Hot Topic Seminars
National Hardware Show® offers FREE educational seminars designed to build Industry knowledge and allow for professional development while at the Show. These seminars, produced by leading Industry sources and led by top experts, offer the latest research, trend analysis, best practices and more.
Tuesday, May 6, 1:00 PM, Room S223, South Hall
Merchandising Strategies for Successful Retailing
Producer: Casual Living
Presenter: Norman Hamilton, Publisher
Casual is one of the hottest topics today. Retailers and manufacturers of casual furnishings and accessories will want to discover what trends are emerging from penetrating research by the #1 editorial resource for what’s shaking in North America’s backyard living rooms.
Tuesday, May 6, 2:00 PM, 2PM, Room N240, North Hall
Don’t Let Your Brand Get Washed Away By The Rising Tide Of Private Labels
Producer: Hardlines
Presenter: Beverly Allen
How is your brand positioned? How are you making the choice about whether to develop private label or not? Canada’s unique view of private labels vs. brand names is developed from years of adaptation and adoption, beginning with the grocery industry. Hear how it’s worked - and how to choose - from Beverly Allen, publisher of Hardlines, the information network for Canada and North America.
Tuesday, May 6, 3:00 PM, 3PM, Room N242, North Hall
Future Trends in Home Improvement
Producer: HIRI
Presenter: Fred Miller
Success in the home improvement business requires an understanding of the mega-forces that are reshaping the industry. How do you build your own business and capitalize on future trends? With insight into over 90 leading companies in the industry, the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) is in a unique position to provide these critical insights. HIRI’s Fred Miller brings it all into focus. Share the highlights of a major study that looks five years into the future.
Tuesday, May 6, 4:00 PM, Room N240, North Hall
2008 Retail Top Guns
Producer: Hardware Retailing
Presenter: Dan Tratensek
Top guns always draw top attention, and success breeds success. Join the lively panel discussion as the industry’s most impactful and influential independent retailers exchange views. This panel demonstrates what "differentiated" means to their business. You’ll learn how they got so good at what they do. What works. Manufacturers, you too don’t want to miss this session!
Wednesday, May 7, 10:00 AM, Room S223, South Hall
The New and Changing World of Sustainability
Producer: Lawn & Garden Retailing
Presenter: Stan Pohmer, Jr.
"Sustainability" suggests a buzzword that is greener-than-green. Can retailers cash in on the trend? Stan Pohmer, Jr. reveals how Earth-friendly Boomers are making the cash registers ring as they "validate" their outdoor purchase decisions.
Wednesday, May 7, 11:00 AM, Room N242, North Hall
How America Is Meeting The Challenges Of Today’s Home Channel Market
Producer: Home Channel News
Presenter: Jeff Arlen
The home channel’s tabloid news maven, Jeff Arlen, gives his take on "The State of the U. S. Home Improvement Marketplace." Eager home sellers are fixing up properties like never before in this depressed real estate market, and the news is good for retailers. Find out how to get your piece of the action!
Wednesday, May 7, 1:00 PM, Room N240, North Hall
India: The Emerging Quality Supplier
Producer: Sourcing Hardware
Presenter: Deepak Gupta
Is India the new China? Hardware experts like Sourcing Hardware’s Deepak Gupta explain India’s rise to prominence in product quality and high levels of service. Global buyers get a snapshot of brass and steel hardware, hand tools, lighting and lighting accessories — all with a view toward cashing in on a whole sub-continent worth of growth.
Wednesday, May 7, 3:00 PM, Room N242, North Hall
Taking A Lesson From Europe
Producer: BHB
Presenter: John Herbert, Chairman
Euroland—does it lead or follow North American trends? Retail expert John Herbert explores the brand-loyal buying habits of Europeans in his penetrating exploration of "The European Home Improvement Marketplace. "
Wednesday, May 7, 4:00 PM, Room N242, North Hall
The State of the Canadian Retail Home Enhancement Market
Producer: Hardlines
Presenter: Michael McLarney
Michael McLarney, President, Hardlines Inc., and Managing Director, NRHA Canada, will be showing how Canada, as the gateway to the largest home improvement retailers in North America, can teach you how to enter this lucrative market, one step at a time.
Thursday, May 8, 10:00 AM, Room N240, North Hall
Essential Strategies for Effective Public Relations
Producer: Money Pit
Presenter: Tom Kraeutler
This talk will look at the role of third-party certification, the importance of credible standards, and the risks associated with "greenwashing" and hidden environmental trade-offs. Known as an FSC certifier and by their Green Cross logo, Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) is a leading third-party certifier of environmental claims.