Registration Open for 2009 ERA D2C Convention

 

   

Electronic Retailing Association Opens Registration for 2009's Preeminent Direct-to-Consumer Trade Show

Revamped D2C Convention to Feature Expanded Educational Program, More Networking Opportunities, New Events in Exhibit Hall

Free Exhibit Hall Pass Available for ERA Members until July 1

ARLINGTON, Va. - May 15, 2009 - The Electronic Retailing Association (ERA), the leading trade association for direct-to-consumer commerce, today introduced significant enhancements to its annual convention that further strengthens the event's reputation as the preeminent trade show for the direct response marketing industry. The 2009 ERA D2C Convention - scheduled for September 13-15 in Las Vegas - will feature free exhibit hall access for early bird registrants, a simplified pricing structure, expanded educational and networking opportunities, and a wide range of events in the exhibit hall. Changes to this year's event will give attendees more information about the latest marketing strategies and the hottest products and services impacting the direct response marketing industry, while facilitating opportunities for making connections to help drive new business.

"Our convention has always been the show where the industry's top technology innovators, manufacturers, buyers and marketers can learn about the hottest trends in the direct-to-consumer marketplace and meet with partners and potential customers to seal critical business relationships," said Julie Coons, ERA's president and CEO. "Our 2009 show builds on this with new and exciting events that will cement our reputation as the trade show that everyone in the direct response business must attend."

One of the most significant changes this year is the availability of free and reduced-cost Show Floor Only passes, which give access to the D2C exhibit hall, exhibitor suites, the D2C Catwalk and Product Theater. By registering before July 1, ERA members can get free Show Floor Only passes, while non-members pay only $99. Cost of Show Floor Only passes will then increase to $99 for members and $149 for non-members during the pre-registration period. An All Access pass is available for those who wish to attend networking events, keynote addresses, educational sessions and awards gala, in addition to the exhibit hall. The cost for All Access passes is $825 for members and $1,399 for non-members until July 1, increasing then to $1,100 for members and $1,699 for non-members.

Attendees of the 2009 ERA D2C Convention will experience a wide array of new features, including:

  • Expanded Educational Agenda - With 30 sessions over three days, the D2C Convention features three educational tracks: Direct Response Success, Digital Marketing Intelligence and Operations and Profitability. There also is an ERA Symposium on Women in Business. In addition, there will be two keynote presentations and a course during which attendees can earn ERA University accreditation.
  • Increased Networking Opportunities - Beginning with an opening reception, new networking opportunities are available for attendees - from daily luncheons to meet with potential partners and build business relationships to new member and international receptions and the ERA Awards Gala.
  • D2C Catwalk - A central feature on the trade show floor, the D2C Catwalk will be the place for pitchman duels, new product spotlights and live demonstrations.
  • Product Theater - Designed for new product announcements and vendor demonstrations, this will be the venue for the New Product Showcase, where inventors have two minutes to present their most innovative products to the leading retailers in the direct response industry.
     

"The agenda we have created clearly makes the 2009 ERA D2C Convention the only show during which new sales channels and new challenges facing the direct-to-consumer market can be addressed by experts in the market," said Nathan Fagre, Esq. of ShopNBC/ValueVision Media, Inc., who serves as chairman of ERA's board of directors. "With 125 exhibitors and more than 2,500 attendees expected to converge on Las Vegas in mid-September, the 2009 ERA D2C Convention will be an event that cannot be missed if you want to be a serious player in this business."

Registration for the 2009 ERA D2C Convention opens May 15, 2009. To register or get more detailed information about the show, please visit www.D2Cshow.org.

About the Electronic Retailing Association
Representing a more than $300 billion market, the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA) is the only trade association in the U.S. and internationally that represents leaders of the direct-to-consumer marketplace, which includes members that maximize revenues through electronic retailing on television, online and on radio. ERA strives to protect the regulatory and legislative climate of direct response while ensuring a favorable landscape that enhances e-retailers' ability to bring quality products and services to the consumer. ERA members include some of the industry's most prominent retail merchants, including Acorn Corporation, eBay, Discovery Communications, Gaiam, Google, Guthy-Renker Corporation, HSN, Jewelry Television, QVC, ShopNBC, and Thane. For more information about ERA, please visit www.retailing.org.