Southwest Airlines CEO Howard Putnam to headline WMC’s Business Survival Series

Seminars, speakers at September’s Las Vegas Market announced

-- Home Accents Today, 6/29/2009 10:15:00 AM

World Market Center Las Vegas announced the lineup for its Business Survival Series to be held during the inaugural Fall Las Vegas Market, Sept. 14–17.

Headlining the Series will be Howard Putnam, former Southwest Airlines CEO turned author, consultant, mentor and authority on business leadership, customer service, change, ethics and strategic thinking. With a reputation for leading in unstable times, Putnam’s presentation will offer practical and simple steps to reach business goals.

“Some play the game, others change the way the game is played,” Putnam said. “Today’s businesses need to decide whether their model differentiates them from the competition and whether they are followers or trend setters. We decided at Southwest to change the way the game is played.”

The presentation, “Power Lunch with Howard Putnam,” is scheduled for Tues., Sept., 15 at noon in Building C-469 and will include a box lunch. A suggested $10 donation at the door will go to the City of Hope.

Monday, Sept. 14th at 4 p.m., Bill Child and Jeff Benedict will explore the unique business approach that grew R.C. Wiley Home Furnishings from a small storefront into a multi-million-dollar company. Child is the founder of R.C. Wiley and subject of the book, How to Build a Business Warren Buffet Would Buy, the story behind a family-owned business that had only one asset – a pick-up truck – when it started in 1954. Today the company is owned by Warren Buffett and is valued at over $1 billion. Benedict, who wrote the book, will join Child for the conversation which will take place in WorldForum, Building B, 16th floor, and will be followed by a wine and cheese reception and book signing.

Thurs., Sept. 17th at 10 a.m. in WorldForum, Leslie Carruthers, president of The Search Guru—a search engine marketing (SEM)/search engine optimization (SEO) company—will present “How to Use Facebook and other Social Network Media to Grow Your Business.” Carruthers will provide tips for marketers utilizing these new pages including the importance of posting updates frequently and taking advantage of Facebook advertising.

Tues., Sept. 15th at 8 a.m., also in WorldForum, Andrew Edlefsen, director of the Las Vegas Export Assistance Center, U.S. Department of Commerce, will provide attendees with information on assistance the federal government can provide to U.S. companies in their exporting and international expansion efforts. The U.S. Commercial Service, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, with over 100 offices in the U.S. and in 85 countries, serves as a global network of trade specialists providing resources and services to U.S. exporters.

Wed., Sept. 16th at 10 a.m. in WorldForum, Gregory Vargo, president of Vargo Design Licensing, a New York City-based marketing and licensing firm that specializes in establishing product programs for brands, designers and celebrities, will outline the steps involved in licensing strategies and the various business models currently in use within the industry.

“The Business Survival Series is designed to educate and equip attendees seeking ways to identify new revenue streams and maximize their profits amid highly challenging economic conditions,” said Robert Maricich, WMC president and CEO. “This diverse group of speakers will offer an invaluable range of perspectives from which our attendees can draw inspiration and guidance.”

The NHFA/WHFA Retailer Resource Center is also located on the 16th floor of Building B and features a number of resources, including enhanced technology, coffee bar, Internet cafe, vendor space and a “Launch Pad” for new product introductions.

For more information on the Fall 2009 Las Vegas Market including registration and room discounts, visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.

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