Unfinished Furniture Industry To Convene In Nashville, June 12-15,1999

Furniture World Magazine

Fresh products from hundreds of exhibitors and an array of industry-specific educational programs will star at the National Convention & Trade Show sponsored by the Unfinished Furniture Association (UFA). The event will be held at the Nashville Convention Center and the headquarters hotel, the Renaissance, in Nashville, Tenn., June 12-15, 1999. UFA's annual National Convention & Trade Show is the only show in the furniture industry focusing on ready-to-finish furniture; finishing products such as stains and paints; and related products, from decorative accessories to retailer operating products and services. The show, themed "Succeeding in Concert," brings all sectors of the industry together in Music City, USA. Retailers can explore more than 400 booths of the latest product introductions; network with manufacturers, representatives and fellow retailers; share best ideas; and pick up money-saving, business-building success strategies. "Busy dealers can come to Nashville knowing that the UFA Show offers the products and programs that can give them a year's worth of great solutions in just a few days," says Tom Karkos of Baker Road Furniture Corp., UFA's incoming president and chairman of the National Convention & Trade Show Committee. The UFA Convention leads off with a pre-show Manufacturers' Mixer on Friday, June 11, hosted by retailers to thank exhibitors. UFA's annual Education Day on Saturday, June 12, opens with a keynote presentation by Cathy Finney, president of "TNT," Trained 'N Talented. Finney, who has more than 20 years of experience in the furniture industry, is a motivational speaker and management consultant who has assisted thousands of sales professionals, managers and store owners. Her provocative presentation, 12 Sure-Fire Ways to Shoot Yourself in the Foot," will help attendees increase their sales potential, communicate more effectively and improve bottom line results. Education Day also includes a seminar by industry veteran Bill Hewitt of Santa Rosa Bare Woods. Hewitt, who is also the "Ask Murray" columnist for UFA's Unfinished Business magazine, will discuss the concept of Service Leadership. In a special seminar for sales reps and their manufacturers, former manufacturers' representative Seymour Seidscher will discuss "Legal Issues for Sales Reps," including contracts, commissions, product liability and more. Seidscher has 30 years of experience in the furniture industry as well as 17 years as an attorney. To help new retailers enter the ready-to-finish furniture industry and help UFA members grow their businesses, Education Day will include panels on "So You're Opening a Store" and "So You're Thinking of Expanding." Each panel will consist of three people in the business who will share their experiences, tips and pitfalls to avoid. A question-and-answer period will follow. On Sunday morning, June 13, Roundtable discussions will be held before the exhibit hall opens, featuring such topics as "Multiple Store Problems & Solutions"; "Radio & Television Advertising"; "Public Relations & the Press"; and "I'm the Truck Driver, but I'm Also the Boss." In the afternoon, trade show shoppers can attend Quick Tips, mini-presentations by exhibiting manufacturers. Presentations will include demonstrations of wood graining, one-step finishes, glazing, stenciling, crackle finishes, milk painting, waxing and more, as well as sessions that address "What Tools Should I Have in My Store?"; "How to Repair Chests/Chairs"; and "How to Host a Finishing Class in Your Store." Highlights of special events at the UFA Convention include the Welcome Reception on Saturday, June 12, and the Awards Banquet on Sunday, June 13. Banquet guests will enjoy a fabulous dinner and share the excitement of UFA's 2nd Annual Awards Presentation where manufacturers will be recognized for excellence in exhibit displays and new products. Show attendees may visit the Association Center, where a wide range of UFA products and services will be on display, including copies of Unfinished Business magazine, consumer brochures, the UFA Web site and the new, in-depth industry survey reports. For exhibit and registration information, retailers and manufacturers are encouraged to call UFA at 800-487-8321 or 312-782-5252, or fax 312-236-1140.