Educational seminars on tap for market
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 5, 2008
All seminars are free and held in the Retailer Resource Center on the 12th floor of the International Home Furnishings Center, unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Oct. 20
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Sustainable Furniture Council Education SeriesSuites at Market Square on the 1st (Top) Floor. Breakfast Seminar.
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Increasing Your Average Ticket
Philip Gutsell, Gutsell & Associates.
“It is what it is!” When traffic is declining you must make the volume up somewhere. When the marketing pie is shrinking, a larger slice is necessary. Gutsell will show you how to maximize every customer opportunity by as much as 50%. Attend this seminar if you want bigger pieces of the pie more often. No charge and no RSVP to attend.
10-11 a.m.
First Time Buyer/Visitor Orientation Seminar
Get up to speed on navigating the High Point Market with this informative seminar. Providing vital information and simple tips on using the free transportation system, understanding the layout of the buildings, and finding showrooms, events and seminars, this session will show you how to use the multiple tools and resources available to give you the most productive experience at the High Point Market. High Point Theatre at 220 E. Commerce Ave., next to IHFC Commerce Street entrance at the Transportation Terminal.
10:30 a.m.–noon
Google Search & Your Marketing Mix
Hilary Jensen, Google Inc.
Attend this seminar and learn how to use Google and the Internet to increase your business' profitability. Hilary Jensen of Google Inc. will cover a variety of topics which include Internet marketing, search engine optimization, blogging, Web sites and Google Analytics. Come prepared to have your questions answered by a representative of the “world's best search engine.”
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Design 2008: Everything “New” is “Old” Again
Barry Dixon
Believing that the core of good design lies in what's appropriate for the context, Dixon has become one of the nation's most sought-after designers. Dixon's resume includes private residences and commercial projects nationwide with appearances on “Good Morning America” and numerous showhouse projects. For the fourth consecutive year, House Beautiful has identified him as one of America's top designers. His work is featured frequently in numerous publications, including Traditional Home, Southern Accents and House Beautiful. “Barry Dixon Interior,” Dixon's first book was published in August. Dixon's furniture line with Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth was launched in 2005. He is planning to launch his own fabric line and also is working on his rug collection. Complimentary box lunch, IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B.
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Sustainable Furniture Council Education Series
Luncheon Seminar. Suites At Market Square, 1st (Top) floor.
12:15-12:30 p.m.
Save Fuel Through Better Delivery Planning
John McCloskey, Profitability Consulting Group
This quick 15-minute seminar will showcase a simple and inexpensive way to add stops to your delivery day without adding miles. Save thousands of dollars a month in fuel and labor while providing better delivery time windows for your customers.
1-2 p.m.
Failure is Not an Option
Mark J. Lacy, The Furniture Training Co.
There is a science to training and there is a science to successfully selling furniture. This seminar explains how to effectively and permanently improve the selling behaviors of your furniture sales associates by implementing a five-step scientific approach to furniture sales training.
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Reading the Vital Signs
Robert George, Impact Consulting Services
George will present a practical use of the 2008 NHFA Retailer Performance Report. By incorporating the results of the report with other key performance indicators, such as market share, Internet analytics and sales performance, he offers a straightforward approach to help you read the vital signs of your business.
4-5 p.m.
Identifying Operational Opportunities Through Your Financials
Bob Moorman, JRM Sales & Management
Company initiatives should be developed based on the company's financial performance in all operational, sales and merchandising areas. This seminar will help you understand your options as you look at tough areas of your business.
Tuesday, Oct. 21
7:30 a.m.
WithIt Breakfast: Where Fashion Meets Function — Designing for Real Life
Annie Selke
Selke is the founder and designer behind a trio of wholesale home design companies: Pine Cone Hill, Dash & Albert Rug Co. and Potluck Studios. The Annie Selke brand is extending its reach into licensing with the October launch of Annie Selke Home, a line of upholstered furniture and case goods for Vanguard Furniture. And a new line of Anne Selke Home fabrics for P. Kaufmann will be available through Vanguard and sold exclusively at retail through 100 Calico Corners stores beginning this fall. Selke's designs and home décor concepts have been showcased in House & Garden, Country Living, Cottage Living, InStyle, Domino, and a variety of other media. The Annie Selke Cos.' products are sold at more than 3,000 high-end specialty stores and major specialty catalogs. Reservations required: For reservations, e-mail cpayne@ihfc.com or visit www.withit.org. IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, International Ballroom.
7:30-8:30 a.m.
American Home Furnishings Alliance Education Series
Suites at Market Square on the 1st (Top) floor. Breakfast seminar.
8:30-9:30 a.m.
An Overview of the Furniture Industry
W.W. “Jerry” Epperson, Jr., Mann, Armistead & Epperson, Ltd.
Furniture research specialist Jerry Epperson will provide an update on the economy, what is happening in the industry, and what to expect in the future. There will also be a discussion of demographic shifts and trends in consumer spending. No charge and no RSVP to attend.
10-11 a.m.
First Time Buyer/Visitor Orientation Seminar
Get up to speed on navigating the High Point Market with this informative seminar. High Point Theatre at 220 E. Commerce Ave., next to IHFC Commerce Street entrance at the Transportation Terminal.
10-11 a.m.
What's Your Strategy? 10 Ideas to Change the Game & Win
Connie Post, The Connie Post Cos.
Connie Post, the home furnishings industry's leading retail design consultant, will explore 10 ideas to set your company apart from the competition. Reviewing the techniques and practices of 10 world class retailers from outside the home furnishings sector, Post will show you how to reinvent the way people look at your brand.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Turn Shoppers Into Buyers
Denise Mae Scattergood, Sale-in-a-Box
Scattergood will discuss how a simple change of atmosphere delivers the dual benefit of having a positive effect on your customer's decision to buy today and on motivating your staff. Retailers often spend thousands of dollars on advertising to get customers to the store, but commonly overlook the importance of creating a “buying atmosphere” at the store. No charge and no RSVP to attend.
Noon
IFDA Designer Seminar: From Fashion to Food to Home Furnishings: Just Do It With Style
B. Smith
For nine years, Smith has hosted the nationally syndicated lifestyle television show “B. Smith with Style.” She also shares her personality and creative ideas via appearances on programs such as ABC's “Good Morning America” and “The View,” and NBC's “Today.” In spring 2007, Smith debuted her first furniture collection with Clayton Marcus. The introduction of Smith's upholstery collection marked the first time an African-American woman has presented her own furniture collection for national distribution. Smith is the author of two tabletop books on entertaining and the host of the “B. Smart Tips for a Better Life” show heard on New York's WBLS-FM radio. IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B. Sponsored by IHFC and the IFDA-Carolinas Chapter. $15 includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secure upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Celeste Payne, PO Box 828, High Point, NC 27261. E-mail cpayne@ihfc.com to request a credit card authorization form.
Noon-1:30 p.m.
American Home Furnishings Alliance Education Series
Suites at Market Square on the 1st (Top) Floor. Luncheon Seminar.
1-2 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Understanding Cost-Effective Solutions for Today's Furniture Logistics.
Moderated by Ed Feitzinger, Global Link Logistics
Global Link is hosting a panel discussion regarding cost-effective transportation, shipping and logistics strategies for furniture manufacturers and retailers. The panel will include industry pros from shipping, trucking and furniture. Impact of fuel costs, managing Asia, warehousing and all pertinent topics will be covered.
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Seven Things Your Family Business Can Do in a Recession
David Lively, The Lively Merchant
Whether Uncle Sam admits it or not, it sure feels like a recession to today's family business owner. Be prepared to dominate your market during the inevitable upswing as David Lively dishes straight talk to independent furniture store owners.
4-5 p.m.
Cultural Influences That Shape Home Fashion
William Sands, Ethniciti Design
Dramatic changes in demographics and lifestyles have created a great interest in and a market for ethnic, especially African-influenced architecture and design. This evolution in style is not lost on manufacturers, who are taking a more visible position in the world fashion segment. During this seminar, African styles are defined to help grasp our new market's fundamental preferences, ease communication and de-mystify the design process.
4-6 p.m.
WithIt Presents: Creative Power: Invigorating Design for Hard Times Panel Discussion
Complimentary cocktails and appetizers will be served immediately following this session. Suites at Market Square, 1st (Top) Floor.
6 p.m.
The American Furniture Hall of Fame 20th Anniversary Banquet
IHFC Ballroom
Wednesday, Oct. 22
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Sustainable Furniture Council Education Series
Market Square on the 1st (Top) Floor. Breakfast seminar.
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Why Most Sales Training Fails & What You Can Do About It
Samantha Kurtz, Kurtz & Associates.
This seminar will explore the four basic reasons for program failure and outline steps you can take to increase the success of any training program you choose to use now, or in the future.
9 a.m.
The State of the Industry
Lloyd Princeton
Princeton combines 10 years of design industry experience with a background in sales and business management to guide professionals through business growth and satisfaction. Princeton helps designers focus on finding the right clients and then charging what they are worth. He is authoring a book on marketing for interior designers for Allworth Press and he also works with manufacturers and design centers on leasing and sales distribution. Design Management Company, his full-service consulting firm, provides business evaluations and strategic plan development, including media relations, direct marketing and Web development. Princeton works with sole practitioners throughout North America and is on the editorial Board of Kitchen Bath & Business and is the communications director for the ASID Los Angeles Chapter. IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, High Point Room.
10-11 a.m.
First Time Buyer/Visitor Orientation Seminar
Get up to speed on navigating the High Point Market with this informative seminar. High Point Theatre at 220 E. Commerce Ave., next to IHFC Commerce Street entrance at the Transportation Terminal.
10-11 a.m.
Creating the Path to Purchase
Stan Bossler, Bossler Design Services
What do showroom planners know that you don't? This seminar will discuss proven showroom planning and visual merchandising techniques, including trade secrets in propping, lighting and composition. Attendees will receive a comprehensive handout folder.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The Winds of Change are a Hurricane
Robert Groters, It's About Marketing
This presentation will share with retailers and reps how to survive these times and will explain the warnings telling us to change many of the ways business has traditionally been conducted.
Noon
IFDA Designer Seminar: The Well Dressed Home
Alexander Julian
For more than 25 years, Alexander Julian has soaked in the world with his signature use of eye-catching color. In addition to clothing, Julian designs a full collection of home products, including floor coverings and furniture, and is the first fashion designer to be recognized with the prestigious Pinnacle Award from the American Society of Furniture Designers. Alexander Julian Home Colours has evolved into a full line of home furnishings, home accents and home improvement products. Julian's innate sense of color, combined with rich and interesting textures, can be seen in upholstery as well as neckties. His most recent collection is for Vaughan-Bassett Furniture. IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B. Sponsored by IHFC and the IFDA-Carolinas Chapter. $15 includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secure upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Celeste Payne, P.O. Box 828, High Point, NC 27261. E-mail cpayne@ihfc.com to request a credit card authorization form.
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Sustainable Furniture Council Education Series
Suites at Market Square on the 1st (Top) Floor. Luncheon seminar.
1-2 p.m.
NHFA Retailer Hour: Get Your Customers to Value Home Furnishings as a Necessity
Doug Kay, NHFA president; Trish Kemerly, Home Furnishings Retailer editor
How can our industry convince consumers that furnishing a beautiful home is more important than a fancy car or expensive family vacation? More importantly, how can you drive that message home to your potential customers and drive traffic into your stores? Kay and Kemerly will explore this topic and how it should impact your advertising, marketing, sales training and budget planning for 2009.
2:30-3:30 p.m.
How to Capture the Value-Driven Customer
John Egger, Profitability Consulting Group
Attend this seminar and learn not only how to get them in the door, but also how to sell and retain the value driven customer.
4-5 p.m.
Answers on Warehousing, Home Delivery and Customer Service
David Duff, D. Duff Furniture Warehouse Consulting
Duff has 43 years of experience in the retail furniture warehousing, home delivery and operations. You ask the questions and Duff will provide the answers based on the most efficient way of operating, effective use of employees and max customer service.
Thursday, Oct. 23
7:30-8:30 a.m.
American Home Furnishings Alliance Education Series
Suites at Market Square on the 1st (Top) floor. Breakfast Seminar.
8:30- 9:30 a.m.
Elite-Speak (Enterprise Level Integrated Transactional E-communications)
Mike Morawski, The Yaffe Group
Broaden the scope of your e-mail program and imbed it deeply into your daily business processes. Learn how to trigger and automate the communication process based on customer behavior combined with enterprise-level requirements.
9 a.m.
Managing Client's Expectations
Robin Baron, Robin Baron Design
Robin Baron has been a creative force in the design industry for more than 20 years. Her first and foremost commitment is to the client. Baron gets to know each client's lifestyle so she can have a better understanding of his or her needs and desires and she works very closely with clients to create a home that is distinctly their own, reflecting their tastes and their lifestyles. She is an active and allied member of the following professional associations: American Society of Interior Designers, International Interior Design Association, the International Furnishings and Design Association, Women in the Home Industries Today, Interior Design Society and Women President's Organization. IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B.
10-11 a.m.
First Time Buyer/Visitor Orientation Seminar
Get up to speed on navigating the High Point Market with this informative seminar. High Point Theatre at 220 E. Commerce Ave., next to the IHFC Commerce Street entrance at the Transportation Terminal.
10-11 a.m.
Building a Retirement Plan to Withstand a Turbulent Economy
Todd Barrow, Barrow & Powers; Rob Burnette, W.S. Badcock Corp.
This workshop will provide greater insight into sound investment principles that will benefit the CFO building a framework for large organizations down to individuals simply trying to navigate their way to retirement.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Life Through Design … How Your Environment Affects You
Robin Baron, Robin Baron Design
Baron will demystify the world of interior design and help you understand how your business can play an active role in your everyday life.
Noon
Moment of Luxury
Bill Stubbs, William W. Stubbs and Associates
In “Moment of Luxury,” the lifestyle series on public television), Stubbs brings to his role as host the artistic eye, adventurous spirit and extensive knowledge that has made him one of the world's leading interior designers. Named to the AD 100, Architectural Digest's list of the World's Top Designers and Architects, Stubbs is president of William W. Stubbs and Associates, a 25-year-old international interior design firm. His award-winning designs have included renovations of historical buildings, private homes and estates, vacation retreats, commercial multi-family properties, community housing projects for the elderly and most recently, the interior design of a large corporate jet. With “Moment of Luxury,” Stubbs hopes to share his vision that luxury can be experienced by everyone, no matter how lavish or modest their budget. Complimentary box lunch, IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B.
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Sustainable Furniture Council Education Series
Suites at Market Square on the 1st (Top) Floor. Luncheon seminar.
1-2 p.m.
Create a Dynamic Management Development Program to Drive Sales and Profit
Jim Green
Retail veteran and author of the book set, “Furniture Retailing 101,” Green will begin with the basics of furniture retail management and provide an approach and methodology to expediently train you up and coming managers to be more productive and effective.
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Optimize Your Import Supply Chain
Bill Smith, Globe Express Services
This session will provide tips from a leading global third-party logistics provider serving the furniture industry on determining your product's true “landed” cost, optimizing your supply chain via performance measures and KPIs, and current logistics trends and best practices.
4-5 p.m.
Retail Fulfillment of Custom Design Solutions
James Charles, DesignerAtHome.com
This seminar will cover how traditional interior design business models are broken. Using his own company as an example, James Charles will divulge what promises to be the next big trend for homeowners: combining professional interior design services with the ease of do-it-yourself plans for implementation.
6-8 p.m.
WithIt Competitive Intelligence/Trends Forecast
Hear the trends forecast for the industry in a panel discussion sponsored by WithIt, Outer Limits, Seco Furniture and 220 Elm. Complimentary appetizers and beverages. 220 Elm, Outer Limits & Seco, Space 311.
Friday, October 24
10-11 a.m.
First Time Buyer/Visitor Orientation Seminar
Get up to speed on navigating the High Point Market with this informative seminar. High Point Theatre at 220 E. Commerce Ave., next to IHFC Commerce Street entrance at the Transportation Terminal.
Noon
Home Accents: Both Sides of the Story
Susan Dickenson, retail editor; Lindsey Strader, product editor; Tracy Bulla, senior product editor; and Jenny Heinzen York, editor in chief, all of Home Accents Today
Join the editors of Home Accents Today for a fun and informative look at the home accents marketplace. The team will reveal the results of its exclusive consumer research from viewers of HGTV, and talk about the top styles and trends for the season. This in-depth presentation will tell you what consumers are shopping for, what's the most on-trend, and where to find it in High Point. Complimentary box lunch, IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B.
Saturday, Oct. 25
Noon
Virtual Tour of Future Pulse of Color in 2010
Stephen Bernasconi, color and design specialist at Benjamin Moore
Bernasconi will take you on a virtual tour across the continents to the future pulse of color in 2010. Discover new directions from various industries and learn how they relate to architecture, design, and color. Be one of the first to view tomorrow's trends today with Benjamin Moore's Color Pulse 2010. Bernasoni has worked both as a residential interior designer and as a design consultant in the furnishings industry. As an active member of CMG (color marketing group) he also holds ASID allied, and IIDA Industry accreditations. Complimentary box lunch, IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B.
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Educational seminars set for market
Apr 5, 2010 -
Educational seminars set for High Point Market
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Educational seminars set for High Point Market
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Educational seminars set for market
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