Another first for NDC in the books
Courtesy of NDC, Inc.
Another “first” for NDC is in the books with the successful completion of the first-ever hybrid NDC Exhibition 2021. NDC was proud to accommodate guests, both virtually and live, providing something for everyone to begin carefully easing back into “normalcy.”
The hybrid Exhibition opened its doors for a Welcome Reception to kick off this year’s show, held on-site at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. While several in-person events were sprinkled in across the three-day Exhibition agenda, all keynotes and education sessions took place virtually, giving attendees the flexibility to experience the 2021 show from an office anywhere.
During the Opening General Session on Tuesday morning, NDC President & CEO, Mark Seitz, delivered supply chain updates, followed by important NDC initiatives discussed by NDC Chief Strategy Officer, Todd Ross, and NDC Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Kline. Linda Rouse O’Neill (HIDA) provided a government update, and attendees were then inspired by former NFL player and ESPN analyst/host, Merril Hoge’s “Find A Way” keynote address.
Later that day, attendees had the opportunity to engage in compelling presentations from two impactful speakers. In “#ChallengeAccepted” with Jen Widerstrom, the former undefeated NBC’s The Biggest Loser coach sat down with NDC’s Ian Fardy to talk everything from career and nutrition to mental well-being and how to have fun during this stressful time. Then, with 25 years’ expertise in the healthcare industry, Dr. Wessels shared his best practices, dos & don’ts, methodology and influencing techniques in “Foundations of Distance Selling with Influence.”
NDC proudly honored the unprecedented performances of our distributor and manufacturer partners during 2020. Much like the “Cameos” featured in NDC’s virtual awards ceremony last October, this year’s annual Awards Presentation was hosted by a number of familiar faces off the big screen who NDC found to announce the winners! This star-studded event was followed by a Musical Performance by John Rich, American country music singer and songwriter.
Apart from the numerous virtual business meetings and networking sessions available to all attendees, another on-site networking event that proved to be hugely successful was the Better Together Celebration / Military Appreciation Charity Event. Held outdoors at Gaylord Opryland, attendees raised over $15,000 for American Military Family’s essential cause through entering NDC’s Cornhole for a Cause competition and bidding virtually on unique and exciting silent auction items! During the event, on-site attendees enjoyed food and beverages while experiencing an electrifying live performance from AnD, Andrea and Dominique, better known as the musical duo from the 2020 awards presentation.
This year’s Virtual Exhibition Tradeshow made it possible for distributors to circulate and connect with exhibiting manufacturers, many of whom had proactively scheduled Zoom business meetings to augment the exhibit experience. Following a full day of networking on the tradeshow floor, the event wrapped up on Wednesday afternoon with a warm and lively SimPow Send-Off at Broadway’s Redneck Riviera.
Initial feedback from the first-ever hybrid NDC Exhibition indicates the event benefitted all in attendance. The virtual platform allowed distant distributors and suppliers to reconnect while the in-person events brought a feeling of normalcy back to networking. Rather than bask in the success, word is, the NDC team is already hard at work planning to top this year’s Exhibition in 2022.
Above all, NDC is grateful for the continued participation of their valued distributor and vendor partners and hopeful that this year’s hybrid experience offered attendees opportunities to create meaningful connections with fellow healthcare supply chain industry leaders.