2007 ACCM's Executive Forums, Special Events Fit Like a Glove

New York City, May 8, 2007 — From day one, direct marketers attending the 2007 Annual Conference for Catalog & Multichannel Merchants (ACCM) will find programming and special events designed to fit their specific needs, delivered in a fashion tailored to their marketing acumen and goals during the conference held May 21 – 23 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

From forums designed for senior executives to networking opportunities to an Exhibit Hall that will showcase products and services in more than 400 exhibiting booths, ACCM will offer multichannel marketers an extensive array of information-rich programming, expert advice, cutting-edge exhibits, and special events. That includes the 2007 Annual Multichannel Merchant (MCM) Awards luncheon and ceremony – at which the three-fold mission will be celebration, networking, and fun.

The MCM Awards, which will be presented by Multichannel Merchant Magazine at the Tuesday, May 22 luncheon and ceremony, will honor catalog, Internet, and multichannel merchants for exemplary work. Gold and Silver awards will be awarded for quality in both print and Web, and the Cross Channel Award will laud multichannel merchants for synergy across print and Web channels.

On Monday, May 21, crystal chandeliers set in gold-leaf tray ceilings will add ambiance to this evening of food, cocktails, and conversation in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Boston Downtown Hotel. Or marketing professionals can whisk their cocktails out through the French doors to an outdoor terrace and continue their night of networking. This event requires separate registration. Cost is $35 for DMA Catalog & Multichannel Marketing Council members; $45 for DMA members; and $55 for non-members.

Company officers will set aside a day to kibitz, by invitation only, at this Tuesday, May 22 event designed for collaboration and discussion among vice presidents or above. Pre-registered guests have several chances to network, as well as a chance to attend two roundtable discussions, an executive panel presentation, and a keynote address by Paco Underhill, founder and managing director of Envirosell, Inc.

Acquisitions and Valuations — At this Monday afternoon forum, participants will learn from veteran dealmakers about what drives deal-making and what multichannel merchants should do to position their businesses. Those in the know will reveal what mail plans and Web strategies multichannel marketers should have to position their businesses for acquisition and valuation. This forum promises to explain the metrics driving today’s larger valuations.

Creating the Exceptional Cross-Channel Customer Experience — Customers cross channels, so direct marketers need to learn how to do the same in ways that impress and retain current and prospective customers. This Tuesday morning forum will present a panel of executives who are masters of responsibly delivering exceptional customer experiences. They will share their expertise on, among other topics, best practices, pitfalls, and practical "how-to" advice on how to get started on an integrated customer experience.

Looking Forward: The Future of B-to-B Marketing — At this Wednesday morning forum, B-to-B executives will gain enlightenment straight from the top when MeritDirect details its second annual survey of more than 50 CEOs. The insights include: What should B-to-B leaders focus on in the upcoming year? What new technologies are they exploring? What are they doing to increase customer loyalty?

A Discussion with Keynote Presenter David McQuillen: Customer Experience Immersion — Do senior executives understand the customer perspective when it comes to interacting with their business? On Wednesday afternoon, David McQuillen, vice president of customer experience and voice of the customer for Credit Suisse, addresses marketing executives on the importance of interacting with their company from the customers’ point of view.

Mix and match or spend the day immersed. "Intensives" offer extensive explorations of the hottest topics in multichannel marketing. These new and updated sessions are split into five parts each, allowing attendees to follow a topic all day or just hone in on the particular angle that interests them.

These specialized tracks include: Business-to-business, circulation, creative, e-mail marketing, merchandising, search marketing, small and start-up multichannel merchant, and Web analytics and conversion.

Power Forum attendees on Monday will learn all about setting themselves apart from the competition in an era when knock-offs and look-alikes can be manufactured in days and just about everyone offers multichannel marketing convenience to the customer. Moderated by Multichannel Merchant Editorial Director Sherry Chiger, panelists will discuss options, strategies, and tactics to help marketers rise above the competition and retain (or regain) customer loyalty.

In 2006, marketers — commercial and nonprofit — spent $166.5 billion on direct marketing in the United States. Measured against total US sales, these advertising expenditures generated $1.93 trillion in incremental sales. Last year, direct marketing accounted for 10.3 percent of total US GDP. Also, there are today 1.7 million direct marketing employees in the US alone. Their collective sales efforts directly support 8.8 million other jobs. That accounts for 10.5 million US jobs.

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