The event is the annual national convention of PartyLite Gifts, a company that sells candles through in-home party shows, a la Tupperware. The conventioneers heard motivational speeches and studied the candle displays for sales-inducing ideas.
Good thing the America's Center air conditioning worked, sparing conventioneers and displays from the wilting 100-degree heat outside. The running gag up and down the main hall was about protecting the merchandise.
"Heat is not good for candles," quipped Gina Murphy, events coordinator for the company, based in Plymouth, Mass.
