WHFA Announces 45th Annual Conference

Furniture World Magazine

The Western Home Furnishings Association, the regional trade association representing furniture retailers located throughout the western United States, announced that their 45th Annual Conference and Trade Show will be held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico from Sunday, May 15 through Tuesday, May 17, 2005.  With the theme of, “Be Inspired, Get Focused, See Results”, this three day event will offer a wide range of educational programs, dynamic speakers, networking opportunities and a trade show featuring the latest products and services available to furniture retailers.  If received prior to April 1, 2005, registration for WHFA members is:  $395 for the first ????person and $345 for additional attendees and $495 and $445 for non-members.  After April 1, prices are:  $445 for the first registrant and $395 for additional attendees for WHFA members and $545 and $495 for non members.  To register for the conference please call WHFA at (800) 422-3778 or log on to www.WHFA.org.  For more information regarding the conference details please call WHFA Meeting Planner, Cindi Williams at:  (916) 960-0277. Topics to be covered in the conference seminars include:  marketing, merchandising, succession planning, logistics and freight management, floor layout, sales, importing and tariffs, store operations, human resources, advertising and internet solutions.  Two general sessions are scheduled.  For the opening session on May 15, Robert Wendover will cover the topic of selling furniture to various age groups with, “Selling to the Generations”.  For the closing general session the topic will be “Make It Happen” with speaker Jeffery Hansler. To be held at the beautiful, American managed, Westin Hotel in Puerto Vallarta on the west coast of Mexico, the conference will also include a golf tournament and several leisure activities to provide many networking opportunities with fellow retailers.  Details and speakers are still being scheduled with updates to be posted on the WHFA website at www.WHFA.org in the near future.  The Western Home Furnishings Association provides products, services and education at low rates to more than 1,100 members representing over 2,700 stores throughout the western United States and is the largest affiliate of the National Home Furnishings Association.  For more information please contact Dave Atkinson, Communications Director at (916) 960-0348 or via e-mail at datkinson@whfa.org.