The Shaw Flooring Network convention, held at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, Fla., January 15-18, opened with a record crowd of nearly 4,000 people, representing almost 1,000 dealers. Called “Connect 2017,” the event was about members connecting to better manage the dizzying pace of change. Shaw, with more than $5 billion in annual sales, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and used the convention as a platform to ready its retailers for the future.

“This is a multi-generational business,” said President Randy Merritt. “I’ve had the great fortune of holding babies and dancing with children who are now second- and third-generation store owners. These relationships, partnerships and friendships have been a critical part of Shaw for 50 years and that will continue for the next 50.”