AmericasMart Atlanta

Press Release

LEARN IT AT MARKET THIS JANUARY: AMERICASMART UNIVERSITYsm

ATLANTA, November 2006—Leading the charge to the new, the necessary, the unexpected, AMERICASMART ATLANTA continues to propel its widely renowned educational initiative—AMERICASMART Universitysm (AMU)—to new levels of prominence for January 2007…to As Good As It Gets.

AMU core curriculum addresses three Topics of Learning: Retail Business Basics, Buying & Selling and Building Your Brand. Each Topic offers beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. Select elective-level courses—seminar-like programming supporting AMERICASMART’s product centers—have been retained. AMU classes are taught by renowned consultants, strategists and experts in business planning, modeling and development.

All AMU participants are eligible to earn an AMERICASMART MBA—awarded to those who complete all AMU curriculum requirements—or the completion of each Level of each Topic of Learning for a total of nine classes. MBA graduates will be recognized at exclusive at-Market events and are eligible to receive incentive packages.

The AMERICASMART University January 2007 line-up features:

Thursday, January 11 Learn to Think Like the Retailer Presented by Albert Maslia, managing director of retail services, AMERICASMART ATLANTA 9:30—10:30 a.m. Exhibitor Seminar. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Please see the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Basket Design Led by Lynn Rogers, Mini Masterpieces 10—10:30 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, The Gourmet Gallery, floor 14 AMU Elective. Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

A Season to Remember Led by Richard Hampton, Regency Designer A sneak peek at some of the new looks/design trends for the 2006 holiday season. 1—2 p.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 19, 19A23 Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Learn to Think Like the Retailer Presented by Albert Maslia, managing director of retail services, AMERICASMART ATLANTA 5—6 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Exhibitor Seminar Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Friday, January 12 WithIt Trends Sponsored by WithIt, Women in the Home Industries Today Presented by Becky Smith, Home Accents Today, Jessie LaFalce, Vanguard School of Design, and Stephanie Meyerson, Trend House A panel discussion on the latest trends and how they may influence your business. 8—9 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Trend Forecast: Home, Lifestyle, Fragrance & Market Trends Sponsored by Midwest of Cannon Falls Led by Ingrid Liss, Midwest Vice President of Design Midwest’s trend & style guru offers the skinny on what’s hot/not for 2007 9—9:50 a.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 19, 19A23 Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

“Nice to Meet You. I’m Your New Business Partner”: Using Business Agreements to Avoid Disaster in Times of Transition Led by John O. Moore, Esquire Learn how business owners can use buy-sell agreements to ensure an orderly transition in times of disaster. Learn how non-disclosure/non-compete/non-solicitation agreements can prevent misappropriation of valuable materials 9—10 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center AMU Retail Business Basics—Advanced Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Productive & Profitable: A Smarter Way to Shop AMERICASMART Presented by Albert Maslia, managing director of retail services, AMERICASMART ATLANTA 9—10 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Basket Design Led by Grace Johnson, Your Gifted Basket 10—10:30 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, The Gourmet Gallery, floor 14 AMU Elective Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Holiday Retail Display Secrets: Wreaths, Trees, Mantels & Candlescapes Presented by: Ingrid Liss, VP of Design, Margo Tantau, Creative Director, and Chris Tkachuck, Director of Visual Display Midwest’s award-winning team presents display ideas, tips and insider secrets on decorating retail spaces for maximum visual appeal and sales. 10—10:50 a.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 19, 19A23 Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Event-Based Retail: The Insider’s Guide to Success Presented by Robb Whittlef, HGTV design personality, retailer and entrepreneur The nationally-renowned designer and television personality offers the how-tos on driving traffic and profits through an event-based retail business. 11—11:50 a.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 19, 19A23 Sponsored by Midwest of Cannon Falls Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

The Retail Game Plan Led by JoAnne Stone-Geier, marketing and branding expert Strategies to keep the in-store momentum going…whether you are new to the industry or a veteran retailer 11 a.m.—12 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center AMU Retail Business Basics—Beginner Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Trends Search Sponsored by CBK Learn which colors and styles depict mood and ambiance and how much of a trend retailers should purchase and when retailers should move on the next hot thing. 2—2:45 p.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 19, 19A23 Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

How to Grow Sales, Traffic and Brand Exposure Presented by JoAnne Stone-Geier, marketing and branding expert Understanding today’s consumer. 2—3 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center AMU Retail Business Basics—Intermediate Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Visual Merchandising and Converting Customer Satisfaction into Loyalty Sponsored by CBK Learn the tricks of visual merchandising. Make window shoppers believe you have an interior design staff at your fingertips; techniques to change the look of a store using the same product mixed with a bit of new 3—3:45 p.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 19, 19A23 Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Customer Stories—The Heart of Business Success Presented by Mary Liz Curtin, author of A Shopkeeper’s Manual Learn helpful ways to attract new customers while sustaining customer loyalty. Enjoy humorous stories with insight on “tried and true” ways to succeed. 4—4:45 p.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 19, 19A23 Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Saturday, January 13 Productive & Profitable: A Smarter Way to Shop AMERICASMART Presented by Debra Tenebaum, retail services expert, AMERICASMART ATLANTA 9—10 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Basket Design Demonstration Presented by Tracy Dixon, Give A Gift Basket 10—10:30 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 14, The Gourmet Gallery Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Planning for Profits: Manage and Control Your Product Mix Presented by Barbara Crowhurst, retail business coach and trainer Learn the secrets behind effective inventory control, what to buy, etc.
11 a.m.—12 noon. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Bon Appetit Ya’ll: Southern Style Bistro Basics Presented by Virginia Willis, renowned author and chef Cooking demonstration followed by a book signing 12—1 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 14, The Gourmet Gallery AMU Elective Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Christmas Traditions Always in Style Presented by A&B Floral designers Jeff Purdy and Wayne Freeman Techniques to achieve the newest and most festive looks for the holiday season. 1—2 p.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 19, 19A23 Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

The ABCs of the Children’s Industry Presented by Larry Lucas, owner, Larry Lucas, Inc. Techniques designed to get new customers, more sales…plus creative promotion ideas, advertising trends, as well as dos and don’ts. 1—2 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 13, NW Quadrant Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

The Methods & Strategies of In-Store Sales & Marketing Initiatives Presented by Barbara Crowhurst, retail business coach and trainer Learn two critical methods guaranteed to attract more business and increase sales dramatically. 2—3 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Living Outdoors-Style for Life in the Garden Presented by Erinn Valencich, designer and lifestyle expert Learn ideas and trends to create beautiful outdoor rooms 4—5 p.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 14, The Gardens, Café area Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Sunday, January 14 The Art of Shopping and Customer Service Presented by Debra Tenebaum, retail services expert, AMERICASMART ATLANTA. 9—10 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Basket Design Demonstration Presented by Jimi Taylor, Taylor Made Gifts 10—10:30 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 14, The Gourmet Gallery AMU Elective Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Website Marketing Presented by Drew Barton, Southern Web Group An introduction to website marketing. Learn what search engines are looking for, website terminology, why some sites rise to the top of the ranking, etc.
11 a.m.—12 noon. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Increase Your Sales with Fashion Accessories Presented by Carolyn Miner, owner, The Miners Ways to give a store “personality,” broaden your customer base and increase profits through fashion accessories 1—2 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 8, NE Quadrant Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Website Marketing Presented by Drew Barton, Southern Web Group Ways to generate more sales on your website. Search Google sitemaps, Google ad words and learn email marketing techniques designed to bring customers to your site and keep them there 2—3 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Tablescapes by Sandra Lee.
Presented by Sandra Lee—new-generation homemaker and star of the Food Network’s popular television show Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee An exciting and informative demonstration/viewing of her simple, yet classic and beautiful tablescapes. Enjoy complimentary signature cocktails at “Cocktail Time” and a complimentary autographed copy of Sandra’s latest lifestyle book/cookbook, Gatherings. Cookbooks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 3 p.m. AMERICASMART 2, floors 8 and 9. Reference the Atlanta Buyer’s Guide at Market for details.

The Hospital Gift Shop Explosion Presented by Debra Tenebaum, retail services expert, AMERICASMART ATLANTA 3—4 p.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 3 Conference Center Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Accessorizing Your Home Presented by Erinn Valencich, designer and lifestyle expert Learn creative ways to merchandise product from a designer’s point of view 4—5 p.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 12 Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Monday, January 15 Basket Design Demonstration Presented by Adrienne Smith, Susan Creek Baskets 10—10:30 a.m. AMERICASMART 3, floor 14, The Gourmet Gallery AMU Elective Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

Saturday, January 20 Walk the Market with Phil Presented by Phil Mendendian, ORRA board member 11 a.m. AMERICASMART 1, floor 2, ORRA booth Reference the January 2007 Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for additional information.

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