LMC kicks off virtual annual meeting

Forest products and building materials buying group LCM kicks off its annual meeting virtually today.

This is the organization’s third virtual event following last year’s Hardware Express and Forest Products and Building Materials Expo, which broke attendance and purchasing records. LMC said that early registrations for this event are on track to accomplish the same feat.

“Our goal was to maximize the value of this event to the LMC Network” said LMC president and CEO John Somerville. “We have found that the digital format provides the flexibility for those working remotely and, with no travel costs or planning, has allowed more people to participate, leading to building new industry relationships, strengthening old ones, and exceeding purchasing goals.”

During the week-long meeting, typically held over three days, attendees will have access to familiar events at the click of a button or the touch of a smartphone, according to LMC. The hope is that the easier participation is made, bundled with the traditional offerings of the meeting such as exclusive buying opportunities and show specials, the more people will attend.

Extended hours have also been added for those attending on the West Coast. 

“The LMC Annual always comes with enormous expectations,” said LMC Vice President of Corporate Meetings Kathy Butcosk. “Our priority was to ensure those expectations are met in a digital environment while also allowing attendees to manage their Annual plans around their daily work schedule.”

The daily schedule for the LMC Annual will include networking opportunities such as open virtual exhibit hours where dealers and suppliers meet to discuss purchasing strategy and new products, and insight from industry leaders such as keynote speaker Ivy Zelman, CEO of Zelman & Associates.

There are also educational tracks specifically tailored for kitchen and bath, and marketing professionals, along with various educational sessions for others in attendance. 

“LMC has done a tremendous job adapting to our current environment to ensure a quality experience,” said Jeff Wolfe, LMC Stockholder and Owner of Massa Home Center in Hamilton, Mont. “No other virtual industry event has secured the experts, professional education webinars, and networking opportunities that LMC has. I look forward to participating in many of these events throughout the week.”

Additional highlights include the LMC Update, LMC Stockholder Meeting, supplier presentations, and a Jeopardy! Game Virtual Happy Hour. More information is available on LMC’s social media sites.

Based in Wayne, Pa., LMC serves more than 1,400 dealer locations.