CCA Global Partners Retail Group is prepping for its summer convention “The Future Of Next” at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville from August 8-10, 2022, featuring a robust roster of events and speakers including keynoter Kevin O’Leary from ABC’s Shark Tank. To celebrate the spirit of the host city, the convention’s closing event is a CCA Global takeover of the legendary Grand Ole Opry music venue with live performances from longtime favorites and rising stars on the country music scene.

The convention officially kicks off with general session on Monday, August 8 at 5 p.m. with a special tribute to retiring co-CEO Howard Brodsky to highlight the evening’s program. Howard co-founded CCA Global Partners with Alan Greenberg in 1984 and has led the company to groundbreaking heights and global recognition.

Following on the heels of last summer’s format unifying retail brands Carpet One Floor & Home, Flooring America, Flooring Canada, The Floor Trader and International Design Guild (IDG), members will once again meet together. The convention will focus on the evolving customer experience and helping customers shop when, where, and how they want through digital technology, marketing and the in-store experience.

“The Future of Next” convention content is designed to reflect the seismic shift that redefined retail over the last couple years, accelerated by 2020’s unprecedented global pandemic. The way consumers shop changed and continues to evolve – and the upcoming summer convention will reveal to members how CCA Global Partners Retail Group is keeping up momentum and placing them at the forefront of retail moving into the future.

The summer 2022 agenda will also give attendees ample opportunities to connect, network and share best flooring industry business practices, inspiration and ideas.

Highlights and story angles include:

Keynote address from Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary. One of North America’s most successful entrepreneurs, Kevin will share his secrets to his remarkable business achievements with convention attendees during his keynote address. Best known as guest judge “Mr. Wonderful” on the popular investment pitch show Shark Tank, Kevin is an author and venture capitalist.

Economic forecast with Connor Lokar. Back by popular demand, Connor Lokar, senior economist at ITR Economics, returns to speak about market indicators in the industry. Connor specializes in analyzing trends in the construction industry, and his firm is recognized worldwide for economics forecasts across markets.

Women of CCA. The women’s forum luncheon is themed Stand Out – Assess Your Strengths, Find Your Edge, Win At Work! Workshop. Guests will also be treated to a taste of Nashville with an appearance from singer-songwriter, Billboard chart-topping artist Meghan Linsey (If You Need Me, Don’t), from The Voice and CMT’s Can You Duet.  

The Nex40 – The new generation of retail owners will gather for an evening of networking, camaraderie and nostalgia at a dueling pianos party. A live band anchored by back-to-back baby grand pianos and Nashville performing artists will be taking song requests and bringing the fun at this rollicking event reconnecting young entrepreneurs.  

Regional Network Meetings. The summer convention includes dedicated time for regional network groups from Carpet One Floor & Home, Flooring America and Flooring Canada to gather together and brainstorm, network and collaborate on best practices.

Commercial Group. Commercial construction attorney Sloane Bailey will present to this “group within a group” of members from each division currently working in or want to actively pursue commercial flooring business. Sloane will share best practices and discuss a variety of topics affecting the commercial industry.

Education Day. On Wednesday, August 10, CCA Global University presents 12 unique education sessions, ranging from tracks on business leadership, SEO best practices, surface inspections and more. Education Day content is curated with feedback gathered from members at previous conventions.

Exhibit Hall. The exhibit hall space reflects “The Future of Next” theme with a sprawling 150,000-square-feet of displays, proprietary products and merchandising exclusively for CCA members from more than 100 CCA Global-approved vendor partners.

Other highlights include one-on-one member meetings, the latest products in the exhibition hall, marketing sessions, merchandising deep dives and more.