A.R.E. Convention Brochure by Katherine Josephs

R Thinking Shift Your Thinking Sh Your Think Shift Your ing Shift Yo November 11-14, 2009

T h e B r e a k e r s , Pa l m B e a c h , F l o r i d a

Welcome Please join us as we celebrate A.R.E.’s 54th Annual Convention, November 11-14, 2009, at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. An exclusive membership benefit, the A.R.E. Convention unites providers of fixtures, visual merchandising products, retail design, materials, equipment, and industry services for industry-focused educational, networking, and social events. This year’s convention is especially critical as content was specifically crafted to assist A.R.E. members in these challenging times. Within this brochure, you’ll find details on the timely and relevant program the Convention and General Management Committee has put together—the perfect balance between professional education, industry networking opportunities, social events, and of course, the annual golf tournament and hole-in-one shoot-out. Be sure to mingle with A.R.E.’s associate members over refreshments and hors d’oeuvres at the Associate Member Exhibit Reception. All of this in a location geared toward learning, networking, and socializing with industry professionals and guests. Social opportunities include receptions, dinners, golfing events and the PAVE Casino Night. Additional ideas for entertainment activities specifically for spouses and guests at the resort property and surrounding area offer many things to do. For our industry supplier members, this event is your best opportunity to network face-to-face with decision-makers from store fixture and display companies, as well as design firms. The Convention offers a prime networking and exhibit opportunity for A.R.E. associate members during a 90-minute reception. Reserve a display table for your company to present your products, services, company literature, or small product samples to industry professionals in a relaxed networking reception atmosphere. See the attached display table registration form for more details. Please book your hotel rooms early for this event by calling The Breakers at 888- 273-2537 or 561-655-6611. Mention that you are with A.R.E. to reserve a room at the discounted rate of $270 per night, single or double occupancy. The rate is guaranteed on a space available basis until Oct. 15, 2009. Complete event details can also be found online at www.retailenvironments.org, including online registration and travel details. We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

Steve Neumeyer Convention Committee Chair

COMMITTEE CONVENTION AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Robert Croatt, Goebel Fixture Co., Hutchinson, MN

Responsible for developing programming for the A.R.E. Annual Convention and working closely with the A.R.E staff to assist in its execution.

Alan Harvill, EMI Industries, Tampa, FL

Staff Liaison: Leslie Melvin

Eric Jones, J.R. Jones Fixture Company, Minneapolis, MN Paul Pinkus, RSM McGladrey, Chicago, IL Bob Riley, DSA/Phototech, Carson, CA

Committee Members: CHAIR: Steve Neumeyer, Wind Mill Slatwall Products, Sheboygan Falls, WI

Ken Ritterspach, Stylmark Inc., Minneapolis, MN

Donald Bloom, Prime Retail Services Inc., Gainesville, GA

James Smith, Vira Manufacturing Inc., Perth Amboy, NJ

Chris Carlson, Carlson Co. Inc. of Madison, Madison, WI

Dean Rubin, Rose Displays Ltd., Salem, MA

Mark Waldron, Colony Display, Elgin, IL William Wilson, Bodeker Fixtures, Eagan, MN

Featured SPEAKERS Alan Beaulieu

Senior Analyst, Economist and Principal Institute for Trend Research A senior analyst, economist and a principal with the Institute for Trend Research (ITR) since 1990, Beaulieu has been consulting and advising companies throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan on how to plan for and prosper through the business cycle. Forecasts from the ITR have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Barron’s, USA Today, The Washington Times, and numerous other outlets.

it is difficult to separate truth from media hype or rumor. Data on what areas of retail are expected to increase expenditures on retail environments next year is needed. In this general session sponsored by

Dan Stanek

Executive Vice President Retail Forward As director of the firm’s consulting services, Stanek has over 20 years of experience in consumer marketing and retailing for Fortune 500 companies. He focuses on brand strategy, marketing strategy, channel strategy, market positioning, retail concept development, and consumer research. Stanek has led and conducted consulting programs with companies including Bloomingdale’s, Hard Rock Cafe, UPS Stores, Hallmark, AutoZone, Circuit City, CVS, Frito-Lay, General Motors, Lowe’s, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, and Wrangler.

Elizabeth Kokotajlo

Senior Design Manager Luxottica Retail Elizabeth Kokotajlo has been a design and strategy leader at Luxottica Retail for 14 years as an environmental designer. She’s developed solutions for LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision, and Sears Optical. She provides expertise and design leadership to large scale rollouts of visual merchandising tools, graphics systems that organize the retail space, and “splash and dash” store refresh programs.

SESSIONS Keynote: The Economy and How it Affects your Future Decision-Making The question on everyone’s mind is, “When will this trend turn around?” Alan Beaulieu, senior analyst and economist, and the Institute for Trend Research (ITR) were so uncannily accurate with forecasts at previous A.R.E.

Manager of Procurement Group, Store Environment and Fixtures, JCPenney As procurement group manager for JCPenney, Gary Lundberg is responsible for the purchase of all store fixtures, flooring materials, and visual properties. He was the recipient of the 2002 Chairman’s Award for his team’s efforts in supporting the company’s improved store environment. JCPenney achieved its sales and profit objectives for 2002, the second full year of its stated five-year turnaround plan.

president of Retail Forward Inc., will

cite examples of how their vendors have

discuss the current retail landscape

responded to the turns in the economy.

and how the recession is affecting

The invited panelists will further detail

consumer buying habits. He will detail

ways to get the attention of retailers,

the consumer trends that are affecting

what defines a preferred vendor, and

retailers’ capital expenditure decisions.

what you should be doing to establish a

By exploring the challenges ahead in

long-term, profitable relationship.

the post-recession economy, he will help you discern which retailers have

Panelists that have committed to

the best chance for sustained growth.

date include Elizabeth Kokotajlo, senior design manager, design and

conventions that the A.R.E. Convention

development, for Luxottica, and Gary

Committee requested a return.

Lundberg, manager of procurement group, store environment and

Beaulieu will offer a detailed forecast

fixtures, JCPenney.

for the global economy, with a special

IDEA EXCHANGE

focus on prospects for our industry. Expect analysis of consumer sentiment,

Idea Exchange Sessions

commercial and residential construction, and retail capital expenditures, and how they impact demand. Included in his presentation will be data on new store construction and renovation. Hear first hand his forecasts for the retail industry

Gary Lundberg

VMSD, Dan Stanek, executive vice

and the economy as a whole to help you determine your next steps.

These roundtable discussions are

Retail Panel

designed to be informal, facilitated

In order to formulate an effective

topics. The result is a lively and honest

strategy in this economy, knowing

interaction that leads to idea generation

what retailers need from you is key.

and problem solutions for everyone.

dialogues with peers about industry hot

The retail panel gives attendees the chance to hear directly from major retailers about their decision criteria for

Choose from among three sessions:

Keynote: What’s Ahead for Retail?

selecting vendors and their forecasts for

Worth the Risk?

upcoming new store construction and

The discussion will focus on both sides

Amidst a constant flurry of retail

renovation for 2010 and beyond. Hear

of credit challenges for members. Hear

market reports and economic analysis,

new opportunities for growth as they

from other members and facilitators

on how banks are viewing borrowers

Networking Events

in the current credit environment and what is driving credit-granting decisions. Ensure that your company is in (and

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11

stays in) compliance with any covenants in current loan agreements. On the

Early Arrivals Reception

flip side, hear from credit-reporting

6:30 – 8 p.m.

analysts about how they determine

Enjoy refreshments and hors

the creditworthiness of retailers and

ongoing sustainability efforts.

d’oeuvres while networking with

Dinner & PAVE Casino Night

what signs you need to watch to avoid

Facilitator: Robert Reeve Frackelton, vice

industry leaders.

7:30 – 11 p.m.

president, Reeve Store Equipment Co.

Sponsored by American Installation

8:30–11:00 p.m.

Hospitality Suite

Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 8:00–8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:30–10:00 a.m.

Keynote: The Economy and How it Affects Your Future Decision-Making

Speaker: Alan Beaulieu, Institute for Trend Research

10:00–10:15 a.m.

Refreshment Break

10:15–11:45 a.m.

Idea Exchange Sessions • Worth the risk?

Facilitators: Scott Peltz, RSM McGladrey Inc.; Phil Gootee, Global Credit Services

• Green on a Budget: Reining in your Sustainability Expenditures

Facilitator: Robert Reeve Frackleton, Reeve Store Equipment Co.

• Executive Toys and Gizmos for Productivity

Facilitator: Fred Hicks, CIO, Early Learning Coalition Miami-Dade/Monroe

11:45a.m.–Noon

Closing Remarks

12:30–3:00p.m.

Open House at A.R.E. Headquarters

The Breakers | Palm Beach, Fla. Nov. 11-14, 2009 Company Name _________________________________________________

• Display Table Registration, $299 $ _________

Street Address ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

For A.R.E. Associate Member or Associate Upgrade Companies Only Display area will be open to all convention attendees Nov. 13, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. during the Associate Member Exhibits Reception.

City _____________________________ State/Province __________________

TOTAL REGISTRATION $ _________

Zip/Postal Code_____________________ Country _______________________ Phone __________________________ Fax ____________________________ Registrant’s Name ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Registrant’s Nickname _____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

PAYMENT INFORMATION Amount Enclosed $ _______________________ Payment Type: ❒ Check ❒ Visa ❒ MasterCard ❒ American Express Credit Card Number_______________________________________________ Expiration_______________ Security Code __________ For your safety and security, we require that you enter your card’s verification num-

Registrant’s Title__________________________________________________

ber. The verification number is a 3-digit number printed in the signature panel on

Registrant’s E-mail _______________________________________________

the back of your card. The American Express verification number is a small 4-digit

*Spouse/guest Name ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Spouse/guest Nickname ____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Spouse/guest Phone _______________________________________________ Spouse/guest E-mail _______________________________________________ *Spouse or guest must be registered in order to attend convention functions. Company employees cannot be registered as spouses or guests.

number printed on the front of your card on the right side. Signature ______________________________________________________ Name (if different from above) _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Billing address (if different from above) _________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

HOTEL INFORMATION Call The Breakers at 888-273-2537 or 561-655-6611 and refer to ARE Convention

REGISTRATION • Registrant (A.R.E. Member) before Oct. 15: $795; after Oct. 15: $895 $ __________ • Spouse/Guest before Oct. 15: $395; after Oct. 15: $425 $ __________ • A.R.E. Golf Tournament Package, $149 per person ❒ Registrant ❒ Spouse/Guest $ _________ Includes greens fees, taxes, and lunch. The Golf Tournament shotgun start will begin at 12:30 P.M. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Handicap: Registrant _________ Guest _________ I prefer to play with my spouse: ❒ Yes ❒ No

to get the convention rate of $270 per night, single or double. Please make your reservation before Oct. 15, 2009, to ensure rate and space availability. The Breakers hotel is located at One South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480. After Oct. 30, no refunds will be issued.

RETURN FORM WITH PAYMENT TO: A.R.E., 4651 Sheridan St., Suite 470, Hollywood, FL 33021, fax to 954-893-7500, or register online at www.retailenvironments.org

Registrant price includes the following: • Early Arrivals Reception, Wednesday, Nov. 11 • Welcome Reception & Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 12 • Continental breakfast, refreshment breaks & lunch, Friday, Nov. 13 • Associate Member Exhibits Reception & Member Networking Dinner, Friday, Nov. 13 • Continental breakfast & refreshment breaks, Saturday, Nov. 14 • All general & idea exchange sessions.

Spouse/Guest price includes the following: • Early Arrivals Reception, Wednesday, Nov. 11 • Welcome Reception & Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 12 • Associate Member Exhibits Reception & Member Networking Dinner, Friday, Nov. 13

Sun Relaxation Fun Beaches Golf Luxury Resort Sun Rela ation Fun Beaches Golf Luxury Resor Sun Relaxation Fun Beaches Golf Luxury Resort Sun Rela ation Fun Beaches The Breakers, Palm Beach

With a strong Italian Renaissance style and design inspiration from 15th century Italian villas, this AAA Five Diamond resort sits on 140 acres on the island of Palm Beach with five swimming pools, eight restaurants, and 10 tennis courts.

Air Travel

Area Activities

The hotel is located just seven miles from Palm Beach International Airport, 42 miles from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and 72 miles from Miami InternationalAirport

The resort has not one, but two complete 18-hole golf courses, a 20,000-foot luxury spa, and a fitness center that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. On-site shopping includes a variety of shops, including Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Mix.

Car Rental Discount

Palm Beach offers a host of tourist attractions from museums to spectator sports to shopping. The Henry Flagler Museum highlights the history of the area, while the Norton Museum of Art showcases contemporary art. The 20,000square-foot International Orchid Center is a must-see for orchid enthusiasts, and the Kravis Center for Performing Arts offers an array of live performances of music and dance. Families will especially enjoy the Palm Beach Zoo, the South Florida Science Museum, Aquarium, and Planetarium. Drive through the Lion Country Safari, a 500-acre preserve where giraffes and zebras roam in protected habitats.

For toll-free reservations, call 888-273-2537 or 561-655-6611. Mention the A.R.E. Convention for the discounted price of $270 per night. To receive this discount, you must reserve your room by Oct. 15.

For your convenience, A.R.E. has arranged for convention attendees to receive discounted rates on car rentals with Avis Rent A Car. The low rates include unlimited free mileage and apply to all categories of vehicles. Reserve your vehicle online at www.avis.com or by calling 800-331-1600; use Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number D131080.

R Thinking Shift Your Thinking Sh Your Think Shift Your ing Shift Yo PRESORTED

STANDARD MAIL

4651 Sheridan St Suite 470 Hollywood FL 33021 USA Main: 954-893-7300 | Fax: 954-893-7500 www.retailenvironments.org