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P21WWUG Connect 2023 Ultimate Guide: Know Before You Go

Catherine Sulskis
August 8, 2023 |
P21WWUG Connect 2023 Ultimate Guide: Know Before You Go | Blog Banner

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of insights, connections, and innovation? P21WWUG Connect 2023 is just around the corner, and the excitement is noticeable. 

As seasoned attendees and sponsors, we understand the value of this conference and how it can transform your professional journey. What better than to share some of what we have learned in terms of things in mind before attending the event? 

To ensure you make the most of your time, we’ve gathered crucial event details, practical tips, and critical insights. Here’s everything you need to know before you embark on your P21WWUG Connect experience.

Event Details:

Date: August 20-22, 2023  

Official Hotel and Conference Venue: 

Sheraton Dallas Hotel

400 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201

Contact: (214) 922-8000

Navigate to the Venue

From Dallas Love Field Airport:

From DFW International Airport:

Whether you’re arriving at Dallas Love Field Airport or DFW International Airport, rest assured that you’ll reach Sheraton Dallas Hotel within an hour. The Convention Center tower, located at Harwood Street and Olive Street, will house the conference.

What’s the Weather Like?

Dallas in August is synonymous with heat. Expect temperatures to rise to an average daily high of 99 °F and lows of 79 °F. 

What to Wear?

Business casual is the attire of choice for the conference. Comfortable shoes are essential, as you’ll be traversing the distance between conference rooms. 

The smart approach? Layering. 

Wear a lightweight short-sleeve shirt as a base layer and bring a cardigan or sweater for the chilly conference rooms.

Reflecting on the Past: P21WWUG Connect 2022 Recap

Before we dive into the excitement of P21WWUG Connect 2023, let’s take a moment to reflect on last year’s event. 

P21WWUG Connect 2022 left attendees buzzing with inspiration and new knowledge. Industry leaders and experts converged to share their insights, offering fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that distributors face in an ever-evolving landscape.

The 2022 event, much like its predecessors, showcased the power of networking and collaboration. 

  • Walk For Charity: Pre-event gathering co-hosted by DCKAP and the EstesGroup, with all proceeds going to the Save The Children foundation.
  • Texan Experience: Smokey BBQ meal, country music, line dancing entertainment, lasso lessons, cattle surroundings at the Knibbe Ranch, Spring Branch, Texas organized by Cheryl Wilson-Richardson
  • Community Engagement: Partners like Americaneagle.com and Avalara sharing more about their services.
  • Industry Expertise: Learning from experts about services and solutions.
  • Better Understanding: Gaining insights into the current business landscape and available support.

What to Expect for P21WWUG Connect 2023?

With the success of past events, the anticipation for P21WWUG Connect 2023 is palpable. This year’s conference promises to build upon the foundation laid in previous years, offering an even more enriching and impactful experience for attendees. 

As you prepare for this year’s event, here’s a deeper look at what to expect:

Conference Details: Making the Most of P21WWUG Connect

Event Registration

On August 20, 2023, the registration desk opens at 12:30 pm in the Grand Hall. Collect your badge, lanyard, and conference materials. Afterward, indulge your sweet tooth with coffee and treats at 1:30 pm.

Are you Participating for the First Time?

If you’re a P21WWUG member attending for the first time, circle August 20th, 3:30 pm – 4:25 pm on your calendar. Join the helpful networking session in the Houston Ballroom to make valuable connections.

Pro Tip: Do remember to download the official P21WWUG Connect application to make the most of the networking opportunities at the event. 

Familiarize Yourself with the Conference Layout

Familiarize yourself with the hotel conference center layout and floor plans ahead of time. This way, you’ll confidently navigate to your desired sessions and events without losing precious time.

Look at the layout: Dallas Event Venues | Sheraton Dallas Hotel 

What’s the Agenda?

The conference agenda is brimming with knowledge-packed sessions, engaging breaks, and networking opportunities. Craft a schedule that aligns with your interests and goals. Consider attending different sessions from your colleagues, then share your insights to maximize takeaways.

Our recommended sessions include:

  • Customer Service – Leveraging P21 to Meet Customer Requirements (Candice Powell, Regency Lighting)
  • Developing an Employee Value Proposition (EVP) (Norm Clark, Texas A&M University)
  • Multidimensional Customer Stratification (Kendall Ducote, Moody Price)
  • Production Orders, Assemblies and Kits (Amanda Martinez, C-Line Products, Inc.)
  • Maximizing the System Performance of your P21 Ecosystem (Brad Feakes, Estes Group)
  • Integrated Distribution Commerce – Why, What and How?  (Aaron Pallares, DCKAP)

Find the complete itinerary here:

P21WWUG CONNECT 2023 Session Schedule.pdf

P21WWUG-CONNECT-2023-Session-Descriptions.docx

Social Opportunities

From the grand Welcome Cocktail Reception marking the commencement of the event, all the way to the Offsite Dinner and Networking Event hosted at the vibrant Community Beer Co., and with a medley of coffee breaks and lunches in between, the P21WWUG Connect event possesses social engagements that cater to every palate.

Even though the talks and classes are awesome for learning stuff, the meeting new folks part is just as important. It’s a time to chat with work buddies and pals from the industry, make new friends, find interesting connections, and talk about cool ideas.

Even if you’re not the biggest talker, you know it’s good to make friends similar to your interest. A good plan to get chatting is to be ready with some things to talk about. You could check out the latest news in the industry, read blogs or articles by the people who will be there, find books that talk about the stuff you’re all dealing with, or listen to podcasts that share tips on how to handle things in the industry right now. By being ready, you can start conversations, share ideas, and make friends easily.

Looking for a Farewell Party? Join Us at DCKAP Round-Up 2023

After the P21WWUG Connect event wraps up around 5 pm, the opportunity to socialize continues with our own DCKAP Round-Up.

Unwind, raise a glass, and cheers with us on a successful path for the future!

Don’t miss out on enjoying the delicious food and cocktails, hearing from some inspiring speakers, a great museum tour, and all the fun activities.

Location:

Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas, TX

Date: August 22, 2023

Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM CDT

Register now!

Embrace the Unexpected: Be Open to Surprises

While it’s essential to have a plan, also leave room for spontaneity. Some of the most valuable insights and connections can come from unexpected sources. 

Strike up conversations with vendors, engage in discussions during breaks, and attend sessions outside your comfort zone. You might stumble upon ideas or solutions you hadn’t considered before.

Balancing Learning and Socializing

While the conference sessions are a prime source of knowledge, remember that social events hold immense value as well. From the Welcome Cocktail Reception to the Offsite Dinner and Networking Events like DCKAP Round-Up 2023, these gatherings provide a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful interactions. 

Don’t shy away from striking up conversations with both familiar faces and new acquaintances. The relationships you build at these events can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and insights that can shape your professional journey.

That’s All for Now! Leaving with a Blueprint for the Future

Soak in the insights, foster connections, and seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Let P21WWUG Connect be the catalyst for your professional evolution.

As you gear up for P21WWUG Connect 2023, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. Armed with essential event details and these tips, you’re poised to make this conference a transformative experience. 

But the journey doesn’t end there. Take the time to reflect on your experiences, revisit your notes, and determine how you can apply what you’ve learned to your own professional endeavors. 

Whether it’s implementing a new strategy, adopting innovative technologies, or fostering newfound connections, the true value of P21WWUG Connect lies in how you leverage these insights to shape your path forward.

Catherine Sulskis

Catherine works with the marketing team at DCKAP writing compelling content, strategizing and leading various marketing projects, helping to broaden the brand and the company mission, and producing the Driven by DCKAP podcast. With an educational background in creative writing and sociology, and having worked in partnership building and being focused in the tech industry for most of her career, she has a special affinity for the power of connection, compelling storytelling and the future of technology.

More posts by Catherine Sulskis