Sep 17, 2007

GHTA to Host Industry’s First Ever ‘Unconference’

The Gift and Home Trade Association, the industry’s non-profit professional trade association, announces that it will host the industry’s first ever “Unconference” one day prior to the association’s 2007 Annual Conference in La Jolla. Unlike a traditional conference, an Unconference is comprised of sessions where the content is created and driven by the participants. There is no pre-arranged agenda, no assigned speakers and topics are determined on the spot by those in attendance.

“Unconferences are popular right now in other industries, like the technology industry,” says GHTA Executive Director Gregg Marshall. “We decided to try it in our industry after receiving feedback that attendees wanted more opportunities to determine the format and topics of GHTA’s Annual Conference. Those who attend the Unconference will have the perfect opportunity to discuss whatever is on their mind. We expect this to be an event for forward-thinking leaders in our industry, and if it is a success, we may expand the event next year.”

There is no additional fee for those planning to attend the GHTA Annual Conference to also attend the Unconference, which will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15. For more information and to register for GHTA’s first-ever Unconference, visit www.unconferenceb4.com.

GHTA’s 2007 Annual Conference will take place Nov. 16-17, 2007, in La Jolla, Calif., at the Hilton Torrey Pines Hotel. For additional information, including conference registration, visit www.giftandhome.org and click on “Annual Conference.”

About the GIFT AND HOME Trade Association:

GHTA is the gift and home industry’s non-profit professional trade association formed to help vendors, sales agencies, industry affiliates and retailers work together to improve the industry. GHTA’s mission is to lead and transform the gift and home industry to ensure its long-term health and viability. GHTA hosts an annual conference, and distributes monthly newsletters, to inform and educate its members. GHTA also has a nine-member Retailer Advisory Board that advises on how best to support independent gift and home retailers. GHTA can be reached at 138 Garfield Street, Denver, CO 80206, 1-877-600-4872 / 720-748-4872 Fax: 509-479-5254, or by email at info@ghta.net. For more information on the GIFT AND HOME Trade Association visit giftandhome.org.