2007 Retail Conference - Program Highlights

March 4, 2007

Photo Gallery | Presentations and Podcasts | Program Highights | Exhibitors

Conference Sessions

The State of Retail: Consumers Rule
Dave McConnell, President and Chief Executive Officer of GMDC, gives a "state of the union" address on retail today, focusing on how changes in consumer shopping behavior have transformed the industry.  McConnell highlights key opportunities for publishers in this new retail landscape, which include category management, the value of checkout and how the consumer's connection with magazines' editorial content offers important insights.

How the Consumer Drives Editorial: Three Success Stories

• Weight Watchers  Weight-conscious consumers are hungry for other readers' weight-loss success stories—and the growth of Weight Watchers magazine and book line proves it.  Nancy Gagliardi, Editorial Director of Weight Watchers Publishing Group, shares insights into how Weight Watchers magazine stays fresh and continues to thrive by publishing inspiring stories from women achieving their health and wellness goals.
• Bicycling  Who knew that equipping readers with bicycles and publishing their stories would inspire and change communities as far away as Africa?  Steve Madden, Editor-in-Chief of Bicycling, talks about BikeTown USA—a program that provides readers with bikes, who in turn write a story about how bicycling changed their lives and communities—and how it has transformed the magazine and its readers.
• Taste of Home  Can consumers determine all content?  Reiman Publications Editor-in-Chief Catherine Cassidy discusses how readers generate 100% of the content for Taste of Home magazine, and the company's books and websites and how it has stimulated Reiman's growing success.

Category Magic: Improving Sales and Marketing Effectiveness
When category management is done right, it can conjure magical results for retailers.  But what is the secret to getting the proper mix of products?  Lee Nichols, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dechert Hampe, discusses how analyzing trends in consumer purchase behavior can help improve sales and marketing effectiveness by building the right assortment of inventory and maximizing cross-merchandising opportunities.

Consumer Insights
Learn how the Pathtracker—a new shopping tool that uses RFID and video to track consumer behavior and buying patterns throughout the store—works during a presentation from Herb Sorensen, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sorenson Associates.

Peformance at Checkout
The traditional magazine real estate stronghold—the checkout—is in jeopardy from self-scan operations, confectionary, coolers, gift cards and more.  Retailers take note: in this session, Michael Porche, President and Chief Executive Officer of Distribution Services, Inc., shares impressive case studies and insights into how magazines provide retailers with a powerful means of increasing sales and profits at the front end.

Breakout Sessions

Building on the topics covered earlier, these breakout sessions with an expert moderator will spur further in-depth discussion among attendees.  So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bounce ideas around with your peers on:

• How category management can increase your customer base
• What promotions and cross-merchandising can do for your profits
• Why purchase behavior data can transform your operation
• What retailers can do when their front-end sales are challenged

Networking Events

Print Comes to Life
Lively and full of innovative exhibits, this event showcases how magazines and books live beyond the page with a host of interactive events, exhibits and great opportunities to reconnect with friends and develop new relationships.

Monday Night Industry Dinner at "Islands of Adventure" Universal Studios
The industry dinner presents another prime opportunity to build relationships with fellow attendees and have a great time!

Best Practices Celebrate Excellence in Retailing
The Best Practices Awards recognize retailers who consistently and creatively drive higher levels of sales through category development and innovation.  (The awards will be presented throughout the conference.)

One-on-Ones
The one-on-ones give you valuable face time with business partners to discuss important issues during private meetings.  You must be registered to schedule appointments.  Appointments will be scheduled in 15-minute intervals on Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6.

Registered attendees will receive instructions in the confirmation email on how to set up appointments directly with the confirmed retailers attending the 2007 Retail Conference.  For more information, please contact Suzette Kraemer at skraemer@magazine.org.

Exhibit at Retail 2007
Single or double booth display spaces are available.  Contact Suzette Kraemer at skraemer@magazine.org.