Seminars
Monday, October 20
Noon–1 p.m.
“SEEING Green: What the Consumer Wants”
Presented by the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC.) Organic lunch included.
SFC Educational Program.
A simple presentation of the specific issues and interests in the consumer's mind when it comes to green home furnishings, informed by a proprietary consumer research study concluded in July 2008 and providing quantitative data on common questions such as purchase interest and price sensitivity. The seminar also includes a round panel discussion of major manufacturers and retailers about effective educational events to affect consumers where they can best be reached, in the store.
Tuesday, October 21
7:30–8:30 a.m
Presented by the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA.) Breakfast included.
AHFA Educational Session.
Noon–1 p.m.
“Environmental Marketing Claims & the Law”
Presented by the AHFA. Breakfast included.
Russell Batson, AHFA Vice President of Governmental Affairs
A recent study found that seven in 10 Americans either “strongly” or “somewhat” agree that when companies call a product “green,” it is usually just a marketing tactic. To help the problem, the Federal Trade Commission has begun a regulatory review of its environmental marketing guidelines, also known as the Green Guides. Find out what general principles the Green Guides apply to all environmental marketing, including use of words such as “recyclable,” “recycled content,” “sustainable,” and “renewable.” Learn how to tell your stores or your company’s environmental story without encountering serious marketing pitfalls.
4–6 p.m.
“Creative POWER: Invigorating Design for Hard Times”
Presented by WITHIT (Women in the Home Furnishings Industry Today.)
An invigorating panel discussion on the antidote to hard economic times in the Home furnishings industry. Reception to follow.
Wednesday, October 23
7:30–8:30 a.m.
“Crash Course on CARB”
Presented by the AHFA. Breakfast included.
Bill Perdue, AHFA Vice President
In 2009, California will begin phasing in sweeping new restrictions on emissions of formaldehyde, a chemical found in the resins used to manufacture hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard. The new regulation will have a dramatic impact, not just in California, but throughout the global residential furniture supply chain. AHFA Vice President Bill Perdue was the industry’s advocate before the California Air Resources Board (CARB) while the new regulation was debated, and he is the industry’s leading authority on how the measure will impact suppliers, manufacturers and retailers. This “crash course” will outline compliance measures.
Noon–1 p.m.
“EcoUpholstery: How Green Can Your Upholstery Choices Be?”
Presented by the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC.) Organic lunch included.
Learn what matters in all the components of upholstered furniture — the foam the fabric, the frame. AND see how beautiful the resulting products are!
Thursday, October 24
Noon–1 p.m.
“Green Interior Design” (a CEU-credit course)
Presented by the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC.) Organic lunch included.
Learn what you need to know to create awareness and value in the mind of the consumer.
© 2008 Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.