ERA Launches First eRetailer Summit

This March, hundreds of eRetail professionals will converge in sunny Miami to attend the premier event for leaders in direct-to-consumer commerce, ERA's newly rebranded eRetailer Summit. Formerly the Mid-Winter Leadership Conference, this meeting has been a perennial favorite of ERA's C-level executive members who've come together for the last seven years to network in the sunshine. The Association is cranking up the voltage on the education for these high-energy types who've led companies in direct-to-consumer sales to recognize annual revenues in the billions.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE?
Scheduled for March 2-4, this year's Summit has a new location at Miami's premier business location, the InterContinental Hotel in the heart of downtown. Just steps away, attendees will find Brickell Village, Miami's newest hot spot with cafés, bars and shops. ERA has arranged a schedule of events to keep the networking and education happening from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., giving attendees a chance to take advantage of the cuisine and nightlife that give Miami its internationally acclaimed reputation.

HIGH VOLTAGE EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
In its continuing effort to uncover the hottest trends in a wide range of direct response topics, ERA is featuring speakers from the top 50 eRetailer and technology companies. Attendees won't miss a beat with sessions throughout the day. A 30-minute period between sessions encourages networking and dialogue about the content. Among the highlights of these sessions are two keynote luncheons featuring topics on Profitable Social Media Strategies and Viral/WOM Marketing: Is it the Key to Online Success? Also on the agenda are topics to enhance customer experience and to learn how consumers are navigating in an online world.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
In a concerted effort to give exhibitors premium exposure and to allow attendees to maximize their networking and education participation, ERA has cut the number of exhibit spaces by 50 percent from the previous years. The Grand Ballroom of the InterContinental will be transformed into the spot for dynamic networking opportunities. Continental breakfast, light snacks and beverages will be offered throughout the day and are included in all registrations. ERA maintains an up-to-date list of exhibitors on its website at www.retailing.org. The list features a blend of well-known industry players, as well as new additions.

This year, ERA is hosting two receptions on Monday and Tuesday evenings, March 3 and 4, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The Association has specifically left time for approved hospitality suites and receptions. ERA exhibitors or sponsors* are exclusively permitted to reserve hotel suites at a reduced rate and can use these open evenings to their advantage. For exhibitors or sponsors interested in reserving a hotel suite at a reduced rate, please contact me by phone or via e-mail.

*Sponsorship is exclusively reserved for ERA members only. To become an ERA member and sponsor, contact Karla Kelly at kkelly@retailing.org, or via phone at (703) 908-1026.

RETAILERS COME FOR FREE!
That's right--if you are not an ERA member and your company joins prior to the Summit, you receive a free full registration for the meeting with your paid ERA membership. To become an ERA retailer member, contact Robin Greenspan at rgreenspan@retailing.org, or via phone at (703) 908-1036 today!
Additionally, registration rates have been reduced for ERA retailer members by 22 percent, and any additional attendees from the same company may attend for only $349.

QUESTIONS?
Questions about the eRetailer Summit can be directed to the following contacts: Registration or Housing: jleblanc@retailing.org, (703) 908-1029; schedule of events or general meeting questions: chop
kins@retailing.org, (703) 908-1037.

Attendees and prospective attendees are encouraged to visit www.retail
ing.org for the latest Summit information. This website features online registration and housing, and an up-to-date agenda including confirmed speakers, exhibitors and sponsors.

Karla Kelly is ERA's vice president of meetings and conventions. She can be reached at (703) 908-1026, or via e-mail at kkelly@retailing.org.