Ace Hardware Brings More than 15,000 Retailers from Across the U.S. to New Orleans for Spring Convention February 21-February 23

Ace Hardware Brings More than 15,000 Retailers from Across the U.S. to
New Orleans for Spring Convention February 21-February 23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 19, 2013

WHAT
This year, Ace Hardware will host its annual Spring Convention in downtown New Orleans, where hundreds of vendors will present their home maintenance products to thousands of Ace Hardware retailers, generating more than $17 million in economic impact.

All members of the media are invited to attend this three-day event, Thursday, February 21 through Saturday, February 23, which is closed to the public. Please reach out to one of the below contacts to register and confirm attendance.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership from Ace Hardware, including Ace executives and board of directors. Specifically, meet and interview John Venhuizen, Ace's current President/COO and incoming CEO (effective April 1, 2013).

• • Discuss the state of small business and retail trends in America with organization leadership.
  • Experience changes to Ace's number one category - paint - and discuss the new strategic alliance formulated between Ace Hardware and the Valspar Corporation.
  • Learn about Ace Hardware's long-term business strategy being formally unveiled at the convention. Of note, Ace's commitment to owning "helpful" in the retail landscape, as well as our new efforts to drive business in the B2B sector.
  • Interview leadership from Ace International and learn about Ace's fast growing business overseas.
• Lou Manfredini, Ace's Home Expert, will be at the convention to provide interviews and advice/tips on home-related topics including indoor/outdoor home maintenance, painting, lawn care and gardening.

WHERE
New Orleans Morial Convention Center (MCCNO), Halls F-J and Theater
Registration: Hall F

WHEN        
Thursday, February 21-Saturday, February, 23, 2013
Lou Manfredini will be available for interviews/tours Thursday, February 21-Friday, February 22

For more information and to register for the convention please contact: Ace Hardware, Kate Kirkpatrick - 630.437-1491 OR New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tara Letort - 504.220.7414, tletort@neworleanscvb.com