8:30–9:30 a.m. — Success in Spite of the Economy. Presented by: Philip Gutsell, GutSELL & Associates. You have squeezed all the fat out of your overhead and traffic is more difficult. Now what? Gutsell will show you the strategies and promotions that are getting profitable results in spite of the tough economic conditions. Included are case histories regarding advertising, gross margin and volume results. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor -NHFA Retailer Resource Center

10–11 a.m. — It is Not Business as Usual in Today's Challenging Real Estate Market. Presented by: Julius Feinblum, Julius M. Feinblum Real Estate, Inc. Retailers must cut their real estate expenses, reposition and take advantage of lower rentals and dispose of non-performing locations. Smaller one- to four-store players can take advantage of these low real estate prices. www.furniturerealestate.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Web Strategy 101. Presented by: Sharon Gillis, JGSullivan Interactive. Learn how to effectively plan and implement a Web site that delivers results. See what works to educate consumers about your products and services online and how to bring them offline and into your showroom to complete the sale. www.homefurnishings.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

Noon – 1:30 p.m. — Bernasconi Color & Trend. Stephen Bernasconi, internationally know trend forecaster, presents his latest observations about the future of color and design for home decor. For nearly five years, Bernasconi was one of a few color & design specialists for Benjamin Moore Paints. Complimentary box lunch provided, No reservation needed. IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom B

1–2 p.m. — GREENleaders Sneak Peek: Certified Training Preview. Presented by: Jeff Hiller, Sustainable Furnishings Council; Sponsored by: Sustainable Furnishings Council. GREENleaders is a certified training course that provides accreditation as an expert in sustainable home furnishings. This preview seminar is offered free to help you understand why this topic is so important, some of the product options that are available, the questions that almost inevitably come up and the benefits of participating in the complete certification program to gain your own credentials. Intended for manufacturers, reps, retailers and designers. (1 CEU). www.sustainablefurnishings.org. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

2:30–3:30 p.m. — When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Take Action! Presented by: Brad Huisken, IAS Training. Brad Huisken will lead participants through a fun and motivational seminar on Selling in Tough Times — Strategies to Maximize Sales. Brad will detail topics such as how salespeople can help "brand" the store, telephone campaigns, three responsibilities of a salesperson, handling objections, selling yourself and the store, customer follow-up, analyzing lost sales and much more. www.iastraining.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

4–5 p.m. — Improve Your Warehouse, Delivery and Service. Presented by: Daniel Bolger, P.E. Dan Bolger will share practical tips to reduce costs in the warehouse, delivery and service operations. In this challenging economy, you can improve the bottom line by giving attention to key processes in training, inventory management, prepping, loyalty, trucking and presentation in the customer home. You will come away from this seminar with solutions that will boost profits while gaining customer referrals through their favorable furniture buying experience. www.bolgergroup.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

7:30–9 a.m. — WithIt Educational Breakfast: Building Your Celebrity Design Brand Through Social Media. Presented by: Tobi Fairley, Tobi Fairley Interior Design. How to rise to the top — even in an extremely competitive market? How to connect with design influentials nationwide — including senior editors and potential licensing partners? Social media can provide that transformative power. Learn how from one who knows. Fairley offers insight, utility, and inspiration to the design community as she reveals the social media pathways to success. Sponsored by WithIt and IHFC. Breakfast and Seminar are free of charge but reservations are required by e-mailing hallred@ihfc.com or www.withit.org. IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom A

8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. — An Overview of the Home Furnishings Industry. Presented by: W.W. "Jerry" Epperson, Jr., Mann, Armistead & Epperson. Using the latest statistics and proprietary research and forecasts, furniture research specialist Jerry Epperson will define where the industry stands and our expectations for the future. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

10–11 a.m. — The Five Most Common Management Skill Weaknesses: Symptoms & Solutions. Presented by: Ron Wolinski, Profitability Consulting Group. The areas of management development and leadership are the most ignored in the retail furniture world, yet they have the greatest impact — the attitudes and performance of all associates. This seminar will present, based on thorough research, the five most common management skills that must be addressed, the solutions to their development and the impact on the organization. www.profitabilityconsulting.com No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Not Showing Up On Google? Presented by: Sharon Gillis, JGSullivan Interactive; Sponsored by: HomeFurnishings.com. Learn SEO & Marketing Tactics to Improve Your Store's Rankings in Search Results and how to use Google to capture consumers who are using the Internet to make their furniture buying decisions. www.homefurnishings.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

Noon–2 p.m. — Design Today. Mariette Himes Gomez's interiors are like the designer: open, warm, practical and resistant to easy categorizing. An author, lecturer and teacher, Gomez's approach derives from the architectural character of a space and her sense of scale and proportion — in shape, color, light and material. Based on a geometric grid, she creates multiple mini-compositions within a room and a natural order that flows from space to space. Sponsored by IHFC and IFDA, Carolinas Chapter. $20 includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secured upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Holly Allred, PO Box 828, High Point, NC 27261. E-mail hallred@ihfc.com to request a credit card authorization form. IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom B

1–2 p.m. — The Road Ahead: Where Green is Going and When. Presented by: Jeff Hiller, Sustainable Furnishings Council; Sponsored by: Sustainable Furnishings Council. The U.S. Government is identifying the green economy as the engine of future growth, pledging $120 billion and the promise of 5 million new jobs. Learn how all of this can benefit you in the home furnishings industry through an understanding of key legislation, consumer trends and new product developments, presented in a discussion format by a variety of experts including leading environmental groups like Rainforest Alliance and Forest Stewardship Council, USGBC/LEED accredited professionals, and Sustainable Furnishings Council staff and members. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

2:30–3:30 p.m. — Maximizing Customer Opportunities. Presented by: Bob Moorman, JRM Sales & Management. The competition for each customer is more intense than ever before. This seminar focuses on positioning your company to maximize the potential of every customer that calls or visits your store. www.jrmsales-mgmt.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

4–5 p.m. — Increase Sales, Increase Margins and Improve Your Merchandise Mix. Presented by: Krisann Parker- Brown, Hearth and Home Technologies. Parker-Brown, who has 21 years in retail, including 10 years at Target, will lead this seminar that will give you insights to help your business' profitability and help you better serve your consumer. Topics covered include gender shopping behavior, product placement strategy, perceptions of value related to product placement, physical showroom layout tips, and psychological pricing strategy. www.hearthnhome.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

Breakfast 7:30–9 a.m. — Green Seats: How to Make Sales with Sustainable Upholstery. Presented by SFC and hosted by American Leather. A practical guide to driving retail sales in the top furnishings product category. Sponsored by Toray Ultrasuede, America, Inc., Ultrasuede EcoDesign. Showplace, Penthouse Floor

9–10:30 a.m. — The VALUE Equation. Presented by: Connie Post, Connie Post Affordable Design Solutions. Attend this seminar and learn new ideas that will add true value to your brand and dollars to your bottom line through store presentation and product selection. This is a fast paced and powerful visual presentation that will change your business for today's customer. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Social Media: What It Is and How to Use It Effectively. Presented by: Sharon Gillis, JGSullivan Interactive; Sponsored by: HomeFurnishings.com. Learn how to get started with social media to connect with furniture shoppers using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs. See case studies of retailers who are successfully using social media to engage with their customers to build relationships and increase sales. Learn what to avoid when setting up your social media profiles. Get access to free online training resources. www.homefurnishings.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

Noon–1:30 p.m. — No Cost and Low Cost Marketing Tools, Tips and Strategies. Presented by: Melissa Galt. Galt is a successful entrepreneur, international speaker, consultant, trainer and author. She works with the home furnishings industry and the design trade to renovate their businesses with new marketing and social media. Sponsored by IHFC and IFDA, Carolinas Chapter. $20 includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secured upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Holly Allred, PO Box 828, High Point, NC 27261. E-mail hallred@ihfc.com to request a credit card authorization form. IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom B

1–2 p.m. — Design + Find: Sustainable Interiors Made Simple. Presented by: Jeff Hiller, Sustainable Furnishings Council; Sponsored by: Sustainable Furnishings Council. Much is written on the theory behind green interior design, but this hands-on workshop actually demonstrates specific steps to put it all into practice. Written by a LEED AP and enhanced by product sample presentations from a range of green furnishings manufacturers, you will gain a complete understanding of what to look for in casegoods, upholstery and bedding. (1 CEU). www.sustainablefurnishings.org. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

2:30–3:30 p.m. — How to Host a Successful Event in Your Store. Presented by: Sarah Cooney, Circle Furniture. Circle Furniture will present a variety of successful options for hosting events, such as consumer seminars and charity events, all designed to drive traffic to your store. This is an interactive session filled with real world examples. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

4–5 p.m. — Five Reasons You Should Not Train Your Furniture Salespeople. Presented by: Mark Lacy, The Furniture Training Company. In this humorous, yet informative training session, we'll talk about five reasons you shouldn't train your salespeople to sell furniture. You'll also learn why those reasons are wrong. Let's talk (and laugh) about the reasons you aren't doing what the best businesses do to stay successful. Come to this seminar and you'll walk away with some easy, affordable and effective solutions to your training problems. www.furnituretrainingcompany.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

6–9 p.m. — WithIt Competitive Intelligence/ Trends Forecast. Enjoy an interactive session with Karim Rashid, one of the most prolific designers of his generation. 220 Elm, Leif Petersen showroom, Space 328

8:30–9:30 a.m. — Leave a Legacy, Keep Your Sanity. Presented by: David Lively, The Lively Merchant. Your world is changing, your customer is changing, and your company is changing. In fact, 60% of independent family business owners will transfer ownership in the next five years. www.thelivelymerchant.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

10–11 a.m. — Home and the Modern Lifestyle: What Americans Expect Now. How are people using their formal dining rooms? How has "green" awareness influenced their design decisions? Kristine Kennedy uses first-hand knowledge and Better Homes and Gardens research to discuss how American consumers are rethinking the design and function of their homes to fit with today's lifestyle. Joe Boehm will discuss how the research is applied to the brand's own licensed products to best meet consumer needs. Kristine Kennedy, East Coast Editor, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. Joseph Boehm, Senior Interior Design Projects Editor, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. Complimentary refreshments provided. Reservations not required. IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor, High Point Room

10–11 a.m. — Changing Times - Proven Techniques. Presented by: Stan Bossler, Bossler Design Services Inc. In today's changing, competitive retail market, proven showroom planning and visual merchandising techniques are essential tools for the successful home furnishings retailer. Bossler will guide you through showroom planning techniques including way finding, finishes and emerging design trends. bossler@prodigy.net. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — E-mail Marketing: A Killer Tool for Tight Budgets. Presented by: Jeff Stanislow, Banker & Brisebois Advertising. E-mail marketing is an efficient and effective method for communicating to customers and potential customers while on a limited budget. It also lets you evaluate the effectiveness of each campaign with comprehensive tracking reports. Discover why e-mail marketing makes sense right now, and learn e-mail strategies that work, how to get your message in the "inbox," and much more. www.bbfurnitureadvertising.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

Noon–1 p.m. — Re-designing Your Career: New Directions for Today's Interior Designer. Cathy Whitlock's career as a book author, magazine writer, design marketer, lecturer and interior designer spans many directions, both nationally and internationally. A graduate of Parsons School of Design and member of ASID, Cathy has more than 22 years of experience in the interior design industry. Complimentary Box Lunch Provided. Reservations not required. IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom B

1–2 p.m. — Retail Business Remodel: How to Turn Your Sales Staff into Entrepreneurs. Presented by: Jeff Hiller, PROaction Marketing Group. This seminar is an instructional on capturing contact data, daily prospecting, soliciting direct referrals, networking effectively, doubling response to follow ups, and adding 20% to their sales totals each month entirely by their own efforts, all while making your customers feel valued, not harassed. Also provided is a proven, step-by-step procedure for getting customers to sign on the dotted line, including compelling presentation, price reassurance, timing reactions, anticipating objections, and asking for the order. proactionnow@gmail.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

2:30–3:30 p.m. — Improve Your Customer's Experience: POS is King! Presented by: Mark Ricciardi, STORIS Management Systems. Transform your retail business by satisfying your customer demands faster and offering more personalized service through a robust Point of Sale solution. A retailer's major asset is obtaining fast, reliable, real-time information. www.storis.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

4–5 p.m. — Leveraging Consumer Insights for Profit Growth. Presented by: Chuck Mattina, Quixote Group. This seminar will reveal research techniques and methodology to develop consumer insights that will allow you to grow your brand. www.quixotegroup.com. No charge and no RSVP to attend. Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

9 a.m.–3 p.m. — GREENleaders: Certified Sustainability Training. Presented by: Sustainable Furnishings Council. This industry first, 6-hour exam course was developed in conjunction with the Sustainable Furnishings Council. This is the most comprehensive training program available, providing manufacturers, retailers, reps and designers with the knowledge and credentials to differentiate themselves as experts in sustainability. Written by an accredited LEED AP, this is a fee-based course that requires registration. Please contact susan@sustainablefurnishings.org. (6 CEU) Plaza Suites, 1st Floor - NHFA Retailer Resource Center

Noon — Retailer Roundtable. Jenny Heinzen York, editor in chief of Home Accents Today and editorial director of Kids Today, will moderate a round table discussing the state of the industry and the consumer mindset. Complimentary box lunch, no reservations required. IHFC, Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B