San Francisco sets seminars for summer show

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, July 23, 2006

San Francisco — Retailers and design professionals can learn competitive business practices at seminars during the San Francisco Mart's Summer Home Furnishings Show, Aug. 3–6, and the San Francisco International Gift Fair, Aug. 5–8.

Thursday, Aug. 3

Working with Italian Manufacturers

Presented by Massimiliano De Simoni, international business consultant

2–3 p.m., SF Mart, space 250

Free admission. RSVP required to (415) 437-7100 or seminars@sfmart.com

Importing from Italy may sound complicated, but it doesn't have to be. This seminar will outline how to develop relationships with Italian sources. Representatives of up-and-coming furniture lines such as Consorzio Mobili and Crassevig will be present.

Friday, Aug. 4

Wine Country Architecture and Interiors

Presented by author Mary Whitesides

10–11:30 a.m., SF Mart, space 250

Admission: $25 SF Mart members; $35 non-members. Reservations and prepayment required: (415) 437-7100 or seminars@sfmart.com

Learn how to capture some of the magic of the wine country in design projects. Whitesides will show an array of captivating architectural and design styles of estates and cottages in the Napa and Sonoma valleys. She'll talk about what is unique in architecture and interiors, and what common themes tie several predominant styles together.

Million $ Marketing

Presented by Barbara Wold, marketing consultant

1–2 p.m., SF Mart, space 250

Free admission. RSVP required: (415) 437-7100 or seminars@sfmart.com.

Are you overwhelmed by so many ways to market your business that you just don't do anything? Wold will lead a crash course in cost-effective ways to promote your business and increase your store's sales and profits. This seminar will focus on fresh and easy concepts that can be accomplished within a limited or nonexistent budget.

How to Compete with a Retail Goliath

3–4 p.m.

Presented by Barbara Wold, marketing consultant

SF Mart, space 250

Free admission. RSVP required: (415) 437-7100 or seminars@sfmart.com.

When you can't "out-advertise" or "out-merchandise" the competition, you must distinguish yourself from them. Learn ways to build a customer base, sell to customers, serve customers better and keep them coming back. You will leave with effective traffic-building ideas, ways to build repeat business and methods for increasing sales figures.

The following seminars take place during the San Francisco International Gift Fair at Moscone Center. For information on location and admission, or to register for any seminar, visit www.sfigf.com or call (800) 346-1212.

Friday, Aug. 4

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Do You See What I See? Evaluate Your Store for Optimum Profitability and Increased Sales

Presented by Andrew Andoniadis, retail consultant

Saturday, Aug. 5

10:30 a.m.-noon

I've Seen a Sign — Signage, the Overlooked Killer Resource

Presented by Rick Segel, retail expert and author

1:30–3 p.m.

Retailer, Know Thyself: Five Ways to Define and Create Your Store's Identity

Presented by Debbie Ward Kennedy, visual and retail expert

Sunday, Aug. 6

8:30–9:30 a.m.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Keep the Register Ringing with Profitable Holiday Promotions

Presented by Sue Kirby, retail and visual expert

10:30 a.m.-noon

Explode Your Sales: Marketing Ideas So Simple, Inexpensive and Effective They Will Blow Your Mind

Presented by Bob Negen, retail expert and consultant, WhizBang Training

1:30–3:30 p.m.

No Budget? No Worries! Create a Sensory Shopping Experience without Blowing the Bank

Presented by Natalie Tan, visual expert