While the temperatures were scorching in Las Vegas last week, the deals, networking and educational opportunities inside the Venetian Convention & Expo Center were equally as hot during Nationwide Marketing Group’s 63rd PrimeTime event. Thousands of independent retail, vendor partner and other industry attendees were on hand to help make the show one of the most impactful in recent memory, and at a time when the channel continues to battle through a challenging period economically.

“If I’ve learned anything about you, working alongside you these past 12 years at NMG, it’s that you’re some of the most resilient and inspiring individuals out there,” Nationwide CEO Tom Hickman told members during the show’s opening general session. “You’re here, at PrimeTime, which proves that you understand how important you are to your community and that you’re willing to spend time away from home and away from your business working to get even better.”

The tone for the show was set by former NFL player and current magician and motivational speaker Jon Dorenbos who delivered an inspiring keynote presentation. Packed with stories of perseverance and positivity, Dorenbos’s message was one that resonated with an audience of independent business owners who understand full-well the need to thrive when times turn tough.

“Anytime you’re in front of independent dealers, family-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, there’s just a spirit that’s unexplainable,” Dorenbos said during a recent Independent Thinking Podcast following his keynote. “You can call them alphas, they’re independent thinkers, they’re go-getters, and if they don’t show up, they don’t eat. These are driven, dedicated, resilient people. And so, when you can get in front of a group and inspire that group, it’s a cool thing.”

Those themes of resilience and the determination to improve were on full display throughout the group’s four days together in Las Vegas.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear about the latest enhancements to the exclusive NMG OneShop website and digital platform during a day-two keynote presentation. The Nationwide Learning Academy brought more than 40 different courses to the show, providing retailers with hundreds of hours of educational content to tap into. Furniture & bedding retailers were treated to an evening of dining and networking in more than a dozen different showrooms at the World Market Center campus. Famed country music artist Trisha Yearwood was on hand to showcase her new furniture line and share stories with retailers. And much more.

And that’s without forgetting the PrimeTime Palooza event and other CashBack and Show Specials that were available exclusively to attendees.

“Our members expect significant savings when they come to PrimeTime; that’s the foundation this show was built on,” says Melissa Stenson, vice president of member experience. “But what truly makes their PrimeTime experience memorable and impactful is the content. And I genuinely believe our team exceeded expectations with this show.”

In addition to all of the networking, education and purchasing at the show, attendees made a significant contribution to NMG’s giveback efforts. Tables were set up right on the PrimeTime Expo floor, enabling Members to participate in meal packing to support No Child Hungry. In total, more than 40,000 meals were packed at the show, bringing the group’s five-year total to more than 2.6 million meals.

The Nationwide Marketing Group team will turn its attention to a new city and new venue for the next PrimeTime — the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, March 16-19. For more information, visit the PrimeTime website at www.nationwideprimetime.com.