Seminar and Events

FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS:

FRIDAY, JULY 19 

It’s Not Fine Wine. Inventory DOES NOT Get Better With Age
10:30 – 11:30 am | Presented By: Lynn Switanowski, president, Creative Business Consulting Group

Most retailers wait too long to move slow selling inventory. Tying up precious cash and perhaps missing an opportunity to drive more sales with better selling products. This seminar approaches inventory management from a consumer based perspective. By understanding what your customers are “saying” or not saying based on their reactions to the merchandise your store carries, you can make improved- and objective decisions about how to manage your inventory more effectively. This seminar will focus on:

- Understanding the benefits of mark downs to minimize stale inventory
- Using improved portfolio decisions to accelerate inventory turn and enhance cash flow position
- Applying customer insights to improve category and product portfolio selection
- Using sales growth to increase purchasing power - reduce cost of goods sold and improve gross margins

Wowing Customers and Winning Dollars- How To Differentiate Your Store From The Big Boxes – and Get Customers Into Yours
1:00 – 2:00 pm | Presented By: Lynn Switanowski, president, Creative Business Consulting Group

This seminar explores how independent retailers can find merchandise to meet their customers’ needs while differentiating themselves from other stores – no matter what size they are. Attendees will learn how successful retailers compete more effectively with the big box store down the street by incorporating key tools, including:

- How to follow market trends in order to adapt to the changing market conditions
- Learning how to identify and understand your store’s target market to choose the right product for each generation of shoppers who walk thru your doors
- Understanding how to create a “market-of-one” shopper experience in your store with your marketing programs that will connect more effectively with your customers
- Learn how to better communicate with your customers- using the same tools they do in order to identify their likes and dislikes

Getting Started with Social Media (P.S. It’s Just Like Retail)
2:30 – 3:30 pm | Presented By: Lindsay Anvik, CEO of See Endless, Inc.

Social media is a lot like retail. The most important elements involve merchandising, interacting with fans and followers and having an eye for exciting things that people will enjoy. This seminar puts concepts in social media into retail terminology so it’s easy to apply to one’s own retail or wholesale business. Using real seminar attendee examples, Anvik gives a personalized look at how you can help your business grow through social media. Covering the most time and cost-effective platforms, this seminar explores the best ways to tackle social media, gain more fans and increase your sales. 

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Retail Store Design: Creating An Inviting Space That Drives More Sales
10:30 – 11:30 am | Presented By: Christopher Gaona, Christopher Gaona Design Studio

Named one of Traditional Home’s “Top 20 Young Designers” to watch, Christopher Gaona know how to create a retail space that is sure to draw customers in and enhance their experience while shopping at your store.  Join Gaona as he details the design process including innovative store lighting and space planning to make your store stand out among the competition.

Visual Merchandising and Trend-spotting
2:00 – 3:00 pm | Presented By: Christopher Gaona, Christopher Gaona Design Studio

Telling your story through merchandising.  Learn how to create a narrative with your product that draws customer's attention and increases your sales.  Plus, hear Christopher's take on keeping your creative sensors attune to trends so you can keep both your product and displays current and fresh!

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Top Ways To Improve Your Sales & Customer Service Techniques To Make Your Register Ring!
11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Presented By: Bruce Baker

The best thing any business can do to increase sales is to teach the front line staff top-notch sales and customer service skills. From body language and an effective greeting, to creating loyal buyers through customer service, learn proven tips and techniques to get your customers to buy now and come back again and again.

Low Cost, Easy Promotional Tools to Boost Your Business
2:00 – 3:00 pm | Presented By: Bruce Baker

Want to learn how to drive more traffic to your store without spending a huge fortune on marketing and advertising? Then attend this informative seminar focusing on quick and easy promotions that you can start doing today! Hear success stories on what has worked for others to boost their sales including utilizing the latest technology advances from apps, QR codes and more.

MONDAY, JULY22

Retail Round Table: Best Practices
10:30AM – 11:30AM | Moderator: Susan Wagner, Editor, Smart Retailer
Retail Panelists Include: Richard Bloom, Owner, R. Bloom’s of Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego, OR and Mary Liz Curtin, Co-owner, Leon & Lulu, Clawson, MI.

Believe it or not, other retailers are facing the same challenges as you do every day! Join your peers for this insightful open forum where we’ll share ideas with fellow retailers on what works and what doesn’t work. Bring your challenges and issues on everything from social media, vendor relationships, displays, up-selling, advertising, etc. You’ll leave with proven solutions and new ideas you can immediately put to work in your store.

 

MONEY SAVING EVENTS & SHOW HOSPITALITY:

One Badge | Two Shows: LA GIFT & HOME MARKET 
The tremendous selection at the California Gift Show comes together with the permanent showrooms at the LA Mart  to offer an unprecedented collection of leading lines and resources. For added convenience, each location will honor the other’s admission badges and complimentary shuttle service will run between both locations.

Free Parking For Pre-Registered Buyers At The Los Angeles Convention Center
Urban Expositions is offering free parking to buyers who pre-register and arrive early to park at Los Angeles Convention Center lot (offer valid at this lot only). Once you pre-register, you will receive a package that will include a parking rebate coupon along with your badges good for reimbursement at the LA Convention Center lot parking-- up to $12 on Friday, July 19 and Monday, July 22 and $15 on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21.


To receive your parking rebate (maximum reimbursement) you MUST bring the following to the parking rebate desk on the show floor: