EXPLORE DETAILS:
Many Networking Opportunities
Members are invited to participate in any area of interest.
Education & Speakers
TUESDAY, MARCH 23:
2:30-4:00p Educational Workshops
4:00-5:00p Team Building Activity (challenging, low-impact fun)
Assisted by the ABMA Emerging Leaders
Prospering Through the Cycle
Economic uncertainty challenges even the strongest organizations. The US macroeconomy – as measured by the US Industrial Production Index – is expected to trend relatively flat in 2027, and some markets will outright contract. During periods of slower growth, stagnation, or even contraction, it is critical that business leaders understand both the factors that are driving the business cycle change and the sector-specific fundamentals. Facing the dual challenges of cooling demand and persistent margin compression, firms must reassess the assumptions that have guided their planning over recent years. Understanding business cycle dynamics and industry-specific drivers will help leaders identify emerging risks and opportunities.
In this session, we will discuss the key macroeconomic drivers that will shape the business environment throughout 2027 and beyond. Expect particular emphasis on the factors with the greatest impact on organizational decision-making, including inflation, interest rates, labor availability, productivity, consumer and business demand, and geopolitical developments. We will explore the implications of these trends for cost structures, pricing strategy, workforce planning, capital allocation, and the ongoing challenge of achieving profitable growth and avoiding profitless prosperity – the scenario in which top-line sales grow but profits shrink.
ITR Economics has a long and proven track record of helping business leaders anticipate market shifts before they occur. Our forecasting expertise equips decision-makers with the forward-looking insights they need to navigate uncertainty, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and make confident strategic decisions. We are here to help organizations position themselves for resilience, agility, and success, no matter what economic conditions lie ahead.
Face 2 Face Meetings
THURSDAY, MARCH 25:
8:00a-12:30p
SUPPLIERS MEETINGS “FACE 2 FACE”
Attendees will participate in a pre-planned meeting schedule to allow for 15-minute scheduled conferences.
ABMA supplier meetings are from 8a-12:30p. Be sure to register early to schedule your meetings. Meeting Request Form will be released mid-February.
Supplier stays stationary at their table with chairs for visitors. Meetings cycle every 15 minutes. Scheduled format allows “power meetings” for higher-level discussions. People rotate as per their schedule.
Scheduled meetings are determined weeks in advance by using scheduling request form which can be accessed here: https://abma.org/convention/face-2-face/
Note that meeting selection process is never perfect. It is hard to accommodate all requests. This is why there are ample networking opportunities throughout the Convention, which allow people to meet regardless of their schedule.
Suppliers: Bring only what can fit on the table and this rule applies to everyone to keep things fair.
Allowed Items:
• Literature
• Tablecloths
• Price Sheets
• Tabletop Lit racks
• Counter Cards
• Sample products
• Laptop to stream video and share reporting
Items Not Allowed:
• Free Standing floor display
• Banner stands
• Large table top displays
• Wall hung displays
