LBM Advantage plans virtual buying show

LBM Advantage reported that it recently wrapped up a successful Fall Planning Conference. 

The annual conference brings LBM Advantage members together with their traders and vendor partners to negotiate contracts, strategize purchasing and take advantage of exclusive show specials. 

“Having in-person events is our preference, but for a virtual event, participation was better than anticipated,” said Tom Molloy, LBM Advantage executive vice president, products and programs. “Our members were pleased with the attention they received from their traders, and our vendors were pleased with the hundreds of members who participated - about twice as many as last year’s in-person event.”

The conference platform included virtual booths for each vendor that enabled them to showcase their products and specials and connect instantly with members via Zoom, right from their booth. 

Traders also set up calls between members and vendors for the opportunity to review contracts and plan for next year. Each day of the conference began with an industry expert discussing the latest market conditions and economic outlook.

With the Fall Planning Conference completed, the member-owned lumber and building materials cooperative said it is now focused on its Annual Buying Show.

Slated for Feb. 22 - Feb. 24, 2021, the show is the largest event on the LBM Advantage calendar. 

The Annual Buying Show will also be virtual but will include several new events such as small-group discussions, more collaboration between vendors and members, contests, virtual happy hours, and exclusive buying opportunities. 

“The Fall Planning Conference was our opportunity to try new things and test our virtual platform. We received a lot of feedback and learned a lot. All that will be used to set up an effective Annual Buying Show, which our members and vendors expect,” Malloy said.

LBM Advantage operates four locations in New Windsor, N.Y.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Smithfield, N.C.; and Monroe, La.; offering national programs with regional expertise. The cooperative has more than 500 independent members taking part in its multi-billion dollar purchasing power and a staff of industry experts.