Course For Furniture Reps To Be Held In Las Vegas, August 20 to 24

Furniture World Magazine

The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association is accepting registrations for its next Certified Home Furnishings Representatives Continuing Education Course to be held at the Las Vegas World Market Center on August 20 – 24, 2006. IHFRA works with leading manufacturers, industry experts and professional sales representatives to continuously update and improve the CHR continuing education curriculum. Training includes up-to-date sales and industry issues, how to train a more effective retail sales staff, enhance communication skills to break through sales barriers and how to develop a profit plan. A block of rooms has been secured at the Golden Nugget for course participants. Transportation will be provided for participants to and from the World Market Center for the educational series. The August 2006 curriculum includes the following instructors and courses: 1) Role of the Representative in the New Millennium Instructor: Bob Groters, President of Klingman Furniture Company: New standards for today’s representative, how to give the retailer value added, build a more secure relationship with your retailer and retail advertising basics. 2) Conducting Effective Sales Meetings/Communication Toolbox Instructor: Bill DiPaolo, Former VP of International Home Furnishings Center, Co-Chair of IHFRA Education Task Force: Recognize areas to improve your communication efforts, use new techniques for more effective communication, plan and conduct more effective retail sales meetings, and increase your sales. 3) Helping Your Customers Improve Profitability Instructor: Dr. Al Bates, Founder and Chairman of the Profit Planning Group: Learn ins and outs of the retailer’s bottom line, how to position yourself as the indispensable link between the factory and retailer, procedures for improving gross margin, the impact of inventory on profitability, and how to apply the strategic profit model to your retailer’s business. 4) Learning About Your Business Instructor: Joe Capillo, Retail Furniture Consultant, Director of Sales D & D Furniture: How the retail financial dynamic works, the business reps are really in, GMROI, and strategic thinking. Space in the course is limited. Cost for the course is $1,495 for IHFRA members and $1,695 for non-members. IHFRA offers a payment plan and scholarships are available for IHFRA members. Call the IHFRA Office at (866) 528-8634 or (336) 889-3920 or e-mail ihfra@ihfra.org for more information.