Retail Observer

NOVEMBER 2020 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 35 Panelists Trent Agin (top left), Michael Bennett (top right) and Todd Wilkins (bottom left) discuss with moderator Jill McClure (bottom right) how their stores have adapted during the pandemic in the session, Operations Panel: Powering through the Pandemic. knowledgeable and relevant conversations to build their network and professional expertise about the current state of the rent-to- own industry as it approaches the 4th-quarter holiday season. Five peer groups had meetups, including Dealers/Owners, Store Managers, Buyers, District Managers and Marketing Professionals. Attendees enjoyed a lighthearted social time at the Hot Show Cocktail Mixer before jumping into the Hot Show's presentation, sponsored by Whirlpool Corporation. During the Hot Show Mixer, RTO folks enjoyed friendly conversations in the meeting space and the chat while a slide show of pictures from previous RTO World events played. For this virtual version of the Hot Show, buyers and participants downloaded the TRIB Group app to submit orders. The app replaced paddles typically used in a crowded and bustling Hot Show. Simultaneously, as items transitioned on the app, RTO's tried-and-true auctioneer, Lyn Leach, presented products and deals live through the RTO World Platform for everyone to watch, ending with his signature, "Sold, sold, sold." Overall, the Hot Show exceeded expectations with an estimated $11.4 million in sales, comparable to the RTO World 2019 results. The second day of RTO World began with Mike Tissot, owner of Countryside Rentals Inc., dba Rent-2-Own. In his keynote, Navigating the Stormy C's, Tissot highlighted five elements that businesspeople can leverage to push their organizations into clear blue skies. Shortly after the highly anticipated keynote, the RTO Education Sessions began. Attendees had the option to tailor their experience by choosing sessions from the following tracks: Dealers/Owners, Store Managers, and All Audiences. Wednesday's Education Session options included Operations Panel: Powering through the Pandemic featuring Trent Agin, SKC Enterprises Inc., dba Rent One; Michael Bennett, Buddy's Newco LLC, dba Buddy's Home Furnishings; Todd Wilkins, Fairway Leasing LLC, dba Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership; and moderated by Jill McClure. Other Wednesday sessions included Train the Trainer: Deliveries, with Angie Brubaker, SKC Enterprises dba Rent One and Chip Guy, Buddy Mac Holdings LLC, dba Buddy's Home Furnishings; and Idea Lab: Driving Sales through Social Media, with Jessica Mahon, Countryside Rentals Inc., dba Rent-2-Own. After a break, the highly anticipated virtual Tradeshow floor opened for the first time during the convention. All exhibitors had the opportunity to engage attendees by customizing their virtual booths. Through the 18,995 booth visits during the three days of tradeshow hours, exhibitors received 1,227 information requests and held hundreds of one-on-one meetings with attendees. While nothing can replace face-to-face interaction many exhibitors and attendees felt these interactions were the next-best thing. Some even found additional benefits to the virtual format.

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