Seminars on tap for winter San Fran market

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 22, 2006

San Francisco — Several seminars are slated during the San Francisco Winter Home Furnishings Market, set for Feb. 2–5.

Three seminars were announced earlier, and organizers have now announced the full list.

For seminars held at the San Francisco Mart, register by calling (415) 437-7100 or e-mailing seminars@sfmart.com.

Buyers also can use their SFM badge to attend a variety of educational events at the San Francisco International Gift Fair at Moscone Center South, with a $15 admission charge in advance or $20 at the door. Register at www.sfigf.com or call (800) 346-1212.

Friday, Feb. 3

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Increase Profit Margins and Become a Retail Pro

Moscone Center South, room 252-256

Retail consultant Andrew Andoniadis will show the best way to get the most out of every usable square foot in a store. The afternoon portion of this workshop will take attendees on a tour of a recently revitalized shopping neighborhood. A box lunch and shuttle bus for the tour are included. Admission is $99 for the first registrant from a company and $79 for each additional registrant.

10–11:30 a.m.

Mastering Color: The Art of Choosing Ideal Palettes

SF Mart, space 250

Award-winning designer Joann Eckstut will discuss how to determine a palette for a room by assessing the context in which a makeover or renovation occurs, and how to identify the mood or theme. She also will talk about the emotional responses to specific colors, how color can improve a room, how to incorporate color trends in design, and how various kinds of light influence the way a color is perceived. Admission is $10 for SFM members and $15 for non-members and must be prepaid.

1–2 p.m.

Working with Italian Manufacturers

SF Mart, space 250

International business consultant Massimiliano De Simoni will examine how to develop relationships with unique Italian manufacturers. Complimentary Italian refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

3–4 p.m.

Building Business with Buzz

SF Mart, space 250

Marketing consultant Patrick Galvin will discuss how to best break through the commercial clutter and how to build business based on positive word-of-mouth "buzz" rather than expensive advertising. Admission is free.

Saturday, Feb. 4

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Beating the Competition with Stellar Customer Service

SF Mart, space 250

Galvin will explain how to develop good rapport, deal with difficult customers or clients, respond to specific customer behaviors, motivate employees, appeal to women who make 85% of all buying decisions, and create loyal repeat customers. Admission is free.

10:30 a.m.–noon

Beyond Hits: Mining for Gold in Your Web Traffic Reports

Moscone Center South, room 252-256

Web strategist and consultant Philippa Gamse will explain what reports are available and how to get them; what visitor traffic patterns say about your Web site; how to achieve e-tail success by refining a site, marketing and customer service; and how to develop new strategies, products and revenue sources.

1:30–3 p.m.

Making Your Success Happen

Moscone Center South, room 252-256

Retail expert and author Rick Segel will teach how to start a project and learn to break the habit of being an "idea junkie." Learn how to establish simple goals, stay on track and reap the rewards.

Sunday, Feb. 5

8:30–9:30 a.m.

Clear It Out, Cash It Out And Make Room for New Products

Moscone Center South, room 252-256

Sponsored by online auction site eBay, writer and consultant Mary Liz Curtin will discuss buying products better, remerchandising a store, holding clearance events, and holding online auctions. Admission is free.

10:30 a.m.–noon

Renovate Your Online Presence: Turbocharge Your Web Site

Moscone Center South, room 252-256

Steve Veltkamp, president of Bizshop, will speak about boosting profits from a Web site, discussing administration of the site, improving its look and feel, overcoming obstacles and boosting traffic.

1:30–3:30 p.m.

2-4-6-8 Help Me Design And Renovate! Fabulous Store Design From Start to Finish on Any Budget

Moscone Center South, room 252-256

Visual expert Linda Cahan will explore the signs that store renovation or new design is necessary. Learn to set a budget and get the job done right, get a "to-do" list together, and obtain a resource guide to help the retailer through the process. Admission is $30 in advance or $35 on-site.