Why Do YOU Need To Be At RetailNOW?

Over the past month I have provided updates on our preparations and the status of attendee registrations. This week I wanted to give you an update on the show content. By the way - attendee registrations remain ahead of last year and we should have the same number of exhibitors as last year.

Critical Meetings
RetailNOW starts with RSPA’s Board of Director’s meeting on Saturday July 11th. In addition to the Board Meeting there will be a Vendor Working Group and a Canadian Committee meeting. There are a total of 28 Vendor/Dealer meetings being held in conjunction with RetailNOW. Some meetings such as Future POS and Dinerware are two day events, others for two hours. No matter how long the meeting, it’s a great opportunity for vendors and dealers to meet face to face.

Compelling Education
We begin and end our education sessions with keynote addresses. In the course of 3 days, you can choose from 23 different education sessions each designed to provide industry specific information to help your business. One of the more interesting panel discussions designed to help your business expand is sure to be Monday’s session which looks at different ways to take retail technology beyond retail.

Relevant Technology
With well over 100 exhibitors and RSPA’s RetailNEXT pavilion you have a chance to see current, new, and future technology up close and personal. I always look forward to meeting and speaking with the companies that bring you the technology that fuels your business. It seems like I always take away new ideas from the show floor.

Great Venue
Mandalay Bay is a world class convention destination making it the perfect venue for conducting business. To reduce your expenses RSPA has negotiated a great price for the rooms ($119 per night with free internet). You’ll also get a $500 “fly back” coupon from Mandalay Bay. Many of your meals are included as part of RetailNOW – Lunch is served on the expo show floor and we have a Welcome Reception and After Party where you can network and gather up great ideas.

Think there’s a lot going on? Well, you’re right! There is a lot going on at RetailNOW and it is definitely worth your time and cost. Here’s how I look at it. You can get immediate ROI for RetailNOW by picking up just one good business idea or learn about a new product that will land that extra deal for you.

Your next mouse click should be to check out our web site www.GoRSPA.org/RetailNOW for the latest show information and register NOW to be at RetailNOW – Where the Industry Meets.

See you in Las Vegas!
Joe F.

What is the best way to build my business and B2B relationships?

YOU GOTTA BE SOMEWHERE!

Today, on-line social networking has become a great tool to bring together virtual communities. RSPA has a Facebook group page, a LinkedIn Retail Technology Group, and you will even be able to follow the highlights of RetailNOW on Twitter. But… you gotta BE somewhere. Eventually, people have to meet face to face to create business relationships and share ideas. On-line social networks are excellent tools to provide ongoing supplemental communications but nothing beats face to face time with your peers, customers and suppliers. That’s what RetailNOW is all about. It’s an annual venue to bring our industry together for education, information, ideas and the face to face creation of relationships which will help your business and stay with you your entire career.

I’ve always enjoyed educational conferences and trade shows. For me, the good ones always provide good, relevant information, and the creative sparks which have allowed me to be at the top of my game, ahead of the competition or out front with a new approach to business.

Because face to face relationships are a MUST, you have to be somewhere. That ‘somewhere’ should be the only place Where the Industry Meets - RetailNOW. A lot of other people agree and have already registered (still running ahead of last year) to attend and meet with some world-class suppliers (full exhibit hall is expected), experience compelling educational content (23 sessions and two keynote speeches) and experience the best kind of social networking – face to face.

Check out our web site www.GoRSPA.org/RetailNOW for the latest show information. and our great room rate at Mandalay Bay - Register NOW and be at RetailNOW – Where the Industry Meets.

See you in Las Vegas!
Joe F.

How are Show Registrations?

RETAILNOW SHOW REGISTRATIONS ARE LOOKING GOOD!

The date for RSPA’s Annual Summer Convention and Expo is approaching quickly. For the next few weeks we will be sending regular updates on show preparations and answers to FAQ for RetailNOW – Where the Industry Meets.

The MOST frequently asked question is “How are show registrations?” To date, show registrations are ahead of last year! Our Super Saver Special worked exceptionally well, but we are not resting. We are continuing to promote the show with targeted marketing programs aimed at providing opportunities for more dealers to attend RetailNOW and meet with their vendor partners. This week we launched a “Bring Your Channel” promotion for vendors who are conducting their dealer meetings in conjunction with RetailNOW.

Bottom Line –It’s good to see business returning back to typical levels. I hope it’s an indicator that the economy is on the upswing, as we see businesses preparing for the future by way of gathering new ideas at trade shows. Check out our web site www.GoRSPA.org/RetailNOW for the latest show information. RegisterNOW and be at RetailNOW – Where the Industry Meets.