SSWA Executive Conference
August 26-29, 2024
Omni Grove Park Inn • Asheville, NC
Click the categories (left) for details.
(The O’Dell Corporation)
SSWA President 2023-2024
“Please join us at the next SSWA Executive Conference at the Omni Grove Park Inn in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina! SSWA is setting the pace for transitional learning, continuous improvement, and growth of wholesaling in the jan-san industry.
“I invite all manufacturers and wholesalers in the sanitary supply industry to GET More by being a part of the SSWA network of industry insiders focused on the strategic concepts and tactical solutions to efficiently and profitably compete in the future of wholesaling.”
Many Thanks to our Sponsors
SSWA recognizes and appreciates the sponsorships of our generous members! Through their support we are able to continue to provide outstanding educational programs, impactful speakers, and incredible special events at Executive Conferences. THANK YOU!!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Golf Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Omni Grove Park Inn
Luxury within the Blue Ridge Mountains…
The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina has been welcoming business and vacationing travelers for over a century. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to Blue Ridge Parkway – America’s Favorite Drive, this historic resort provides a serene, meaningful escape to recalibrate, reconnect with friends, family, and celebrate with loved ones. Find elevated experiences at this Asheville resort. Leisurely days can be spent relaxing in mineral pools of a subterranean spa enjoying rejuvenating treatments or golfing on a Donald Ross-designed championship course.
Reservation Block is Now OPEN:
The discounted SSWA group rate is $359/night for the peak Conference nights, as well as 1 day before and after the Conference dates, should you wish to extend your stay. Room type, rates, and nights are based on availability – first come, first served. BOOK EARLY!!
To make reservations, call 800-438-5800 and mention SSWA, or click on the link below.
BOOK NOWHotel Address is:
OMNI GROVE PARK INN
290 Macon Avenue
Asheville, NC 28804
Phone (800) 438-5800
Visit: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park
Travel
Airports and Nearby Cities:
Asheville, North Carolina (AVL) – local, 20 minutes to hotel
Greenville, South Carolina (GSP) – 1 hour drive to hotel
Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) – 2 hours drive to hotel
Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS) – 2 hours drive to hotel
Columbia, South Carolina (CAE) – 2.5 hours drive to hotel
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) – 3.5 hours drive to hotel
Program / Agenda / Speakers
For those arriving on Sunday, OPTIONAL activities include a Tour and lunch at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River (click on Golf & Activities (left) for more information).
The main Schedule outline is as follows:
Monday, August 26th:
Registration & Welcome
Most arrivals will take place on Monday. For those arriving on Sunday who may be interested in optional activities available Monday morning, please contact us.
Event registration will be open Monday afternoon starting at 2:00, followed by a Welcome Reception with cocktails and food stations in the evening.
**Registered Spouses/Guests are encouraged to attend and participate in all social and networking activities!
Tuesday, August 27th:
Morning: Meeting and Speakers
Meetings will begin at 8:00 AM on Tuesday with breakfast offered at 7:00 AM, followed by speakers and educational content.
Keynote Speaker: Tom Morrison
Topic: AI… Be a Friend or Be Afraid
Artificial intelligence is the tsunami of change coming at every industry. Too many are caught up in what AI will look like in 10 years instead focusing on what AI can do for them today. AI is the solution to the labor shortage every company is facing today. With the labor shortage being the number one obstacle for growth, it is critical that organizations embrace AI and develop a blend of AI and human engagement. Just imagine being able to quadruple an employees output without adding more hours to their job. AI does this. In this powerful and energizing session, Tom Morrison will share:
– What AI is?
– What AI is not?
– The 3 elements an organization needs to make change in an AI driven world
– The trends behind the labor shortage
– How AI will play an active role in the labor shortage issue
– The keys to blending AI into your organization now
– The 6 elements every business has to have to compete in the future
JOIN US!
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Afternoon: Golf Tournament (or Spa or Biltmore Tour)
The Herman Miron Good Guy Golf Tournament will take place on Tuesday afternoon at the Grove Park Inn Golf Course. For non-golfers, Attendees could instead choose to participate in The Spa OR a Tour at the Biltmore Mansion (one activity is included for each registered attendee). [Click the Golf & Activities link (left) for details on these activities.] You will select your preferred activity when registering for the conference.
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Evening: Dine-Arounds
Tuesday evening dinner will be pre-assigned groups going to a variety of local restaurants, paid on your own.
Guests Note: Spouses/Guests are welcome to participate in a 9:00AM breakfast set up just for them, to get to know each other. If participating in Spa as their included activity, an appointment for their selected treatment will be scheduled and confirmed for them. If playing golf, we will assign spouses together in foursomes (unless otherwise requested).
Wednesday, August 28th:
Person-to-Person Conferences
Wednesday will feature a networking breakfast, followed by a full day of Person-to-Person Conferences (8am to 5pm). A Dance Card Request Form will be available to submit your appointment requests. Appointments will be scheduled for you, and your completed Dance Card will be emailed prior to the Conference.
Spouses/Guests are welcome to participate in a Lunch / Shopping Excursion in downtown Asheville (10:30a – 3:00p). Woolworth Walk is a uniquely Asheville experience; a privately and locally owned gallery in the heart of downtown, located in a historic building and representing local artists exclusively, it is without a doubt “Worth the Walk”.
Closing Dinner / Awards will be at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
Thursday, August 29th:
You are free to depart anytime on Thursday, however remember the discounted rate is available 1 day before and after our conference dates (based on availability), should you wish to extend your stay and enjoy this fabulous getaway location!
Person-to-Person Conferences
SSWA will schedule all appointments for the Person-to-Person Conferences. Every effort will be made to accommodate all requests, however many time slots get fully booked, so the sooner we receive your Dance Card Request Form, the better.
A copy of each individual’s meeting schedule will be emailed before the conference, as well as available at the conference, confirming your appointments.
As in the past, wholesalers will be seated at designated tables, and manufacturers will rotate to meet with wholesalers at the appointed times.
Manufacturers: Please limit the product / merchandise you bring to only what you can carry with you from table to table. (Wireless internet will be available.) There will be no display tables for product displays and you will be responsible for any delivery expenses incurred for shipments.
Dance Card meeting request forms to be emailed by July 31st. Please contact us if any questions.
Attendees (both Delegates and their Guests) will select ONE of these included activities in which to participate with the group:
Golf
The annual SSWA Herman Miron Good Guy Golf Tournament will be hosted at the Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course. This 6,055-yard championship course has been played by PGA stars Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus and even President Obama. Feel a sense of pride and accomplishment after navigating the tree-lined fairways and bent greens with amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Elevated tee boxes on the par-70 course provide perfect sight lines for each drive.
The SSWA Golf Tournament will take place Tuesday afternoon with a shotgun start in a shamble format.
Donald Ross originally designed this historic course in 1926, and it was overhauled in 2001 to keep the same feel and spirit. It has since earned nods from Conde Nast Traveler (Top 20 Southern U.S. Golf Resorts in 2011) and North Carolina Golf Panel (Top 100 Golf Courses in the State). This historic course has consistently been acknowledged as one of the Top Resort Golf Courses in North Carolina by Golfweek Magazine.
The Spa
Voted one of the “Top resort spas in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler, our expansive, 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa boasts numerous water features including eucalyptus steam rooms, therapeutic waterfalls and an oversized, mountain view hot tub. Relax and unwind at one of the best spas in North Carolina.
SSWA Spa Menu will be available soon.
Tour of the Biltmore Mansion
Spend the afternoon on the grounds of the Biltmore Mansion, the largest privately owned home in the United States — the Gilded Age vision of George Washington Vanderbilt. Completed in 1895, the Biltmore House spans 175,000 square feet, which is more than four acres of floor space. The 250-room French Rensaissance chateau includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Adjacent to the Bilmore House are 75 acres of formal and informal gardens. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour through the house along with exploration of the gardens at your leisure.
** OPTIONAL – EXTRA – MONDAY MORNING/AFTERNOON **
BREWERY TOUR w/ Casual Pub Food/Beer Tasting at SIERRA NEVADA TAPROOM
https://sierranevada.com/visit/mills-river/taproom
Monday, August 26th — 10:30a – 3:00p
This trip features a 90-minute tour focused in-depth around Sierra Nevada’s role in the craft beer movement, a tour through the production facility to discuss the brewing process and ingredients, and a view of packaging from the mezzanine (closed-toe shoes required). It ends with an 8-beer tasting.
Afterwards, guests will be provided priority seating in the Taproom for lunch on your own, and you will be able to explore the grounds and gift shop at your leisure.
TIMELINE*:
10:30am — Departing by shuttle/bus from the Grove Park Inn
11:00am — Tour begins at Sierra Nevada
12:30-2:30pm — Lunch and Exploring on your own
2:30pm — Depart Sierra Nevada to return to Grove Park Inn
Tour Souvenir: Sticker & Keychain 
3:00-5:00pm — Conference Registration
6:30-8:30pm — Opening Reception
*If you choose to participate in this excursion, it is highly recommended that you arrive/check-in to the hotel on Sunday, May 25th.
COST: $75.00 per person
Registration
Attend the SSWA Executive Conference to participate in one of the most well-connected programs in the industry with individuals focused on the business of wholesaling. In the three days at the Executive Conference you will spend your valuable time with colleagues, customers, friends and family building those critical relationships that get you connected. The Executive Conference allows you to meet face to face, in a relaxed setting, and enjoy the camaraderie that only SSWA can provide. The true value of SSWA appears in those unique personal relationships you develop and nurture in the meeting rooms, during our evening functions, and on the golf course. In one conference you can get all the information you need to excel in your job and the connections you need to help you feel part of something special. Fill out the form below to register today. You’ll be glad you did!
