Mainstream CE To Make RetailVision Debut
By Jeff Malester -- TWICE, 4/16/2004
Indian Wells, Calif. — RetailVision is introducing mainstream consumer electronics products as part of its semiannual event here next week, when the four-day meeting brings together some 90 retailers and 120 vendors at the Hyatt Grand Champions resort, April 26 through 29.
Organizers of RetailVision Spring 2004, which will make first-time presentations surrounding LCD and plasma TVs and projectors, said the response from both retailers and vendors about the new CE debut has been enthusiastic.
In an effort to maintain an element of surprise and to peak interest in its spring get-together, RetailVision is offering only teasers on some of its more popular events.
For one, it will not specifically divulge content about next week’s Welcome reception. Advance word is that this event will involve "ramming competitors with bumper cars" and checking out a spectacular view from a 50-foot Ferris wheel. "Great" prizes also will be offered, organizers reported.
"The team at RetailVision has been working overtime to one-up itself," said meeting organizers. While last fall’s Rodeo Welcome reception was one of the best attended ever, the Welcome proceedings on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. have a good chance of topping this, said managers of the Gartner-produced event.
Advance billing for RetailVision’s annual awards presentations ramps up with the announcement that a host of entertainers from the TV programs, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and "The Drew Carey Show" will be on hand April 28 at 7:45 p.m. for the "Best of RetailVision" awards celebration. The theme for the evening is "Whose Award Is It Anyway?" and scheduled for the evening’s fun is the Improv All Stars, seen on the two TV shows, featuring Ryan Stiles and Kathy Kinney.
The Ingram Micro team will be revved up for another "outstanding" — and perhaps even a little "outrageous" — Harley Party at 9:30 p.m. on April 28, when the company’s Biker Bash follows the awards presentation, said RetailVision.
RetailVision University ChannelViews, April 28 at 8:45 a.m., will include leading industry experts, such as Insider Marketing, Koenigsberg & Associates, NPD, The Bellow Group and Levin Consulting. ChannelViews have industry consultants sharing their knowledge on a wide variety of pertinent topics.
Also at RetailVision University, PowerViews, April 27 at 8:45 a.m., will include leading retail executives discussing how manufacturers can be successful with their organizations. Best Buy, Micro Center and Amazon.com will conduct the presentation. PowerViews bring in retail executives to educate vendors about planning programs, selling products and building brands.
A key RetailVision feature during the week’s meeting is 15-minute Private Boardroom Appointments, which allow vendors uninterrupted access to retailer decision-makers, giving retailers the opportunity to review the latest products, services and technologies. These are scheduled for April 27 at 9:30 a.m. and April 28 at 8:30 a.m.
No related content found.
VIEW ALL GALLERIES