RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2020
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RTO WORLD 2020
DELIVERS AN UNCONVENTIONAL CONVENTION
T R A D E S H O W N E W S
Chris Kale Jr. and Sr. (left-right), Presidents of TRIB Group and APRO respectively, kicked off the third annual RTO World in virtual form.
T
he third annual RTO World, hosted by APRO and TRIB
Group, recently ended. With many unsure what the virtual
event would deliver, the convention and tradeshow left many
participants with their expectations exceeded. RTO World surpassed
or met its goals, with 788 participants and $11.4 million in sales from
the Hot Show. While 2020 has not been a kind year for many of our
industry events, the rent-to-own industry can reflect on RTO World
2020 Virtual as an event that provided much-needed connection.
"While we would have preferred to be all together in Tampa as
originally planned for RTO World 2020, we made the most of it
through our virtual convention. The industry showed up for it and
made the most of our reality," said Chris Kale Sr., co-owner of CPL
Group Inc., dba Rent King and APRO president. "After both
attendees and vendors had orientation training and a few hours to
acclimate to the virtual platform, our industry adapted well to the
virtual environment. The overall feedback from dealers and vendors
was decidedly positive!"
The RTO World 2020 Virtual Kick-off began from the comfort of
participants' screens on Tuesday, September 8. In the opening, we
heard from the Presidents of APRO and TRIB Group, Chris Kale
Sr. and Chris Kale Jr., respectively, along with APRO Executive
Director Jill McClure, TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis
Shields, and Gary Jones from Ashley Furniture Industries, the event
sponsor. Kick-off led into the TRIB Group Membership Meeting
and then into the Peer Group Meetups.
"We are pleased with the outcome of our industry's first-ever
virtual convention," said McClure. "While meeting in person is
always our preference, the virtual convention provided a way for
vendors and dealers to come together for business and
camaraderie."
Peer Group Meetups have traditionally been a favorite way to
connect attendees on the first day of the convention. For the
meetups this year, participants connected on screens with their
counterparts from other companies and engaged in insightful,
