14th Annual Conference
The 14th Annual conference provided insight into the challenges created by the convergence of online and traditional business models which place greater demand for innovation and solutions. Presentations and discussion examined valuable tools that exploit the best of today's strategies, technologies and new realities.


Presentations & Discussions

Why Should Someone Do Business with You
Rather Than Somebody Else?
 Biography
Sam Geist
Business Strategy Consultant and author of several books, including Why Should Someone Do Business with You? Geist will open the session with ideas and actionable strategies to improve and to grow your business and meet today's business challenges. He will stimulate and challenge and clear the way to help you see beyond the boundaries of "the way it's always been" to a vision of "the way it could be" by asking tough questions and offering action-oriented answers.


Breakthrough Business Strategies for Surviving
and Thriving in the Web Economy
 Biography
Evan Schwartz
Author of Webonomics and Digital Darwinism and formerly an editor at Business Week will delve into strategies for adapting your business to the new digital landscape. Through the use of case studies and humor he will illustrate basic business functions such as branding, packaging, sales marketing and customer service and outlines the fundamental new Internet business models that you can utilize to build your business.


Economic Update and Outlook
 Biography
Marshall Vest
Director of Economic & Business Research
Eller College of Business & Public Administration - University of Arizona
A recognized economist and forecaster, Vest will present his insight into the economy including retailing trends, housing and policy issues and their impact on the Industry.


Branding as a Total Experience (or not)
 Biography
Allan Glass
Principal, Lipson Alport Glass & Associates
Expert on branding, corporate identity and interactive communications who will present strategies for building and sustaining brand equity.


Melding Customer Relationships &
The Power of the Web
Steve Wilson
Biography
Chairman & CEO of Buildscape.com & Wickes, Inc.


Collaboration as a Competitive Advantage
 Biography
Neil Hastie
Sr. Vice President & CIO
TruServ


Dekor - New Open For Business!
 Biography
Jim Inglis
Founder & CEO, Dekor


Successfully Focusing on the Customer
 Biography
Guillermo Aguero
President & CEO, SODIMAC S.A. in Chile


Imprinting on Your Customer
 Biography
Kevin Hohman
Director, HOME CENTER INSTITUTE (HCI)


Bringing it All Together
Michael Clancy
Vice President, IMPROVENET.COM