The Refinishing Touch lands in Orlando for BITAC

The summer of travel continues for The Refinishing Touch. Last week we touched down in Orlando, FL, for this year’s Buyer’s Interactive Trade Alliance & Conference (BITAC). The details of each event are always carefully planned and this year was no different. From the beginning to the end, both our presence and the overall show was organized and executed perfectly. And it’s a good thing– with so much going on, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and miss out on the excitement.

Kicking off BITAC was the welcome dinner that The Refinishing Touch sponsored. Throughout the evening, our video presentation could be found on displays around the area and both Founder and President Mario Insenga and Lindsay Smith were introduced to the entire crowd. That night we broke the ice with those who attended with a few rounds of BINGO where everyone who won raised $25 for the Salvation Army. Yelling out “Bingo!” has never been so rewarding.

The next day is when everyone got to business. Introductions of hotel executives, vendors and suppliers took place and many were involved in interactive panels which offered insight into how executives have handled situations on their properties. After panel, attendees offered their ideas on how to handle these issues and the panel members each described their course of action. The panels were a great way to learn the needs and decision-making processes of those in charge of hotel properties.

Another great moment for us was when Mario was given an opportunity to showcase his knowledge of the hospitality industry during his own presentation and offering some hints to The Refinishing Touch’s ‘secret sauce’ recipe. It’s one thing to be able to meet with people in intimate one on one sessions at a booth, but having the opportunity to speak to a large group is a chance we never pass up. We hope everyone enjoyed the presentation as much as we enjoyed giving it.

We’d be remiss to not mention one of the more messy but worthwhile charity services events we’ve been a part of. Continuing the work with The Salvation Army, almost everyone who attended teamed up in groups to see which team could create the most peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in 20 minutes. All the sandwiches would later be paired with granola bars and drinks to be distributed to the homeless and less fortunate families in and around Orlando. Lindsay’s team was able to create an impressive 85 sandwiches in 20 minutes and BITAC ended up donating more than 1,600 sandwiches overall.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Orlando without a stop at Universal Studios. Dinner on our last night was held at the Universal Studios in Soundstage 33 followed by fireworks and exclusive use of two of the most popular rides there, Men in Black: Alien Attack and The Simpsons Ride. A playful end to a successful show.

BITAC was certainly a busy event. We were able to find time for more than 20 meetings with industry friends, old contacts and potential new ones, while also giving presentations, sponsoring other events and helping the less fortunate. This is one of the biggest shows in the hospitality industry and it goes without saying that we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.