Dec 3, 2015

Philadelphia Gift Show announces seminar schedule for January 2016 edition

As the first gift show of the year, the Jan. 8-11, 2016 Philadelphia Gift Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center with a full lineup of educational seminars to help retailers get a jump on 2016. From top social media platforms and best practices to discovering new niche markets to profitable year round promotional strategies, the winter 2016 schedule will provide retailers with informative and practical tips they utilize in their own stores immediately.

All educational programs are free to registered buyers and will take place on the show floor in the back of the 2100 aisle. To see the complete list of programs and networking events, attendees are encouraged to visit the Philadelphia Gift Show website, www.philadelphiagiftshow.com.

Programs will include:

Friday, January 8

Social Media 101

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Presented By: Alison Walkley, Social Media Manager, Urban Expositions

In this digital age, there are social platforms popping up on a nearly weekly basis. Which are the MUSTS to be on for your business? Join Walkley for a discussion on the top platforms, which make the most sense for small businesses and best practices to employ on each.

Finding Your Niche Market

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Presented By: Tammy Shapiro, President, Talk of the Town Gourmet Gifts & More

As business owners, we often get caught up in the day-to-day operations of running a business and overlook potential customers that are right in front of us. On occasion we can overlook the importance of marketing and seeking the “Niche Market” that can utilize our business and products on a daily basis. This session will explore how to figure out which “Niche Markets” can utilize your services beyond the everyday customer base that currently uses your products. Shapiro will share unique marketing techniques, including  web sites, social media, marketing literature, networking and getting your foot in the door with these various markets.

Saturday, January 9

Social Media FAQ

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Presented By: Alison Walkley, Social Media Manager, Urban Expositions

What are your burning questions about social media? Bring them along to this discussion. Walkley will dive into some of the most frequently asked questions among small business owners, then open the floor for a conversation with attendees.

Cashing In Year Round

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Presented By: Tammy Shapiro, President, Talk Of The Town Gourmet Gifts & More

In the gift industry, our most anticipated time of year is the fourth quarter. One of the most challenging things as a business owner is to keep the client needing your service year round.  In this session we will explore creative ways to keep business booming year round with creative open houses, buyer incentive programs, supply and demand and more.  Mind readers we are not, but we need to know how to forecast what the client is looking for and understand their needs for year round profit.