SAGE-Showcase-FloorThe SAGE Showcase 2016 began its five-city Texas tour on Monday at the Hyatt Regency in Richardson, Texas, with two early morning SAGE Online training sessions followed by a four-hour table-top show. Approximately 50 exhibitors were on hand to showcase their products to more than 180 distributors in attendance throughout the day. Despite heavy rain overnight and more in the forecast, distributor traffic was steady.

Houston-based multi-line rep Patrick Reinecker, who represents suppliers Paramount, Imperial, Shedrain, SnugZ USA, Towel Specialties and Encore Edge, was thrilled to see the busy show floor. “The people who are here today are looking for ideas for specific projects—that really helps us help them. It’s been a while since I’ve seen people so busy. I’m really happy with the turnout.”

New distributor Aaron Russell, owner of ROI Promotional Products in nearby Carrollton, Texas, recently opened his company to complement his longtime experience in the insurance industry. He came to the show looking for ideas, samples and suppliers to help him service his clients in the insurance industry. “The insurance industry is a natural market now, but I do want to branch out,” he says. “I’m brand new to the industry; I’ve spent the past two weeks working with SAGE and getting everything geared up. This is the ribbon-cutting day for me.”

The SAGE Showcase traveled west to Ft. Worth, Texas, on Tuesday and continues its roll through Texas with stops in Austin on Wednesday, San Antonio on Thursday and Houston on Friday. SAGE show organizers expect more than 800 distributors to come through the show by week’s end.