Bankers sales partners visit Pythian Castle while in Springfield for the distributor's national sales meeting.

Distributor Bankers Advertising Company (PPAI 101972), headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, brought its sales partners and supplier representatives together in Springfield, Missouri, in April for its 2017 Gathering of the Stars National Sales Meeting.

The meeting, built around the theme “The Road Ahead”—Springfield is the birthplace of Route 66—began with a reception and dinner for more than 75 Bankers representatives, guests, suppliers and employees who attend the annual event. Throughout the meeting, Bankers’ sales partners were recognized for numerous sales and career achievements. At the annual awards banquet, at the top of Springfield’s Hammons Tower, the distributor announced awards and the Bankers Advertising Sales Person of the Year. During their stay in Springfield, attendees also took part in group tours of The Fantastic Caverns and Pythian Castle.

Erica Kelley-Gogel, CAS, vice president of sales, says, “This year’s meeting was the perfect blend of new and experienced sales partners. Our sales partners always come prepared to learn from each other and our supplier partners. They are engaged and interested in growing their business. The meeting was a mix of learning and fun.”

The sales meeting also featured a variety of presentations on tools, products and trends to help partners grow their business. Twelve suppliers were invited to share information on their products and services in the event’s speed sessions, and more than 25 suppliers showed their latest and most popular products on the market at the trade show.

Closing day included an update on the industry and the state of Bankers followed by the forecast for the year ahead. Bankers also announced that its 2018 sales meeting will be held at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, Illinois.