Key Takeaways
- Nationwide’s Spring PrimeTime event brought in over 3,000 attendees.
- The keynote, delivered by Bike Bechtel, former Deloitte chief futurist and current professor of corporate innovation at the University of Notre Dame, focused on AI and emerging technologies.
- A new Member Voices series opened up forums of discussion for personal business insights.
Nationwide Marketing Group’s (NMG) spring PrimeTime event and conference convened from March 21 – 24 this year at the newly renovated Broward County Convention Center. Building on the power of connection and collective confidence across the channel, the event brought over 3,000 attendees together for a series of education and thought leadership sessions. This marks the second year for the event since returning in March 2024, following a pandemic-borne hiatus.
Opening Keynote Sets Tone for NMG Spring PrimeTime Event
Mike Bechtel former Deloitte chief futurist and current professor of corporate innovation at the University of Notre Dame, delivered the keynote for the event, preceded by Tom Hickman, CEO of Nationwide Marketing Group.
“Connection is how independents turn pressure into progress,” said Hickman. “This channel is smarter, more connected and better positioned to win. We’ll navigate whatever comes next… together.”
Following Hickman’s message, Bechtel reinforced the importance of embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies with curiosity, flexibility and experimentation.
This forward-looking mindset continued on the digital mainstage, featuring Mark Kinsley, CEO of The FAM and former CEO of Englander, and the economic mainstage, presented by Nicole Cervi, economist for Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking.
Member Voices Series Gives Fresh Attention to Individual Insights
Member-led Nationwide Learning Academy (NLA) sessions took a new approach this year, with the introduction of a “Member Voices” series on the expo floor, featuring business insights and actionable strategies for attending members to apply to their own operations.
Also new to the expo this year, NMG’s Innovation Labs highlighted the latest technologies in cooking appliances, displayed by various vendor partners. Several outdoor vendors also provided food for the PrimeTime all-member party, held Monday night on the convention center’s brand-new waterfront plaza.
Reflections on the Event
Other PrimeTime favorites returned, including Mattress University, CashBack, show-only specials and Palooza — a 90-minute buying frenzy featuring exclusive, limited-quantity deals.
On the expo floor, No Child Hungry and NMG Gives partnered, once again, to host a meal-packing event, resulting in the donation of more than 40,000 meals to families in South Florida.
“Balancing member favorites with fresh programming allows us to evolve with intention,” shared Melissa Stenson, vice president of member experience for NMG.
“Every part of PrimeTime is designed to build a stronger network, rooted in shared experience, trusted expertise and value that extends far beyond the event.”
The Next PrimeTime Show
Nationwide Marketing Group will return to Nashville for its next PrimeTime show, scheduled for August 23-26, 2026, at Music City Center. For more information, readers are instructed to visit the PrimeTime website.
