She also recommends that out-of-town show attendees check out the local shopping scene. “This is a great way to see how the malls in a different area from where you live are doing—see what types of visuals and products they have.” From The Forum Shops at Caesars to Fashion Show Mall, SPREE attendees can


SPREE 2011


take advantage of one of the busiest shopping areas in the country and bring home new ideas for their own businesses.


Kristin Larson Contino is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia. She writes for a variety of print and online publications and also covers women’s fiction for Examiner.com.


SPREE will return to Las Vegas this year for its biggest show to date from April 12-14 at The Sands Expo Center at the Venetian. SPREE, produced by Specialty Retail Report, is the world’s largest event for the specialty retail industry and welcomes attendees from around the globe for informative seminars, networking events and the opportunity to walk the tradeshow floor and see new products. Best of all, registration is free. “This year there is the opportunity to see more products and exhibitors


than ever before. You can’t go anywhere else where you have free education or free networking events with people in the specialty retail industry,” says Debbie Lahti, the show’s director.


International outlook Lahti says this year attendees can expect a wealth of new and different offerings at the conference. One of the biggest changes is a new international focus. “While specialty retail is huge in the United States, it’s really taking off in other countries as well,” she says. “We’re setting up several seminars that are internationally focused. The most exciting one is going to feature the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles and cover how to break into the Canadian specialty retail market.”


Other seminars will focus on importing and exporting,


cultural/social differences from region to region, retail trends in Asia and Europe and a panel discussion on the global market.


Another addition will be the launch of the first ever Specialty Leasing


Summit. The summit, which has an additional registration fee, is an intensive day-and-a-half educational program for leasing professionals that will take place before the SPREE show starts. “In today’s world, leasing managers aren’t the only people out there


looking for new tenants and products. Marketing directors and property managers are increasingly taking on these responsibilities as well,” Lahti says. “The summit will be a valuable training session for those new to the industry, and will serve as a refresher for older professionals.” Lahti said a designation program for specialty leasing managers is also in the works. Any person who completes 36


credits of education would be able to receive a certificate and a designation that they’ve completed the program. The summit will give attendees 12 credits. In addition to the educational and business opportunities, SPREE attendees can look forward to having a lot of fun,


too. A welcome reception on Tuesday night will feature drinks and appetizers while the winners of SRR’s Hall of Fame are announced. Wednesday night will feature a party at the world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum. There also will be a charity golf tournament at Las Vegas National Golf Club on Monday, prior to the show’s start. All proceeds from the event will benefit Camp Soaring Eagle, a special camp for sick children.


SpecialtyRetail.com Winter 2011 n Specialty Retail Report 89


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