(image credit: Tony Monteleone/TWICE)

Nationwide Marketing Group’s 2026 PrimeTime spring event brought more than 3,000 independent retailers, vendors, and partners to South Florida’s newly renovated Broward County Convention Center, reinforcing a channel increasingly defined by collaboration, innovation, and shared growth strategies.

Held March 21–24, the event highlighted a consistent theme throughout programming and on-floor experiences: connection as a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

“Connection is how independents turn pressure into progress,” said Tom Hickman, CEO of Nationwide Marketing Group. “This channel is smarter, more connected, and better positioned to win. We’ll navigate whatever comes next… together.”

That message set the tone for a program designed to blend strategic education, economic perspective, and immersive product experiences.

AI and the Future of Retail Strategy

The opening keynote from Mike Bechtel, former Deloitte chief futurist and current professor of corporate innovation at the University of Notre Dame, focused on how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping business models. Bechtel encouraged attendees to approach AI with curiosity and experimentation, framing it as a practical tool for operational improvement and competitive advantage rather than a disruptive threat.

That forward-looking perspective carried into additional mainstage sessions, including digital programming led by Mark Kinsley, CEO of The FAM and former CEO of Englander, who explored shifting consumer expectations and retail strategy. On the economic stage, Nicole Cervi, economist for Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking, provided insight into macroeconomic conditions influencing demand, pricing, and planning across the home and appliance sectors.

Across sessions, a consistent message emerged: independent retailers that adopt technology, data-driven decision-making, and agile business practices are better positioned for long-term success.

Evolving Education and Member-Led Learning
(image credit: Tony Monteleone/TWICE)

PrimeTime continued to evolve its educational programming with expanded Nationwide Learning Academy (NLA) sessions and a new “Member Voices” series staged directly on the expo floor. The format enabled peer-to-peer learning in a more immediate, accessible environment, with retailers sharing actionable strategies and real-world business insights.

Additional programming included Mattress University, CashBack incentives, show-only specials, and Palooza—a high-energy, 90-minute buying event featuring limited-quantity deals that remains one of the most heavily attended moments of the show.

The combination of structured education and transactional programming reinforced PrimeTime’s dual role as both a learning environment and a key buying event for the independent channel.

Innovation Labs and Experiential Engagement

A notable addition this year was NMG’s Innovation Labs, which showcased emerging cooking appliance technologies from vendor partners through hands-on demonstrations. The activation reflected a growing emphasis on experiential engagement, allowing members to interact directly with new product innovations in real time.
The expo floor also featured expanded vendor activations, including outdoor culinary experiences that contributed to the Monday night all-member celebration held on the convention center’s waterfront plaza. These activations underscored the event’s broader shift toward immersive, experience-driven engagement.

Community Impact and Collaboration
(image credit: Tony Monteleone/TWICE)

PrimeTime also continued its tradition of community involvement. In partnership with No Child Hungry and NMG Gives, attendees participated in a large-scale meal-packing initiative that resulted in more than 40,000 meals donated to families in South Florida.

The initiative highlighted the organization’s continued emphasis on integrating philanthropic efforts into its major industry events, reinforcing a sense of shared purpose beyond business outcomes.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Melissa Stenson, vice president of member experience for Nationwide Marketing Group, emphasized the importance of balancing long-standing member favorites with new programming formats.

“Balancing member favorites with fresh programming allows us to evolve with intention,” Stenson said. “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.”

That balance was evident across the event floor, where legacy programs like Palooza and Mattress University coexisted with newer initiatives such as Innovation Labs and Member Voices.

Looking Ahead to Nashville

Following the Fort Lauderdale event, Nationwide Marketing Group will bring PrimeTime to Nashville’s Music City Center from August 23–26, 2026. The upcoming show is expected to continue its focus on innovation, education, and strengthening the independent retail ecosystem.

For attendees and partners, PrimeTime continues to serve as both a transactional marketplace and a strategic gathering point—one that reflects where the independent channel is headed and how it intends to compete in a rapidly changing retail environment. For more information, visit www.nationwideprimetime.com.

See also: Inside PrimeTime: From AI To Appliances