Share this on

NHFA, IHFC ready full slate of seminars

Free sessions examine key industry topics

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 30, 2001

HIGH POINT — A full slate of seminars is on tap for marketgoers at the upcoming International Home Furnishings Market here.

Seminars are sponsored by the National Home Furnishings Assn., the International Home Furnishings Center and others.

Unless otherwise noted, all seminars are held in the NHFA's Retailer Resource Center, IHFC Main Wing, 12th floor.

Reservations are not required, and there is no charge to attend.

Wednesday, Oct. 17

5-6 p.m., Economic outlook for 2002 with Dr. Timothy Martin, senior vice president and senior economist with Bank of America. A detailed look at interest rate trends going into 2002. Martin specializes in international economics, monetary economics and the Federal Reserve System.

A reception, hosted by American Express, will be held immediately following the presentation.

Thursday, Oct. 18

8:30-9:30 a.m., When the going gets tough, how the tough get going with Philip Gutsell, Gutsell & Associates. Explore the positive yet dramatic promotions retailers can run to increase traffic, closing ratios and the bottom line.
10:30-11:30 a.m., Power TV: Successful TV advertising strategies and production techniques for furniture retailers with Leo Levinson, Prescott/ Levinson Advertising. A wealth of information about TV advertising that furniture retailers can put to good use right now, whether you are a TV advertising veteran or just getting started. Interesting case studies and successful TV commercials will highlight the discussion.
12:30-1:30 p.m., Maximize marketing spending by using the Web with Mitchell Russo, FurnitureFan. Compelling facts as they relate to the decline of traditional media effectiveness and the growth of online furniture shoppers. This session focuses on what works, what doesn't and how to create a low-cost but highly effective Internet presence.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Logistics: The weakest link with Edward Massood, MGM Transport Corp. Discusses the best practices of retailers around the country and provides attendees with the tools they need to seek out hidden transportation costs in order to maximize profits.
4:30-5:30 p.m., Customers keeping great company and keeping a company great with Joseph Conolly, Daniel Lynch Sales Co. Find out the answers to the question, "Why do business with us?" by building memorable moments that your customers will never forget.

Friday, Oct. 19

8:30-9:30 a.m., How to manage your information systems with Tim Trefry, FROG. Follow a simple, easy-to-monitor outline for managing your systems on a daily basis.
10:30-11:30 a.m., Turn your "best seller" into "customer's most wanted!" — Breakthrough sales skills techniques with John Lawhon, Selling Retail International. Learn how to make the 80/20 rule work for you and greatly increase your salespeople's productivity.
12:30-1:30 p.m., Media trends and how to calculate your media effectiveness with Margaret Griffin, Griffin Media. What medium is growing, what is shrinking? Where should you put your dollars to receive the most effective impact and payback? Discover the answers at this seminar.
2:30-3:30 p.m., The new look in furniture stores with Ray and Rex Anderson, Anderson Unlimited. Don't miss the secrets to retail success offered at this session. A drawing for free store design-consulting services during the seminar.
4:30-5:30 p.m., Money in your mattress with Dale Read, Bedroom magazine. A look at the bedding category and the opportunity it presents for differentiation and higher margins.

Saturday, Oct. 20

8:30-9:30 a.m., An overview of the furniture industry with Jerry Epperson, Mann, Armistead & Epperson. Few years have been as challenging as 2001. Everyone in the industry needs to adapt to a new consumer and a fluctuating economy. Epperson will give insights into the changes currently confronting the industry.
9:30-10:30 a.m., They're cranky! They're scared! They're today's furniture shopper! with Samantha Kurtz, Kurtz & Associates. A look at the various subconscious factors that cause people to emotionally and physically relate to furniture as the most personal (and often the most difficult) purchase they make.
12:30-1:30 p.m., Back to basics: Warehouse and delivery with Dan Bolger, The Bolger Group. Sharing proven techniques that will boost profits in your operation.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Future perfect with Connie Post, Connie Post Cos. Post will chart the most important themes in consumer behavior, pop culture, fashion and retail, here at home and around the globe, arming attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to predict and anticipate what will be.
4:30-5:30 p.m., The true power of an image with Adam Atwood, Vertis — The LTC Group. Learn how to plan, target, create and deliver the full lifecycle of digital marketing. See the difference between how you see yourself and how others see you through an interactive experience that's sure to be an eye-opener.

Sunday, Oct. 21

8:30-9:30 a.m., Colors and trends with Sally Morse, Hunter Douglas. A look at colors and trends from this year's international trade shows, including such bellwether markets as Heimtextil, Maison & Object, LaBiennal, Decosit and others.
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., What is the real truth about the Internet and its impact on the furniture retailer? with Ira Bakst, Storis Management Systems. What should your Internet strategy be? Bakst will present new eye-opening research results to help you determine your Internet strategy, budget allocation and projected payback.
12:30-1:30 p.m., Grow your profits by the numbers with John Egger, Profitability Consulting Group. Learn techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of the various processes that your store uses to generate profits, how to improve them, and why doing so will make for a dramatic improvement in your profitability.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Planning: Creating a road map for success with Tom Rhea, FurnServe. This seminar will present valuable information on how to create a business plan that will help you achieve the business results you desire. The presentation will include discussion about sales, gross margin, inventory, expenses, balance sheets and contingency planning.
4:30-5:30 p.m., Everything you ever wanted to know about GMROI with Brian McCarthy, Profitsystems. Discusses the factors that influence gross margin return on inventory, how to manage them, and how to utilize superior inventory control to keep your business profitable in a challenging economic environment.

Monday, Oct. 22

8:30-9:30 a.m., 401(k) — A Retirement Plan Option with Wendy Mitchell, Paychex. A comprehensive seminar on 401(k) record-keeping.
10:30-11:30 a.m., Build your own showroom brand name with Stan Bossler, Bossler Design Services. By evaluating your showroom's strengths, Bossler will provide the image-building tools you need to develop an instantly recognizable showroom brand name. The session will conclude with a question-and-answer period.
12:30-1:30 p.m., Streamline business processes through Web-hosted solutions with Barb Downey, FurnishNet. At this session, participants will learn how Web-hosted solutions improve order accuracy, decrease operational costs, deliver better customer service and streamline business processes.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Making your marketing and advertising pay off with Al Wight, Strategic Decisions. A look at the challenges, techniques and rewards of gathering the right information and using it profitably.
4:30-5:30 p.m., A win-win for you and your customer with Jeff Thompson and Bill Kopald, James A. Fyock & Associates. This role-playing seminar will give you tips and techniques that can help you win sales long after market ends.

Gutsell

Levinson

Lawhon

Epperson

Bolger

Post

There's time to relax at IHFC social events

HIGH POINT — The International Home Furnishings Center will host several events offering marketgoers a chance to relax after a busy day in showrooms. All events will be in the International Ballroom, 11th floor, Green Wing, unless otherwise noted.

The Rob Massengale Band will play at IHFRA's Market Social.

Friday, Oct. 19

4:30-6:30 p.m. —Complimentary bars on Accessory Floors 2,3 and 4. Also offered on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

Saturday, Oct. 20

6-10 p.m., IHFC's Buyer Party. Featuring the TFC Band and offering a buffet and cocktails. All IHFC buyer and exhibitor passholders are invited as guests of the IHFC.

Sunday, Oct. 21

4:30-6:30 p.m., IHFC Super Sunday on Accessory Floors 2, 3 and 4. Complimentary bars at 22 locations and hors d'oeuvres in showrooms.

Monday, Oct. 22

6-8:30 p.m., International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. Market Social, featuring the Rob Massengale Band. Includes complimentary buffet and cocktails.

Tuesday, Oct. 23

6-10 p.m., IHFC's Buyer Gala. Featuring the Voltage Brothers, and with a buffet and cocktails. All IHFC buyer and exhibitor passholders are invited as guests of the IHFC.

Share this on

Educational seminars set for market

Jan 27, 2012

Educational seminars set for market

Sep 7, 2009

Educational seminars set for market

Jan 25, 2010

Educational seminars set for market

Mar 25, 2007

Q&A: What key steps has your company taken to help furniture customers survive the recession?

Jul 27, 2009

Also by this author

Also by Staff Staff

Featured Company

Wright Labels

Bill and Tom Wright founded Wright of Thomasville in 1961 on the idea that printing was a creative medium and the belief that "a promise made is a promise kept." The Wright brothers focused their attention on providing exceptional printing for the... more

Related Resources

Web Based Intelligence Gathering

Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

Here is a selection of products shown at this month's International Gift & Home Furnishings Market here.

Networking at the 13th annual F/T Leadership Conference

NAPLES, Fla. — Industry executives and guests took the opportunity to network and play golf during down time at Furniture/Today's 13th annual Leadership Conference here this month.