| SPECIAL REPORT
Together, A New Opportunity
Hunter Douglas hosts the first-ever International Alliance Conference.
by Jeff Janke
July 25, 2007, will be a very important day in the history of Hunter Douglas. It marks day one of the International Alliance Conference (IAC), the first-ever conference of its kind where Hunter Douglas will bring all of its resources—products, programs and people—directly to thousands of Alliance dealers from across the country and around the globe. We’ve been working on it for two years, and we feel confident it will be well worth the time, effort and investment we as a company have put into it for all who attend.
To be held at the Colorado Convention Center, the IAC is an unprecedented forum for the best and brightest in the industry to gather for three days to help dealers achieve a new vision for their businesses and gain the competitive edge in the ever-changing window coverings industry and the world of retail. It’s a time for dealers to set the stage for real business growth and success going forward and to embrace new opportunities.
Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) will give the keynote address, sharing his insights on leadership and how that applies to all organizations. The 100,000-square-foot exhibition hall will be filled to capacity with a comprehensive presentation of Hunter Douglas products—including a preview of a dramatic new concept in light control and other introductions—exclusive promotions, several of which will be offered only to aligned dealers attending the IAC, as well as the latest marketing and training programs, merchandising offerings and other essential business-building initiatives.
TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE
“I owe it to myself to be there,” says Warren Orikasa, owner of Abbey Carpet, Maui, Kahului, Hawaii. He recently became a Gallery dealer because he wanted to step up to the front of the line in his commitment to and partnership with Hunter Douglas. “Hunter Douglas helps us focus on our business, and provides a self-paced model for success. Unlike many companies, they don’t tell us how to operate; or take a fee every month; they give us the tools to be more successful. I look at attending the conference as an investment in my business.”
Orikasa will be in good company. We expect over 4,000 people to attend the conference—Hunter Douglas Gallery®, Showcase PrioritySM and Priority dealers—as well as international Hunter Douglas dealers, Hunter Douglas full-line fabricators, Alliance service providers and Hunter Douglas management and product brand teams.
TOGETHER, A NEW OPPORTUNITY
The theme, “Together. A New Opportunity” speaks volumes. Together under one roof, dealers will have a chance to see and learn about the complete scope of new product introductions, strategies, programs and services we have to offer. All in one place, at one time, together.
It also will give dealers time to interact with one another and with Hunter Douglas management, product brand managers and Alliance service providers. “I’m looking forward to meeting with other dealers, exchanging ideas—what works for them could work for me—as well as learning about new opportunities from Hunter Douglas,” says Gallery dealer Bob Widergren, owner, Shades of Marin, San Rafael, CA.
CELEBRATED SPEAKERS
We are honored to have Gen. Powell, a man who has inspired many, deliver the keynote address. “Seeing Colin Powell will be special,” according to Widergren. “He’s one of my heroes.”
Other celebrated speakers will include Daniel Burrus, one of the world’s leading technology forecasters and business strategists, who will talk about how technology will affect business and consumer buying behavior in the future. He will also help dealers understand changes in technology now so they can prepare and adapt their businesses to better influence customer behavior.
Leading design trend expert and senior editor of The Trend Curve™ newsletter, Michelle Lamb will address interior design trends and pair Hunter Douglas products with those trends looking forward through 2010.
Our President and CEO Marv Hopkins will speak about the Hunter Douglas commitment to the distribution channel, the investment in new product development and the strategy to build a strong network that is profitable and sustainable.
The future of retailing, what will be important to customers, how experiences will impact the buying decisions and how major brands will adapt to new retail patterns, will also be addressed by an as yet undisclosed speaker.
Evening entertainment is planned as well.
“It’s a great a partnership we have with Hunter Douglas, and this conference will surely be a testament to that,” concludes Widergren.
For more information, e-mail hdiac@hunterdouglas.com or call (877) 407-3300. Register online by visiting www.hdiac.com. Jeff Janke is vice president of retail Alliance programs for Hunter Douglas Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. |
