Special Events
Pre-market Seminar
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Retail Academy… Retail Solutions
Presented by Arnold Capitanelli
Sponsored by 
9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:15 a.m. Presentation
Merchandise Mart Conference Center, 2nd-floor Pedway
Join us as we welcome Arnie Capitanelli, Senior Vice President of The Friedman Group, back to deliver a powerful message on running a successful bridal business. Building on the fundamentals he presented last Spring, Arnie is armed with new material and smart strategies. Network with others in your field and walk away with the tools you need to succeed in the bridal industry.
The cost of this seminar is $60 per person, which includes Breakfast, a Box Lunch, and a Networking Cocktail Hour
To secure your reservation, please contact Stephanie Ambuehl at 312.527.7758 by Friday, September 19, 2008. Please note: Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Maximize Your Shopping Experience
9:15 a.m. Presentation
7th-floor Conference Room
A 15 minute “how to” seminar, highlighting the best way to navigate the 7th-floor, presented by Susan Glick, Vice President of Apparel. Discover the top 10 trends of the season and get all the right tools to maximize your buy!
“Bridal Reflections” Market Party & Fashion Show
Sponsored by Casablanca Bridal
6:00 p.m. Market Party
6:30 p.m. Fashion Show
8th-floor Atrium
Sample appetizers, sip drinks and enjoy our 8th-floor special events area before proceeding to our exciting Spring 2009 fashion show to see the latest trends in bridal, right off our show floor.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
“PROM…All That Glitters” Fashion Show
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Fashion Show
8th-floor Atrium
See all the hot trends in the prom category come to life on our fashion show runway. Don’t miss this lively presentation and networking breakfast!
Retailer Networking Dinner
6 p.m.
Wolf Point Ballroom, 15th-floor, Holiday Inn Mart Plaza
Reservations are limited. Tickets are $10 each.
Join your fellow retailers and enjoy an evening of “category specific” networking in an elegant setting.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Guerrilla Marketing
Presented by Orvel Ray Wilson
Sponsored by Impression Bridal
8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:15 a.m. Presentation
Merchandise Mart Conference Center, 2nd-floor Pedway
Join Orvel Ray Wilson, author of Guerrilla Marketing, as he shares unconventional weapons and tactics bridal retailers can use to win in today’s competitive market.
2008 DEBI Awards
7 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
8 p.m. Dinner
9 p.m. Presentation of Awards— followed by dancing
With a greater prominence than ever, the DEBI Awards are a true honor in the industry. The prestigious awards will be announced during a special black-tie gala held at the Chicago Field Museum. Attended by the bridal industry's leading manufacturers and retailers, the special black-tie evening will feature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, dinner, the awards presentation and dancing.
Tickets are $60 each. Tickets are non-refundable. They will be held at the Concierge Booth at Registration 1st-floor of The Merchandise Mart. No reservations or table placements will be accepted without payment, please call 312.527.7758. Please note: Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
