The third release of the Industry Wide Web Summit will convene on Monday, September 14, 2009, the opening day of the Vegas furniture market, on the 9th Floor of Building C in Room C976 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
“This is truly an industry-wide meeting where we can brainstorm new solutions, work through existing conflicts and bury old misconceptions about online strategy for the furniture industry,” said David Lively of The Lively Merchant, who is sponsoring the Web Summit with HFIA and World Market Center Las Vegas. “Based on the feedback from the two prior Summits, we’re excited to have a manufacturer represented on this panel,” Lively added.
Participants will leave the Summit with practical, real world information and implementation strategies for all areas of electronic media and web for the furniture industry. The presenters of the Summit work in their areas of expertise everyday with real clients and with their own businesses. “We’re not going to talk about hypothetical ‘what-if’ scenarios. You’re going to hear, ‘We did this, and here’s how it worked,’ and, ‘This is what did not work for me,’” said David McMahon, Senior Business Consultant with PROFITconsulting.
McMahon will teach attendees “How to Implement Email Marketing and Social Media for Results.” Using real-life examples, McMahon will give step-by-step instructions on how to use email marketing and social networking to build relationships with target followers, strengthen brands, decrease advertising costs and increase traffic.
With no techno-speak, Ron Carpenter will help home furnishing professionals develop “Strategies For Integrating Web-based Interactive Marketing Into Your Store’s Marketing Mix.” Key issues and opportunities to be discussed will include: Selecting The Right Key Vendors and Resources, Enhancing Your Site’s Capabilities Over Time, Key Tools in Marketing Your Store’s Web Site, and Outbound Interactive Marketing Strategies. Carpenter is Managing Principal of Strategic Marketing Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm serving the home furnishings industry in the areas of planning, marketing, branding, merchandising, licensing, change processes and implementation of marketing technology.
Take a peek inside the life of today’s online furniture shopper with David Lively of The Lively Merchant. “Demystifying the Online Furniture Shopper” will scientifically prove who she is, what she is like and why she buys. “We asked the million dollar question: Who buys furniture online?” said Lively. “Our research partners at Neilson/ Claritas answered that question for 80 nationwide markets. The surprising results revealed why the online strategies of many furniture retailers just aren’t working. “ Lively will present the clearest picture currently available today of who this consumer is and how she lives, which will enable retailers to speak to her on her terms in a language she understands. Lively brings to the table over 20 years experience in all areas of the retail home furnishings industry, from the sales floor to the warehouse to the boardroom.
“Create an Engaging Website that Brings Your Brand to Life Online” will be presented by Reneé Loper, Director of Marketing for aspenhome. Renee will preview the newly redesigned home page for aspenhome and share the behind the scenes processes and guiding design principles that can help maintain the integrity of your brand online. She’ll also share an approach to planning to make your website easy to manage and tips for maximizing your resources. As part of the team that transformed the company from a small regional name to one of the fastest growing and most talked about furniture suppliers today, Renee leads the company’s brand development and provides marketing support for the growing product line and customer base.
Because seating is limited, registration is required for this free event. Participants may register at www.thelivelymerchant.com.
To schedule an interview and learn how the Industry-Wide Web Summit 3.0 will help the home furnishings industry, contact David Lively at david@thelivelymerchant.com or call 740-415-3192.