Nov 9, 2015

Windy City Gift Show announces seminar lineup for Winter 2016 edition

To arm Midwest retailers with the tools and strategies they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing retail climate, Urban Expositions will offer a full roster of free educational seminars during the fifth edition of Windy City Gift Show that will take place Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 2016 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

The educational offerings come together with the Windy City Gift Show’s largest show floor selection to date, including the new Gourmet category, an increasing number of handcrafted and fair trade offerings and even more of the industry’s top name manufacturers, and the region’s premier sales representatives.

All educational programs are free to registered buyers and will take place inside the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center at the end of the 1600 aisle.

The January 2016 Windy City Gift Show seminar line-up includes:

Saturday, Jan. 30

Retail Roundtable: The Science and Soul of Best-Sellers

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Join moderator Lilly Stamets, manager of Gift Shops, UCSF Medical Center; and founder of Premier Retail Consulting and a panel of gift shop managers for this insightful open forum session where you can share ideas with fellow retailers. Discussion includes the latest product trends, exploring the best sellers and where you can find them.

Social Media 101

3:00-4:00 p.m.

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 Alison Walkley, social media manager, Urban Expositions for a discussion on the top platforms, which make the most sense for small businesses and best practices to employ on each.

Sunday, Jan. 31

Can Conservation Drive Your Mission While Driving Sales?

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this short presentation and introduction to “Conservation Commerce” followed by a buying tour on the show floor that will teach you how to create stories within your shop to maximize sales and support your institution’s mission. Presented by Tommy Brown, retail manager & buyer of conservation goods, Saint Louis Zoo.

Social Media FAQs

3:00-4:00 p.m.

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