Leadership guru Doug Keeley to speak at Home Furnishings Industry Conference

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, January 15, 2013

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Doug Keeley, founder and CEO of The Mark of a Leader, will be the headline speaker at this year's Home Furnishings Industry Conference at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans in June.

Keeley, who speaks on leadership, will help attendees "change how they see the world around them through powerful storytelling and sharing," according to a release from Western Home Furnishings Assn., which is hosting the June 2-4 conference along with the National Home Furnishings Assn., the Southeast Home Furnishings Assn. and Home Furnishings Independents Assn.

"Building a story through the use of video, music, live performances, interactive exercises and the written word, Doug will have all attendees thinking and acting as better leaders and in turn, creating better results for their businesses," the release said.

In addition, Serta Mattress has signed on for the second year as HFIC's "signature" sponsor.

"The Home Furnishings Industry Conference is a great way for people in the industry to come together and learn from each other," said Marty Melcher, Serta group vice president of sales.

"As salespeople, we engage in story telling every day, so to bring The Mark of a Leader to this must-attend conference is a natural fit for us. We are excited to once again support this terrific learning and networking event," Melcher said.

WHFA said the conference will bring "even more education and networking," than the previous two HFIC events. It will include more than 25 educational sessions, a best idea contest and a 60-booth product showcase.

Sharron Bradley, WHFA executive director, said a membership vote on the pending merger of NHFA, WHFA and HFIA "is in process, and we anticipate the 2013 HFIC will play a major role in the launch of the new North American Home Furnishings Assn."

"It will be the first time many of the exciting plans coming together for members and partners of the new organization will be shared with our entire industry," she said.

Retailers, vendors and manufacturers interested in attending can visit www.thehfic.com to reserve their hotel room, or sign up for the VIP list.