The International Casual Furniture Association announced that its “Charting Tomorrow Together” Educational Conference – #ICFAEdCon2020 – scheduled for February 4-7, has sparked an unprecedented level of early registrations. “It may be our reputation for assembling world-class speakers, or the gorgeous Kona Kai Resort in San Diego,” said, Jackie Hirschhaut, ICFA executive director “but the interest is the strongest we’ve seen in the four years since we introduced this event. We’re encouraging members to sign up now to ensure a room at the main venue.”

#ICFAEdCon2020 is structured to help outdoor furnishings retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and designers grow and succeed in a rapidly changing market characterized by limitless challenges and opportunities.

“We design the seminars, break-out sessions, networking events, and even the parties to promote relationship-building, problem-solving, and a sense of inclusion for all members. We encourage feedback and build our agenda based on their suggestions.

“For example, our ‘Think Tank’ brainstorming session resulted from a request for more roundtable discussions to benefit from the experience of industry leaders and peers,” said Hirschhaut. “And, thanks to the generous support of our growing number of sponsors, we can expand our program each year, increasing the breadth and depth of topics addressed, and continue the very high caliber of our speakers.”

Educational seminars provide advice on cutting edge business, technology, and customer experience strategies, presented by eight experts, all recognized as leaders in their respective fields. Keynote speakers include Derek Thompson, senior editor of The Atlantic, with “The 4-Letter Code to Selling Anything,” and Ty Bennett, entrepreneur and founder of Leadership, Inc., with “Creating Connections, How to Read Your Customer Like a Pro.” Leslie Su, Google’s principal analytic lead, explains how to leverage Google’s online tools in “Google Analytics 101.”

Workshops address website optimization, mobile videography, and retail visual merchandising. The popular Retail Design Tour is back with visits to three distinctive top San Diego specialty stores: Hauser’s Patio, Today’s Patio and Patio Productions. Participants can question a group of recent outdoor furniture shoppers during the Upscale Consumer Focus Group. An ongoing Vendor Showcase introduces members to new products, services, and suppliers.

Social events such as the Beach Party Reception and Dinner, and an afternoon on the legendary Torrey Pines golf club add fun and fellowship to the event. Two awards are presented during the conference – the Industry Partner Award, recognizing an outstanding supplier, and the Mary Fruehauf Retail Genius Award.

“It’s an action-packed, intense four days,” said Hirschhaut, adding, “The true value is realized after everyone goes home. They will implement the takeaways gathered through the educational sessions, the networking events, or over a drink with a colleague, and it will improve their business. That’s our objective for this event.”

Sponsors of #ICFAEdCon2020 include: theMART, Glen Raven/Sunbrella, International Market Centers, Ratana, Lloyd Flanders, OW Lee, Treasure Garden, Brown Jordan, Castelle Furniture, Dallas Market Center, Outdoor by Ashley, Outdura, Poly-Wood, Sunset West, Tropitone, Winston Furniture, Bella Dura Home, Gensun, Jensen Leisure Furniture, Kannoa, Klaussner Outdoor, Telescope Casual Furniture, Trivantage, TUUCI, Para Tempotest USA ,and Elaine Smith.

About ICFA

The International Casual Furnishings Association, based in High Point, N.C., represents manufacturers, retailers, sales representatives and designers of outdoor furnishings plus suppliers to the industry.

Michele Morris
Director of Operations, ICFA
Email
icfanet.org/2020-icfa-educational-conference