San Francisco Winter 2006 Seminars Announced

Furniture World News

Retail buyers and design professionals can learn to improve their business practices and differentiate themselves from the competition at special seminars during the San Francisco Mart’s Winter Home Furnishings Show, February 2-5. Additionally, buyers also can use their Mart badge and attend a variety of educational events at the SF International Gift Fair. Friday, February 3: Mastering Color: The Art of Choosing Ideal Palettes - 10-11:30 a.m. Speaker: Joann Eckstut, Color Specialist Location: SF Mart, Space 250 Cost: $10 for SF Mart Members; $15 for non-members Learn how to incorporate color schemes into your projects or your store without intimidation. Eckstut will discuss how to best determine a palette for a room, as well as review the emotional responses to specific colors, how color can improve a room, how to incorporate color trends in your designs, and how different kinds of light influence the way a color is perceived. You will leave with failsafe advice on creating color schemes that work. RSVP: Reservations and pre-payment required. Call 415-437-7100 or e-mail seminars@sfmart.com. Working with Italian Manufacturers: 1-2 p.m. Speaker: Massimiliano De Simoni, International Business Consultant Location: SF Mart, Space 250 Free Admission Complimentary Italian refreshments Importing from Italy may sound complicated, but it doesn't have to be. In this seminar, you will learn about developing relationships with unique Italian manufacturers. You will learn where to find them how to work with them, as well as meet representatives of up-and-coming furniture lines. RSVP: Reservations required. Call 415-437-7100 or e-mail seminars@sfmart.com. Building Business with Buzz: 3-4 p.m. Speaker: Patrick Galvin, Marketing Consultant Location: SF Mart, Space 250 Free Admission In this seminar, you will learn how to break through the commercial clutter and learn how to build business based on positive buzz via referrals and free media coverage rather than expensive advertising. RSVP: Reservations required. Call 415-437-7100 or e-mail seminars@sfmart.com. Increase Profit Margins and Become a Retail Pro Day: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Speaker: Andrew Andoniadis, Retail Consultant Location: SF International Gift Fair at Moscone Center RSVP: For information on specific location and admission or to register for a seminar at the SFIGF, visit www.sfigf.com or call 800-346-1212. Saturday, February 4 Beating the Competition with Stellar Customer Service 9:30-10:30 a.m. Speaker: Patrick Galvin, Marketing Consultant Location: SF Mart, Space 250 Free Admission Wow! This seminar will teach you how to develop good rapport, deal with difficult customers/clients, respond effectively to specific customer behaviors, motivate employees to provide great service, appeal to women who make 85 percent of all consumer buying decisions, and create loyal repeat customers. RSVP: Reservations required. Call 415-437-7100 or e-mail seminars@sfmart.com. Beyond Hits: Mining for Gold in Your Web Traffic Reports- 10:30 a.m.-Noon Speaker: Philippa Gamse, Web Strategist/Consultant Location: SF International Gift Fair at Moscone Center RSVP: For information on specific location and admission or to register for a seminar at the SFIGF, visit www.sfigf.com or call 800-346-1212. Making Your Success Happen - 1:30-3 p.m. Speaker: Rick Segel, Retail Expert/Author Location: SF International Gift Fair at Moscone Center RSVP: For information on specific location and admission or to register for a seminar at the SFIGF, visit www.sfigf.com or call 800-346-1212. Sunday, February 5 Clear It Out, Cash It Out and Make Room for New Products - 8:30-9:30 am Speaker: Mary Liz Curtin, Writer and Consultant Location: SF International Gift Fair at Moscone Center RSVP: For information on specific location and admission or to register for a seminar at the SFIGF, visit www.sfigf.com or call 800-346-1212. Renovate Your Online Presence: Turbo Charge Your Website - 10:30 a.m.-Noon Speaker: Steve Veltkamp, President, Bizshop—Success Training Location: SF International Gift Fair at Moscone Center RSVP: For information on specific location and admission or to register for a seminar at the SFIGF, visit www.sfigf.com or call 800-346-1212. 2-4-6-8 Help Me Design And Renovate! Fabulous Store Design from Start to Finish on Any Budget - 1:30-3:30 p.m. Speaker: Linda Cahan, Visual Expert Location: SF International Gift Fair at Moscone Center RSVP: For information on specific location and admission or to register for a seminar at the SFIGF, visit www.sfigf.com or call 800-346-1212.