American Ninja Warrior competitor and host Alex Weber will deliver the opening keynote address on March 1 at the International Casual Furnishings Association 2023 Educational Conference in Nashville. His talk to the membership will identify behaviors to perform at the highest levels with inspiring stories and actionable strategies. In addition, all attendees will receive a copy of his hardcover book, “Fail Proof: Become the Unstoppable You.”
Weber’s presentation will kick off two full days of programming at the Grand Hyatt Nashville that features a variety of expert speakers, breakout sessions and roundtable discussions. With more than 30 years in customer service, Angie Webber has learned how to best connect with people and build strong relationships. Her experience provides a strong foundation for her talk, “5 Ways to Fix Your Customer Service.” Takeaway strategies will include how to turn an angry customer into a customer who feels valued along with tips to identify the root cause of anger.
With a fresh, positive approach to eliminate stress, negativity and burnout, Betsy Allen-Manning will guide attendees in creating more work/life balance and becoming more resilient in business and at home with her keynote, “Reset & Recharge.” Utilizing a productive mindset, she will help members learn how to prioritize their day, identify time stealers and eliminate the overwhelm that multiple projects can bring. Each participant will receive a copy of her book.
Jaime Raul Zepeda, vice president at Best Companies Group, will address how companies can retain their top workers as well as add talented and motivated employees to their staff. His company surveys over 5,000 companies each year, totaling more than one million employees, and knows what matters most to current employees and prospective ones. He will help participants create an action plan to keep their rock stars and find their next ones.
To supply professional insights to sales representative members, ICFA counsel Adam Glazer, a partner at Schoenberg Finkel Beederman Bell Glazer LLC in Chicago, will discuss a full range of pertinent legal matters.
Back by popular demand is Chris Andresen, ICFA’s government affairs council, with an update on “What’s Happening in Washington?”
Dealers contemplating expansion of their retail operation will gain valued insights from a breakout panel discussion featuring Greg Martin, Kolo Collection; Eric Stalzer, Offenbachers; Bruce Erickson, Summer Classics Home Chicago; and Grant Henegan, Viridien.
Recognizing the dramatic success of retailers utilizing social media to promote their businesses and products, ICFA has tapped Jessica Salisbury and Jessica Knudson of Village Green Home and Garden in Rockford, Ill. to conduct a marketing session, “Do-It-Yourself Social Media.”
Leading into the opening reception and dinner at the annual educational event on February 28, attendees can join in an afternoon retail design tour of four area specialty stores – Kolo Collection, Nashville Billiards & Outdoor and Summer Classics Nashville – or participate in a golf outing planned at Hermitage Golf Course.
With ample networking opportunities throughout the agenda, attendees can learn to line dance at the Dessert Party following a Dine-Around Dinner on Wednesday night. The group will also enjoy a bowling dinner event on Thursday night.
A variety of manufacturers and Solution Partner service providers have stepped up as sponsors of this year’s conference. Top supporters are International Market Centers as the Tungsten Sponsor, along with Titanium Sponsor Sunbrella/Glen Raven and Gold Sponsors Lloyd Flanders and Tempotest. Silver Sponsors include Poly-Wood and Telescope Casual Furniture while Ratana and Trivantage are Bronze Sponsors. Milliken & Company, Outdura, and Treasure Garden are Copper Sponsors and TD Retail will host the first morning break. TUUCI is a Vendor Showcase Sponsor and Village Green Home and Garden is a Diamond Retail Sponsor.
