This year’s PDRA sponsored Paint & Accessories Show at the 2013 National Hardware Show® is fast approaching with its return May 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The most comprehensive single-largest buying opportunity in the U.S. for the independent paint dealer makes this a “must attend” event! It is shaping up to be an exciting and informative showcase for the industry’s top brands and trends, where over 250 manufacturers plan to display their wares in many new and expanded categories.

Join the PDRA in the Central Hall Lobby on the Main Stage with the National Hardware Show® and the NRHA – National American Retail Hardware Association for the Grand Opening Ceremony of the 68th National Hardware Show® and All-Industry Conference May 7th, 8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Throughout the Show are a number of special events, seminars and key note addresses including presentations by industry leaders. This year’s added focus embraces the latest industry trends including “Made in the USA,”, “Energy Efficiency”, and “Outdoors, Tailgate & Recreations” as well as spotlighting the role of social media and emerging technology, which are both necessary components in today’s markets. There will also be a special highlight keynote appearance by actor, environmentalist, and author Ed Begley Jr.

One exciting event you won’t want to miss is the presentation of the annual PDRA Scholarship. Join PDRA President, Jeff Baggaley, at the Main Stage with Ed Several, Senior Vice President of the National Hardware Show® May 8th, 11:45 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. as they announce the winner of the 2013 PDRA Scholarship. This scholarship is made possible by the generous support of the National Hardware Show®.

Visit us at PDRA Booth #5826 for a wealth of information. Learn about the latest developments in social media including the PDRA sponsored webinar series, our new mobile app, and the affordable digital signage program for your store. See the demo of our online education courses. Discover member-only savings through PDRA’s industry-rich Value Pak Coupon program. Join PDRA today to get plugged into your industry network!

PDRA members attending the Show will receive exclusive VIP benefits. Reserve your place on the VIP Badge List by contacting Tina Sullivan by phone at (800) 737-0107, fax at (636) 229-4750, or email tina@pdra.org by May 1st.

For More Information about the Paint & Accessories Show, click here.

More information about registering for the National Hardware Show® can be found here.

Posted by Steve Stevens

You’ve heard it all before, just like us. Like us, follow us, pin it to win it, etc.

But whether or not you’re a fan of popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, they have proven so effective for so many retailers that they are now almost a mandatory part of doing business.

In particular, social media contests are a great way to further customer engagement, increase followers and build awareness about your product.

So tune in to the PDRA’s next webinar where we’ll go through some successful online contest examples. We’ll also look at the rules and regulations surrounding online contests and what you need to know to keep your business in check. This webinar takes place Thursday, March 28, 2013. It begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. CDT, and lasts for an hour.

Class size is limited, so register soon by calling Tina at (800) 737-0107 or by emailing her at tina@pdra.org. The webinars are free to PDRA Members. If you’re not a PDRA member, they cost $50, but click here to join and receive this one for free.

If you missed any of our previous webinars, watch them at your convenience by visiting our PDRA webinars page for more information.