Exciting New Features at 2008 Annual Conference for Catalog & Multichannel Merchants (ACCM)

March 12, 2008 — Catalog, Internet, and multichannel professionals are always innovating, to provide their latest and greatest offerings to their customers. These direct marketers wouldn’t dream of giving consumers anything less. And that’s why the 25th Annual Conference for Catalog & Multichannel Merchants (ACCM) is doing the same for them, with plenty of new programs and access to industry providers at the 2008 event.

Co-produced by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and Multichannel Merchant, ACCM will take place May 19-22 in Orlando, FL.

“When ACCM opens its doors on May 19, attendees will see new Executive-Level Sessions throughout the conference; two Post-Conference Creative Workshops on Thursday, May 22; and Exhibit Hall Pavilions that showcase exciting exhibitor innovations,” said Angela Eastin, group show director, Penton Media. “In addition, we’ve updated and expanded our in-depth Intensives on Monday, May 19, as well as our more than 100 educational sessions for this outstanding four-day conference and exhibition.”

The conference offers a rich array of exciting new features, including:

Executive-Level Sessions

Company executives often have specific concerns that require focused attention in a protected, peer environment. So ACCM chose to offer a special track to these unique conferees.

Three sessions on different aspects of one important subject combine to make up the comprehensive package on Monday, May 19:

· Mergers & Acquisitions Intensive for Senior Executives — When’s the right time to merge a company? What climate is best for an acquisition? Who should invest? These questions and more will be answered during this Intensive. Examine current mergers and acquisitions, listen to dealmakers discuss trends, and learn more about private equity options. This Intensive’s three topics include: “Structural Changes at the Top: New Drivers of M&A Activity and What It Could Mean for You” (8:15 to 9:30 a.m.); “Private Equity Investment: Is it Right For Your Company?” (9:45 to 10:45 a.m.); and “Positioning Your Company for Sale: What Are the Key Value Drivers?” (12:45 to 1:45 p.m.).

In addition, five executive-level offerings fill Wednesday, May 21:

· Secure Your Company’s Bottom Line: Secure Your Data — 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. — Trust. It’s a simple word, but a difficult goal to achieve in a multichannel society in which cybercriminals are eager to exploit any weakness in corporate security to their advantage. Yet consumers rely on that security. This session teaches the ins and outs of achieving brand security, and thereby consumer trust.

· Why Well-Integrated Multichannel Retailers Are More Profitable and Valuable — 10:45 a.m. to 12noon — With the level of integration customers now expect, cross-channel functionality has never been more important. Not only do consumers care about being able to buy in-store and return online, but business analysts are keeping track as well. Investors, just as easily as consumers, can move on in the click of a mouse. This session provides solutions.

· Expand into the New and Mature Markets of Europe — 10:45 a.m. to 12noon — Western Europe’s reliable postal delivery and affluent audience, and Eastern Europe’s emergence as a highly promising market for multichannel merchants, make Europe a direct marketer’s dream. This session teaches attendees how to grow a profitable business in today’s scattered yet open European market, while dealing efficiently with the panoply of languages, cultures, and tax regulations.

· The Future of B-to-B Marketing — Considerations for the Road Ahead — 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. — For business-to-business marketing executives, this is a not-to-be-missed session. Conferees will gain insight from the third annual survey by MeritDirect and DMinSite that asks 50 B-to-B chief executive officers what the coming year will hold. When it comes to B-to-B concerns, from technology to customer loyalty, this survey covers all the bases.

· Building a Brand Culture From the Front Line to CEO — 3:45 to 5 p.m. — Many companies already know that presenting a united brand front across channels is important. Customers expect to see the same company in stores, online, and in print. But some businesses may overlook the human element. Employees, too, need to embrace the brand. This session explores the brand image that employees project, and how to help them to help the company build brand identity.

Exhibit Hall Pavilions

Exhibitors will showcase their products at three new pavilions on ACCM’s exhibit floor. The Innovation Pavilion, Customer Data and Analytics Pavilion, and Call Center Pavilion will transform the shopping experience for ACCM attendees. These overviews and demonstrations can be found at the following locations:

· Innovation Pavilion, Aisle 1400 — At least eight suppliers have new and exciting products to tout, and will be making their presentations at this pavilion. Those looking for new products and services should stop by for these demonstrations.

· Customer Data and Analytics Pavilion, Aisle 1200 — At ACCM, attendees know that customer data is the key to unlock sales leads. So here, at least 10 exhibitors will be explaining why their database marketing, modeling, analytics or Web-based analytical tools are the right choice.

· Call Center Pavilion, Aisle 500 — More than 10 call center service and equipment companies will provide ideas about how to make each customer contact count. Businesses interested in the latest call center improvements should stop by Aisle 500.

Post-Conference Workshops

Bonus is defined as “something given over and above what is expected.” ACCM’s Post-Conference Workshops fit that definition to a “T.” Attendees who have already packed their craniums full of knowledge during the regular conference can turn to the Thursday, May 22 schedule for even more. Both workshops last from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

· Web Creative In-Depth Workshop — Creating Websites that Engage Customers — Brand aficionados are still out there. But more and more consumers are buying based on price. To compound the challenge, the rise of social networks, user-submitted content, and multimedia means the Web is a more crowded — and confusing — place to shop than ever. Workshop participants will learn about the trends shaping the shopping experience and examine the design, usability, and merchandising tactics they need to succeed.

· Print Creative In-Depth Workshop — Best Creative Techniques that Sell More — Some people are verbal learners. Others are hands-on. This workshop is for the latter. During this close look at the all the elements that go into the best catalog design, attendees will gain the creative edge. They’ll learn about branding, page layout, copy and photography, working with the merchandising team, and how to apply those concepts to their print catalogs.

For additional information about ACCM 2008 or to register, please visit www.accmshow.com.

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