11th direct tech user conference -...

11TH DIRECT TECH USER CONFERENCE 1

The Right Retail Partner

11th Direct Tech User Conference

CONFERENCE PROGRAMAugust 30–September 2, 2015

Denver, CO


CONTENTS

SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS

DAILY SCHEDULE

Sunday, August 30

Monday, August 31

Tuesday, September 1

Wednesday, September 2

ATTENDEE PROFILES

3

9

9

13

17

19

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SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS

SID MOOKERJIGlobal CEO and Founder of SPI Sid is recognized as an expert on outsourcing, IT services, and technology solutions for the Retail Industry. Sid founded SPI in 1994 with a passion for providing the best client experience and technology for retailers worldwide. Sid serves on NASSCOM’s Regional Council and the Academic Advisory Board of SDM Institute for Management Development.

CRAIG HARDINGDirect Tech President, a division of SPICraig has been involved with the direct retailing industry for 30 years. Craig founded Direct Tech in 1989 with a vision to help multi-channel retailers and wholesalers drive profitability, increase demand, and optimize inventory investment by providing best-in-class applications and services. Craig began his career as a CPA for Touche, Ross and Company, and held a succession of management positions in finance and information systems in both ConAgra and QVC.

TODD LINDEMANVice President Customer ExperienceTodd has been involved with multichannel retailing for over 25 years. Prior to joining Direct Tech, Todd led teams in merchandising, planning, and inventory at several multichannel retail companies, including Kmart, Kinney Shoes, Gaiam, and Selfcare. Todd currently leads SPI’s Customer Experience area, with responsibility for all customer activities, including implementations, learning, documentations, and consulting services.



KURT GIBBONSSr. Vice President Products & SolutionsKurt is a high-energy sales professional with over 25 years of experience building relationships in retail specializing in the beverage and supplier community. In 2003, Kurt was honored as a member of the “Top 40 under 40” up and coming executives and business leaders by Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. Kurt previously led sales and operations at Coca-Cola Enterprise and Dr Pepper / Snapple Group.

JEFF MEAUXSr. Vice President IT Services & Recovery AuditJeff combines his passion for relationships, technology, and problem solving by developing and providing innovative services and solutions for retailers. Jeff has over 25 years of wide-ranging experience in leading global teams in retail and related services. Jeff currently serves on the Technology Association of Georgia’s Retail Technology Board of Directors.

BRITT FOGGSr. Vice President of Product EngineeringBritt’s career in the technology world spans over 20 years, including positions as CEO of Parker Transportations, Inc., Process Engineer at Tyson Foods, and President/CEO of Fogg Business Solutions, Inc. Britt worked with retail account teams for Nestle Purina and several other CPG companies, defining the requirements and processes that would later become Shiloh Technologies, a world-class analytics solution recognized by Gartner. His primary passion is research and development, working with his staff of demand data experts. Britt is also a licensed pilot.



JOE PALZKILLVice President Product SolutionsJoe’s retail career spans over 30 years including 18 years at Lands’ End Direct Merchants, where he directed inventory management, merchandising, and inventory systems, new customer acquisition, and the launch of Lands’ End’s subsidiary European business. In addition to his Lands’ End experiences, Joe has held roles as President of LifeSketch.com, a startup online scrapbooking company, Managing Partner of an inventory consulting company working with Nordstrom.com, and VP of Inventory Management at Duluth Trading Company.

SREEDHAR KAJEEPETAGlobal Head of ConsultingSreedhar is a veteran of the technology industry having worked in senior positions at Computer Sciences Corporation (Global VP and CTO), Cap Gemini, Cambridge Technology Partners, and Tata Consultancy Services. In these companies he led global teams to develop cutting edge technology in Mobility, BI/Analytics, Cloud, Social, and Big Data.

RAY GOODMANDirector of Software Development, Product Solutions and Technology GroupRay has provided information systems expertise to the direct retail industry for over 25 years. He spent ten years early in his career providing information services to the banking industry. His projects included developing systems for the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority to manage a region wide network of ATMs. He subsequently joined Grapevine Systems, providing IT consulting services to direct marketing and direct retail customers.



JEFF DILLONSr. Customer Experience ConsultantJeff has over 20 years of management experience in the direct retail industry with roles in merchandising, inventory management, and operations. He has worked in inventory management for multiple direct retailing companies including International Auto Parts and Plow & Hearth. He has managed inventory as a demand planner, buyer, merchant, warehouse manager, and manufacturing production planner. While Inventory Control Manager at Plow & Hearth, he led the optimization of Direct Tech applications and managed the inventory team.

LINDA SZYMANSKICustomer Experience ConsultantLinda has over 30 years of experience in merchandising management and vendor management. Through her career, Linda has acquired specific expertise in merchandising, operations, process design, and supply chain management at Target Stores, Fingerhut Companies, and Bluestem Brands.

STUART GREENGARTCustomer Experience ConsultantStuart has over 25 years of experience in the multichannel industry, with Vice President and Director-level responsibilities in planning and inventory control. He has worked at a number of notable multichannel retailers, including Road Runner Sports, JC Penney, Lillian Vernon, Boston Proper, Hanover Direct, and Ross-Simons.



BARBARA NIXONManager Learning and DocumentationBarbara Nixon is a respected educator at the university and corporate levels, known for developing innovative approaches to learning that deliver results beyond expectations. Barbara works closely with customers at all times along with internal resources to improve training and development for SPI. Barbara holds many honors and certifications in the communication, training, and academic fields. Barbara holds the patent for Content Specific Analysis, an automated critique of resumes, cover letters, and other documents

MEGAN KELLERSolutions ConsultantMegan Keller has over five years of experience in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Systems Development. She works closely with clients during the implementation phase, helping to create customized processes and training flows. Prior to joining SPI, Megan was a retail buyer for Boscov’s Department store.

MIKE KALLETCEO and Principal of Headscratchers and author of Think SmarterMike Kallet is an expert in the critical thinking field and critical thinking trainer, coach, and authored “Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision Making Skills” (2014). Published by Wiley, and sold by Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and every major book reseller worldwide. Prior to HeadScratchers, Mike was the Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Technology Officer at ICG Communications and was responsible for day-to-day operations, the delivery of services, and the development of new products. Kallet held positions in systems software groups at IBM in his early career.



DAN SMITHPresident of RetailWise Consulting, Inc.Dan Smith is a constant innovator, always an early adopter of advanced systems such as Customer systems, Supply Chain Systems, Merchandise systems, and most recently Omni-Channel Initiatives. He is known as a thought leader in retail information systems. Dan spent 30 years in CIO roles at retailers including Hudson’s Bay Trading Company (HBTC: The Bay, Lord and Taylor, Zellers, Home Outfitters), Saks 5th Avenue, Saks, Inc. (Proffitt’s, McRae’s, Carson Pirie Scott, Parisian, Younkers), and Maison Blanche.

KATHLEEN SCHULTZ President of Kathleen Schultz MarketingKathleen Schultz is a senior executive with three decades of Omni-Channel experience in merchandise strategy, financial, creative, and assortment planning. She has been both a corporate executive and senior consultant with financial responsibilities in excess of $100mm. Result driven, Kathleen has a broad base of management and analytical skills with a diverse category experience; home furnishings, apparel, floral, food, gifts, and promotional products. She is a proven leader in team building to achieve a company’s strategic and financial goals. Kathleen assists companies in the development of and achievement of their merchandising strategies through better planning and product and creative positioning that reinforces the brand.


DAILY SCHEDULE

Sunday, August 30TIME SESSION ROOM

By Appt. Customer Focus Sessions Throughout the Day

6:30–8:30pm Welcome Reception Crystal Peak A & B

Monday, August 31TIME SESSION ROOM

7:00am Breakfast & Networking Crystal Peak A

8:00am Welcome and Opening

SPI and Direct Tech welcome you to the eleventh user conference and preview the next few days. Craig will also introduce Sid Mookerji, our Global CEO.

Presenters: Sid Mookerji and Craig Harding

Capitol Peak A

8:30am Omni-Channel: From the Last Millennium to the Future of Retailing

Description for Dan Smith’s session: Dan Smith, most recently CIO of Hudson’s Bay Company will discuss how HBC unified three major retailers (HBC, Lord & Taylor, and Saks Fifth Avenue) into a leading Omni-Channel apparel retailer of today by putting the customer first and embracing changing retail technology. Dan will discuss the top technology trends and their impacts to retailers and their IT budgets.

Presenter: Dan Smith, Former CIO Saks/HBC

Capitol Peak A


DAILY SCHEDULE

TIME SESSION ROOM

9:30–11:30am 1:00–4:00pm

Lab

Staffed with experts in the AllChannel Suite of products and services, the Lab provides a hands-on, interactive environment for product knowledge, advice and individual support.

Crystal Pre-Function

9:30am Essentials: Best Practices

This session describes the best practice business processes for realizing the most value from both Forecast*21 and Venture*21.

Presenters: Barbara Nixon and Jeff Dillon

Capitol Peak A

Essentials: MAPS Budgeting

Ensure that you know and can apply budgeting options in MAPS. This session provides a comprehensive review focused on setting and adjusting budgets, plus a few best-practice examples.

Presenter: Linda Szymanski

Capitol Peak B

10:30am The Ideal Structure for an Inventory and Planning Department and Why

Colony Brands will present, based on their own experience, how you can have more success within your own organization by creating the best structure for your inventory and planning teams.

Presenters: Missy Hottmann, Colony Brands

Capitol Peak A

Expert: MAPS Seasonal and Product Planning

Product planning in MAPS based on best practices.


Capitol Peak B

11:30am Lunch Crystal Peak A


DAILY SCHEDULE

TIME SESSION ROOM

1:00pm What is a Merchandise and Planning SWOT?

Many companies periodically conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) to aid in developing the strategies to grow the company. Kathleen will present why it is critical to complete a SWOT that is focused on merchandising and planning.

Presenter: Kathleen Schultz

Capitol Peak A

Essentials: Venture*21 Best Practices

In this session, Jeff presents the best practice business processes for realizing the most value from Venture*21. Jeff will also introduce the features added since the last conference to provide even greater forecasting capability to users.

Presenter: Jeff Dillon

Capitol Peak B

2:00pm New Features in the AllChannel Suite including both Forecast*21 and Venture*21

Ray will review many of the key new features and functionality in our most recent releases.

Presenter: Ray Goodman

Capitol Peak A

Essentials: Key Metrics

Overwhelmed with Metrics? In this session, Jeff will explore the metrics available in the AllChannel Suite and focus on which metrics should be used in each channel and why.


Capitol Peak B


DAILY SCHEDULE

TIME SESSION ROOM

3:00pm SPI Vendor: Automating Supplier Interactions

SPI Vendor automates the most demanding collaboration processes. Retailers and vendors receive greater transparency and visibility into their activities. During this session we will demonstrate how it can simplify a very painful process.

Presenter: Jeff Meaux

Capitol Peak A

Essentials: Forecasting Your Product Mix

Facing a significant number of SKUs to plan? Stuart will show you how both new and existing features can help you successfully plan them.

Presenter: Stuart Greengart

Capitol Peak B

4:00pm Wrap including Today’s Top Ideas

Review today’s top ideas and discuss the dinner and evening activity.

Presenters: Todd Lindeman and Jeff Dillon

Capitol Peak A

4:30pm Dismissal

5:00pm Monday Night Dinner & Activity


DAILY SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 1TIME SESSION ROOM


7:30–8:30am9:30–11:30am 1:00–4:00pm

Lab

Staffed with experts in the AllChannel Suite of products and services, the Lab provides a hands-on, interactive environment for product knowledge, advice and individual support.


8:30am Keynote: Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Get ready for an exciting morning led by Mike Kallet, author of “Think Smarter —Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision Making Skills.” Mike will lay the foundation in the application of critical thinking to real world challenges of problem solving, decision making, innovation and leadership. This session will be followed by practical application workshops.

Presenter: Mike Kallet

Capitol Peak A

9:30am Workshop: Critical Thinking

Mike will provide the tools to practice the core critical thinking that you can use in your everyday job. Attendees will receive templates, called Thinksheets, as a guide for thinking, both in the class, and to aid future out of class use. This session will be presented twice as it is limited to only 35 attendees.


Capitol Peak A


DAILY SCHEDULE

TIME SESSION ROOM

9:30am Essentials: Product Level Forecasting and Product Variance

This session helps users gain a basic understanding of two core features of Forecast*21: Product Level Forecasting and Product Variance. Mastery of these two key tools helps users create sound pre-season forecasts and quickly and accurately respond to in season product forecast variances.


Capitol Peak B

10:30am Workshop: Critical Thinking

Mike will provide the tools to practice the core critical thinking that you can use in your everyday job. Attendees will receive templates, called Thinksheets, as a guide for thinking, both in the class, and to aid future out of class use. This session will be presented twice as it is limited to only 35 attendees.


Capitol Peak A

SPI IQ: Providing the Information to Make the Key Decisions

SPI IQ handles BIG DATA from retailers and suppliers to provide reliable, timely and relevant information in order to drive better business decisions. During this session we will show you how SPI IQ can help solve key business challenges you face every day.

Presenter: Britt Fogg

Capitol Peak B

11:30am Lunch Crystal Peak A


DAILY SCHEDULE

TIME SESSION ROOM

1:00pm Tracking Forecast Volatility: How it will help you Maximize your Revenue Potential

David will show you how Cinmar manages forecasts as they evolve over time. He will focus on the impact to the business and how it is managed.

Presenter: David Kirzner

Capitol Peak A

Venture*21: The Next Steps, A Discussion

As we evolve Venture*21, we want you to play a role. This is your chance to work hand in hand with our team to guide our development process.

Presenters: Ray Goodman and Joe Palzkill

Capitol Peak B

2:00pm SPI Roadmap: The Global View of Products

Members of the management team will present the key development plans for the AllChannel Suite and SPI Products.

Presenters: Britt Fogg and Sreedhar Kajeepeta

Capitol Peak A

Expert: Multi-Echelon, Managing Multiple Locations

Whether responding to increased freight costs or enabling Fulfillment By Amazon, planning for multiple inventory locations is an increasing need for our customers. Join this session to learn about our multi-DC and multi-echelon inventory planning capabilities.


Capitol Peak B


DAILY SCHEDULE

TIME SESSION ROOM

3:00pm Roadmap Key Items: The Details

We will discuss the details behind the key roadmap items for AllChannel Suite users.

Presenters: Craig Harding and Ray Goodman

Capitol Peak A

Expert: Suggested Purchase Order

Learn the many features in Suggested Purchase Order including Vendor Rules, Recurring Order Cycles and Container Volumes. See how they allow you to increase staff efficiency and reduce inventory costs in the ordering process.


Capitol Peak B

4:00pm Enhancement Discussion & Today’s Top Ideas

After reviewing today’s top ideas, we will focus most of the session time on each company presenting their enhancement idea. A ballot will also be distributed.

Presenters: Todd Lindeman and Jeff Dillon

Capitol Peak A

5:30pm Dismissal


DAILY SCHEDULE

Wednesday, September 2TIME SESSION ROOM


7:30–11:00am Lab

Staffed with experts in the AllChannel Suite of products & services, the Lab provides a hands-on, interactive environment for product knowledge, advice and individual support.


8:00am SPI Buyer for Brick & Mortar Retailers

Need inventory planning for your brick and mortar channel? Get a preview into this brick and mortar planning and allocation tool.

Presenter: Megan Keller

Capitol Peak A

Panel: Web/Omni-Channel Planning and Management - What practices or changes has your company implemented to maximize sales and manage the web business?

This discussion will focus on how teams are planning and managing inventory, reporting internet sales along with how/if internet demand is matched back. What is driving customers to the internet? How are marketing promotions managed and communicated to the planning teams?

Presenters: Cinmar, Colony Brands and SPI Staff

Capitol Peak B

9:00am Panel: Store Planning

As we integrate our products from both direct and retail we want you to play a part in helping us define the priorities. This session will be an opportunity for you to influence the direction.

Presenters: Jeff Dillon, Craig Harding and Britt Fogg

Capitol Peak A


TIME SESSION ROOM

9:00am Essentials: Master Scheduling Best Practices

Learn what Master Scheduling can do for your business. Whether you are outside the loop, new to the application, or a regular user of the AllChannel Suite/SPIBuyer, this session will provide useful insights into new features and best practices.

Presenter: Stuart Greengart

Capitol Peak B

10:00am Create a Session

We will allow you to select a topic for this session. The process of selection will occur on Monday and Tuesday at the conference.

Presenters: TBA

Capitol Peak A

Create a Session

We will allow you to select a topic for this session. The process of selection will occur on Monday and Tuesday at the conference.

Presenters: TBA

Capitol Peak B

11:00am Conference Wrap-Up

What did we learn this year? Recap of the 2015 User Conference.

Presenter: Todd Lindeman

Capitol Peak A

11:30am Conference Dismissal

DAILY SCHEDULE


ATTENDEE PROFILES

It all started with a decorating contest. In 1982, Helen Ballard Weeks opened her Buckhead condo to photographers from Metropolitan Home Magazine and won their “Home of the Year” decorating contest. More than 500 readers contacted the magazine asking where they could buy furnishings like hers, especially the classically inspired dolphin table. Sensing a big opportunity, Helen quit her job and started Ballard Designs. The first edition was published in August 1983 as a two-page black-and-white brochure, and the cover featured a replica of the iconic table. The catalog was an instant hit.

Ballard joined forces in 1997 with Cornerstone Brands, a family of leading home and apparel brands, including Frontgate, Garnet Hill, Grandin Road and chasing fireflies. Ten years later, under Cornerstone Brands, we became part of powerhouse Home Shopping Network, Inc. We continue to publish our catalog on a monthly basis with an annual circulation of more than 55 million. Giving our customers a chance to experience our products first hand, we opened our first retail store in 2007 in Tampa’s International Plaza and a second retail outlet in Jacksonville a year later. The stores were designed to capture the look and eclectic feel of a European open-air market.

JACK GEIS, VP Finance

BETH MATHIS, Inventory Control Manager

MONICA LLOYD, SM Inventory Planning

ELAINE BARNES, Director of Inventory Planning


ATTENDEE PROFILES

Over 100 years after John Blair began selling raincoats by mail, the company still adheres to the high standards he employed in building a recognized leader in the direct marketing field—a trusted provider of exceptional clothing for both men and women, plus quality items for the home.

Today, Blair is an Orchard Brands company with a thriving multi-channel business that encompasses catalogs, retail stores and ecommerce sites. Their large selection includes apparel and accessories, quality home furnishings, Improved Living items, and much more. Despite its phenomenal growth, the company still makes its customers its absolute top priority every day.

JOHN ADAMS, Inventory Systems Operations Manager

MONIKA GARAMI, Sr. Inventory Analyst

PHIL MILCHAK, Merchandising Analyst


Cinmar LLC, located in West Chester, Ohio, markets the well-known Frontgate and Grandin Road brands, while functioning as an independent subsidiary of Cornerstone Brands. Both companies are prominent multi-channel retailers in the luxury home furnishings and décor market, with large catalog and ecommerce operations as well as brick-and-mortar retail stores.

The company’s mission is “to provide inspired furnishings, accessories, and seasonal décor without the designer price tag.” Since mailing its first Frontgate catalog to 300,000 upscale American households in September 1991, Cinmar has grown to become the recognized leader in catalog and online shopping for the home environment, circulating nearly 83 million catalogs annually.

ATTENDEE PROFILES

GINA WINGETT, Sr. Director Inventory Planning

RICK MUELLER, VP Inventory Planning and Forecasting

DAVID KIRZNER, Inventory Planning Reporting & Analytics Supervisor


ATTENDEE PROFILES

ANGIE PARZIALE, Control Buyer

NANCY PEABODY, VP Inventory Planning

In the early ‘80’s Ann and Dennis Pence were thriving young advertising and marketing executives who dreamed of quitting New York City, starting a new life in nature, and opening a business that inspired people. They were instantly captivated by the majestic scenery of the great Northwest and decided to set up shop in Sandpoint, Idaho, home to the state’s largest lake and biggest ski resort. In 1984 they launched Coldwater Creek as a catalog business with the promise of bringing customers

“beautiful, unexpected, and extraordinary things.” Thirty years have passed since then and we make the same promise today.

Over the next 30 years the brand grew beyond catalog to include a website, more than 350 stores, and countless loyal customers. The brand and its customers became one and the same, sharing a passion for great wearable fashion as well as simple values like honesty, optimism, curiosity and community. This was a magical time in the brand’s life when the Creek was at its very best. And we’re dedicated to bringing it back.


The original Swiss Colony operation was founded by Ray Kubly in 1926, and quickly became America’s premier mail-order cheese company. In the years since, the company has evolved to become one of the world’s largest and most successful catalog companies, and a multi-channel retailer serving a wide range of markets through 11 separate titles.

In 2010, the corporate name was changed to Colony Brands, Inc. to better reflect its extensive portfolio of food and non-food catalogs, ecommerce sites and subsidiaries. Today, apparel and home goods sales contribute a significant portion of Colony Brands’ revenue in addition to its burgeoning food business.

ATTENDEE PROFILES

HOLLY ELMER, Sr. Manager Inventory

MISSY HOTTMAN, Director of Forecasting & Inventory Management

CASSIE JABS, Business Analyst

CHIP MATZKE, Sr. Manager Supply Chain Intelligence

CASEY SEYMOUR, Forecaster

KAYLA SOLACE, Inventory Business Analyst

MICHAEL WILLIAMS, Director of Global Logistics/Compliance

and Inventory Management

HILLARY WOOD, Divisional Inventory Manager

CHRIS ANTOS, Inventory Systems Manager

JEFF ANTOS, IT Manager


Cosyfeet started in 1983 with a simple idea—to make attractive, extra roomy footwear for swollen feet. Since they we’ve expanded our product range so there’s something for everyone including ultra comfy socks and hosiery, premium foot-care solutions and innovative mobility products. Cosyfeet footwear is probably the widest, deepest and roomiest you can buy.

They are part of Foot Shop Ltd, based in Street, Somerset, which also runs Walktall, a company specializing in men’s footwear in large sizes 12–19.

ATTENDEE PROFILES

JACKIE BEMMER, Financial Director

JANINE FOX, Stock Controller

JOHN KERSWELL, Stock Control Manager & Forecaster


Cuddledown is a company committed to making and selling the finest in home furnishings. The quality of our products, combined with our devotion to great customer service, makes us the premiere source for all things cozy.

We got our start in 1973 by making just one product: our trademark down comforters. At first, we sold down comforters directly to our friends. These were the days of the first energy crisis and high oil prices made heating your home very expensive. Down comforters were new to New Englanders, but it didn’t take long for people to catch on to just how cozy and efficient they are. This specially crafted bedding allows people to turn down the heat at night—even in the coldest Maine winters. Our friends discovered the centuries-old European tradition of sleeping under a down comforter; a soft and light

“puff” with luxurious comfort that makes getting out of bed in the morning a new challenge.

ATTENDEE PROFILES

BECKY EGERS, Control Buyer

JIM MCPHERSON, Analyst


Current® began in 1950 at the foot of Pikes Peak in the Colorado Springs home of Orin and Miriam Loo. Orin, an artist and printer, owned a small publishing business, and Miriam thought the postcards he produced would make a good fundraising product. She began a mail-order campaign to 500 ministers asking them if their church groups would sell the postcards. Her idea was a great success, and soon the family began producing a full catalog of beautifully designed greeting cards, recipe cards, and other paper products.

Today Current USA, Inc., is a multi-brand direct marketing company with more than 2,000 products and millions of customers. Yet the company still retains its friendly family feeling. Our products are sold directly to consumers who enjoy keeping in touch with their family and friends.

ATTENDEE PROFILES

PAM BAILEY, Director of Forecasting/Purchasing

JOANN DAY, Merchandising VP


HomeChoice International PLC (HIL) is an investment holding company incorporated in Malta and listed on the JSE Limited. Through its operating subsidiaries, HomeChoice and FinChoice, the group sells innovative homewares merchandise, personal electronics, and loan products to the rapidly expanding middle-income market in southern Africa through mail order (catalogue), electronic channels (internet and mobile phone) and call centers.

The group was restructured during 2014 to facilitate expansion outside South Africa, a further step towards achieving its ambitions of becoming a pan-African retailer. HIL was established as an offshore holding company and was listed in the General Retailers sector on the JSE Limited in December 2014 with a market capitalization of R3 billion. The group has three operating segments: retail, financial services, and property.

ATTENDEE PROFILES

JONI AXON, Sr. Merchandise Planner

BERNICE COWAN, Merchandise Planner

BARNABY DEARLOVE, Group Merchandise Planning Manager


Legendary Whitetails has its roots in deer hunter Larry Huffman’s lifelong passion for whitetails. His world-class collection of trophy mounts had become a popular feature at outdoor shows around the country. His first catalog, a tri-fold brochure, reflected the demand for souvenirs and branded merchandise that confronted him while exhibiting.

With that 1999 release, the Legendary Whitetails brand was born. The catalog channel is now the focal point for the family-owned business, which is based in Slinger, WI. The company also maintains a thriving e-commerce website. Its product lines include quality hunting and casual apparel, as well as specialized gear for deer hunters

ATTENDEE PROFILES

MITCH HUFFMAN, Director of Merchandising

TRACY BRINKMANN, Sr. Demand Planner

BLAKE JOHNSON, Merchandise Analyst


ORCHARD BRANDS is a family of catalog and web brands that offers endless options from fashion, footwear and accessories, to home and travel, beauty and grooming, gifting and more

—all for mature adults, active retirees, boomers and senior alike. We are a leading national, multichannel direct marketer serving a unique and underserved demographic.

ATTENDEE PROFILES

ANDREA LANDRY, Systems Analyst


ATTENDEE PROFILES

We are the nation’s largest direct merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and a leading provider of school supplies and affordable home décor and giftware. OTC has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Internet Retailers and one of the Top 50 Catalog Companies.

We began in 1932 as one of the nation’s first wholesalers of value-priced novelties and gifts. We became a major supplier to the U.S. carnival trade in the 1950’s before expanding in the 1970’s by using catalogs and direct marketing to target consumers, retailers and businesses. In the 1980’s, our first toll-free telephone number and seasonal catalogs brought continued growth. As the Internet grew in popularity in the late 1990’s, we found a new way to reach its ever-growing number of customers.

Today, we continue to serve customers through colorful catalogs and the Internet. We offer more than 40,000 products to meet the needs of businesses, not-for-profit organizations, individuals, schools, churches and teachers.

JACKIE ASKREN, Demand Planning Supervisor

GREG BETTERTON, Inventory Operations Supervisor

JEREMY PAROLEK, Merchandise Planning Manager

ROSS ROHR, Sr. Inventory Specialist


ATTENDEE PROFILES

Peruvian Connection was launched in 1976 by mother and daughter team Biddy and Annie Hurlbut, after inspiration took hold halfway across the globe. While researching anthropology in Peru, Annie, a 19-year-old Yale student, fell in love with extraordinary hand woven mantas and ponchos she discovered in the markets of Cuzco, the ancient capitol of the Incas.

“Back then, wandering around the market, you could find these incredible pieces,” Annie said. In Cuzco’s market is also where she first encountered the luxury fiber of alpaca. “I was immediately drawn to it; it’s softer than cashmere and more durable,” she says.

LEANNE TEKOLSTE, VP Production & Inventory Management


Plow & Hearth is a trusted national catalog, store, and internet company specializing in unique, enduring home and lifestyle products that are quality-built and guaranteed to meet customer expectations. Starting out as a small retail store in Madison, Virginia, in 1980, the company now encompasses three major brands.

The flagship brand, Plow & Hearth, offers high-quality products for home, hearth, yard and garden. Problem Solvers® provides solutions for everyday living. Wind & Weather® specializes in weather-related instruments and elegant gifts. The Plow & Hearth family of brands goes to market via a productive network of catalogs, e-commerce sites and retail stores targeting consumers across the country.

ATTENDEE PROFILES

MICHELLE MORRIS, Control Buyer

TAYLOR BEATHEA, Control Buyer

PAUL MAUPIN, Control Buyer

KEITH MCLAUGHLIN, Inventory Manager


ATTENDEE PROFILES

PCH is a leading interactive media company offering a broad range of products, digital entertainment and services to consumers. Our success is built on PCH’s unique, free-to-play, chance-to-win value proposition, individually personalized offers based on the trusted first party relationship we maintain with millions of consumers and the excitement of the Publishers Clearing House brand.

Founded in 1953 by Harold and LuEsther Mertz, PCH has come to be known as the sweepstakes company whose famous Prize Patrol surprises screaming winners on their doorsteps with oversized checks in amounts anywhere from $1,000.00 to $10,000,000.00 while TV cameras are rolling. These memorable, real-life reactions of stunned sweepstakes prize winners have entertained audiences all across America and spawned a number of good-natured skits on such TV shows as Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show. The Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol has even made appearances on the popular TV game shows The Price Is Right, Let’s Make A Deal and Family Feud.

MARC LAKS, Sr. Director Forecasting and Acquistion

MARC BYALICK, Sr. Mgr. Forecasting and Acquisiton

ALEX DUNNE, Asst. Mgr. Forecasting


ATTENDEE PROFILES

Soft Surroundings was inspired by and created for women who never seem to have enough time for themselves, always placing the needs of others ahead of their own. Through their catalog, website and retail stores, the company welcomes their time-strapped, care-worn customers into a world of effortless style, quality and comfort.

With fabulous fashions in soft, fluid fabrics, heirloom-quality home furnishings, luxe bedding and the newest options in beauty care, Soft Surroundings is the stylish solution for today’s busy woman. In every way, the company aims to provide her with merchandise she wants, when she wants it, and service that far exceeds her expectations.

LAURA BARRETT, Sr. Vice President of Operations

LAURIE ZITO, Inventory Control Operations Supervior


ATTENDEE PROFILES

Sundance Village was founded in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains by Robert Redford in 1969, with the goal of creating a community of art, nature and environment awareness. At the base of the Village was a tiny store selling handcrafted wares to visitors. The guests often wrote back to request items they’d seen in the store; the first edition of Sundance Catalog was mailed to the guest list in 1989.

Today, the catalog is legendary for its unique offerings and its well-known mission of supporting American craftspeople, the performing arts, and environmental preservation. The company also operates an ecommerce site and a chain of upscale retail stores.

DIEVO HAGEN, Sr. Director

RICK TUREK, VP of Information Technology

MICHELLE BUCK, IT Manager

MICHELE LEITNER, Inventory Planner

STEFANIE REHR, Inventory Planner


ATTENDEE PROFILES

The Improvements Catalog, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is part of Cornerstone Brands, a family of leading home and apparel brands. Cornerstone is a division of HSNi, an interactive multichannel retailer that offers an innovative, differentiated retail experience on TV, online, via mobile, in catalogs, and in brick and mortar stores.

Improvements®, founded in 1992, features many branded and exclusive products, as well as those designed in-house. The Improvements buyers travel throughout the world to find unique items that are also great values. Our large selection includes seasonal products that are practical and functional for all areas of the home, both indoor and outdoor. Over the years, Improvements has become a multi-channel business through catalog and e-commerce growth, offering consumers a wide range of solutions to meet lifestyle, décor, and practical problem-solving needs.

KATHI BOX, Inventory Planner

TRICIA FIENGA, Manager of Merchandise Information

PAUL WATANABE, Merchandising & IT Analyst


ATTENDEE PROFILES

The story of Sportsman’s Guide is simple and straightforward… guaranteed lowest prices on a huge selection of name-brand outdoor gear, clothing and footwear, with fast, courteous service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We’ve been outfitting America’s outdoorsmen since our very first catalog hit the streets in 1977.

The Sportsman’s Guide was born in the brain and basement of outdoorsman Gary Olen, back in the winter of 1970. His very first Sportsman’s Guide Catalog came out in 1977, offering discount-priced gear and clothing to hunters, along with the item that started it all, a trophy jacket patch that allowed deer hunters to brag about their success. We’re located in the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota, in South St. Paul. All 650 Sportsman’s Guide Associates work to insure your satisfaction in all facets of our relationship…courteously giving you all the information you’re looking for and taking your order, picking and carefully packing your order, shipping your order to your doorstep, and being available after the sale for any kind of support you might want. We’re an all-in-one operation, and most orders are shipped directly from our 591,000 square foot warehouse areas.

JEREMY MILLINCZEK, Manager of Inventory Planning

TIMBERLY JOHNSON, Inventory Manager


ATTENDEE PROFILES

Back in the olden days, the general store was filled with useful items—everything a local customer could want or need, plus curiosities from far away. It was warm and cozy, a place where men would gather around the stove at day’s end. Those long-gone main-street venues held a special allure for many folks.

So in 1946 Vrest and Ellen Orton opened the nation’s first restored general store and mailed a self-produced 12-page catalogue to their Christmas card list. Sixty-five years later, The Vermont Country Store is a genuine American success story. The company specializes in bringing hard-to-find, nostalgic products to customers via their catalog, retail and e-commerce platforms.

NICOLE FILLION, Planner

MAIJA SCHMIDT, Inventory Supervisor


ATTENDEE PROFILES

Title Nine is a privately-held, omni-channel retailer that sells women’s athletic apparel and sportswear. We have 23 retail stores, but the bulk of our business is transacted on-line. We are everyday athletes and fitness fanatics passionate about our brands and the impact that sports and the pursuit of fitness have on our lives and our customers.

JANIS ABBINGSOLE, VP Operations

SHIRLEY LIU SENIOR, Systems Programmer

MELINDA MCNAMARA, Sr. Inventory Planner

ADRIANA VAN EPPS, Director of Inventory Planning


ATTENDEE PROFILES

In 1999, our founder Dave Bolotsky visited a Smithsonian Museum craft show in Washington, D.C., and was captivated by the variety of unique handmade goods and the talented people behind them. He saw there was a significant public demand for beautiful design. At the same time, he realized that the artists working to make those pieces were often traveling great distances in order to sell their wares at the show. Inspired by his experience, Dave had a vision to create something that had never existed before—an online marketplace to connect makers and their creations with individuals looking for truly special goods, regardless of the physical distance between the maker and the shopper.

Dave turned this idea into UncommonGoods. He continued traveling to craft fairs and trade shows, meeting artists and finding stand-out merchandise, while running the business out of his home on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Before long, the company had outgrown Dave’s apartment, and moved through three successively larger offices in downtown Manhattan, eventually settling in our current location in Brooklyn, NY.

LOUISE GELLER, Planner

SETH WALTER, Manager of Inventory and Drop Ship


ATTENDEE PROFILES

Vitacost takes the cost out of healthy living, offering best-of-both-worlds shopping for all the top brands of vitamins, supplements, whole foods, health foods and sports nutrition at discount prices up to 50% off suggested retail. The company carries more than 2,500 of the most-trusted brands—45,000-plus products that help you care for yourself, your family, your pets and your home.

Based in Boca Raton, FL, Vitacost operates a massive e-commerce site covering everything from sports and fitness, to pet care, to diet supplies, to professional products. In addition, the company maintains a large retail store in Las Vegas complete with computer kiosk for direct website ordering.

ALISSA GOLDMAN, Sr. Inventory Planning Manager

DAVID LESTER, Sr. Director ERP

JASON WAYWOOD, Inventory Planning Manager

KENNETH SHAFFREN, Inventory Planning Manager


ATTENDEE PROFILES

Rose and Julius Weissman founded their costume business more than 50 years ago with a mission to create the most beautiful, high-quality and high-value recital and performance costumes they possibly could. But beautiful craftsmanship alone did not build WEISSMAN Costumes and Designs for Dance alone.

Passion for the art of dance and dedication to impeccable customer service are at the foundation of our business and the reason we have grown into an international destination for made-to-order and in-stock costumes, dancewear, gymnastics wear, dance team styles, accessories, shoes and more, with thousands of products in our inventory and the support of dance professionals around the world.

CHRIS HRDINA, Director of Inventory Planning

MONICA JAMES, Inventory Planner

GERRY MARKWAY-MEYER, Merchandise Manager

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