participate. Badges are required for all activities.

Photo courtesy of Kim Burke, IS/Quote

Wed, Sep 18th – 8:30am to 9:45am

Welcome Brunch

Complimentary

Gather-up at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel with fellow Spouses / Guests! Renew old friendships and spark new ones at this Networking Event. A full Breakfast/Brunch will be served. Bring your taste buds to this opening event for our Spouses / Guests.

Comfortable attire is recommend. And, bring your appetite, of course!

Wed, Sep 18th – 10:00am to 12:30pm

Nashville SmartHunt®

$50 / person - ticketed event - advance purchase required

The City SmartHunt® is a great way to explore Nashville "on foot" while having fun with fellow Spouses and Guests in teams. Photo missions, video challenges, and trivia questiosn guide teams on a high-tech scavenger hunt through the various attractions, historic sites, and local "gems" in Music City USA. With an Apple iPad Mini in-hand, your team will discover and report-out on hidden secrets that the typical visitor might miss. And, yes, there are prizes and a final Award Ceremony back at the hotel. For a peek at this adventure, watch here.

Comfortable walking shoes/sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat/baseball cap, water bottle, and walking attire are recommend.Activity begings and ends at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

FAQ

Airport & Ground Transportation

What airport should I use?

There is one airport to consider for travel to Nashville, Tennessee USA:

Nashville International Airport (BNA) approximately 20 miles (35 minutes) from the hotel

Check flight options accordingly. Note that ground travel times will vary pending time of day and traffic patterns between the airport and the hotel. Please plan accordingly.

How do I get from the airport to the resort?

Check out the Ground Transportation page on the airport website. Uber and Lyft are options in addition to car rentals and shuttle buses.

Valet Parking at the hotel is $62/night + taxes. There are self-parking options nearby but not affilated with the hotel. 

How do I learn more about the area?

For a sneak peek at what the area has to offer, check-out the official Music City USA Website: Nashville.

Days for Attending and Events

When should I arrive at the resort?

All attendees should plan on being at the resort by 5:00pm central  on Tuesday, September 17th.

The First-timers' Reception (Invitation Only) begins at 6:00pm central at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.The Welcome Reception for all attendees begins at 6:30pm. Badges are required to attend all events.

Manufacturer attendees should arrive at the resort by 5:00pm eastern on Tuesday, September 17th for the Welcome Reception. Badges are required to attend all events.

What part of the Annual Conference do I attend?

Manufacturers attend from Tuesday through Wednesday evening (Sept. 17th – 18th). Manufacturers depart Thursday morning.

Rep Agents attend from Tuesday through Friday (Sept. 17th – 20th). The Annual Conference ends at 1:00pm central on Friday. Rep Agents usually depart on Friday afternoon.

Where is the LOT/T Event this year?

It's official... The 7th annual LOT/T's of Brews Happy Hour will be held at Pins Mechanical - a short walk or ride from the hotel. The event runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm central on Thursday, Sept. 19th. This event is Invitation Only and open to LOT/T Members, First-time Attendees, and New Members of the AIM/R.