AWMA SHOW – EDUCATION PROGRAM UPDATE
SPOTLIGHT ON SESSIONS FOR SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVES

With an emphasis on delivering high-value education at the 2010 AWMA Show which will showcase more than 15 hours of sessions, there are topics to meet distributor and manufacturer needs and interests across the management spectrum.  This week, we are putting the spotlight on sessions that will be of specific interest to those with sales and marketing responsibilities in both wholesale distribution firms and manufacturing companies.

Wednesday, March 10
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Breakout Session—Candy & Snacks:  Best Retail Practices & Supply Chain Solutions
In 2009 AWMA – in conjunction with the National Confectioners Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores – completed a landmark study on improving candy profitability in the convenience channel.  The study pointed up some simple steps, that if implemented throughout the channel, hold significant promise of boosting profits in this important category for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Come hear about these efforts and find out what you can do to improve your own candy profitability and help your retail customers do the same.

Thursday, March 11
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
These two concurrent wake-up sessions – one for those involved with marketing and selling tobacco products, and the other an entertaining session on customer service – promises to offer something for everyone as we kick off the final day of the show.

How to Market & Sell Tobacco Post-FDA
Moderator:  Scott Ramminger, President, AWMA
Panelists:  To be announced
The industry saw a huge sea change in 2009 with the passage of legislation granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate tobacco products.  As the FDA has begun to flex its regulatory muscles over tobacco, it is clear that the rules of the game have changed significantly.  Come find out the latest information at this sure-to-be lively wake-up session.

When Did Customer Service Die—Does Anyone Remember the Funeral?
Speaker:  Scott Deming, Marketing & Branding Expert
What do people think of when they see or hear your name?  In other words – how powerful is your brand?  This is the question Scott Deming asks his audience.  Then, based on thirty years of real, in the trenches, corporate life, he’ll show you how to create the most loyal customers and the most powerful brand in the industry.  Don’t miss this fast-paced, humorous, high energy journey through the six critical steps to creating the ultimate customer experience and building a powerful, emotional brand.  Join Deming as he shows you how to turn every customer into a loyal evangelist for life!

Other sessions in the line up include:  The Opening Super Session with Keynote Speaker, Phil Lempert; Foodservice Trends, Challenges & Opportunities; Leading in Tough Times; Customer Profitability; Foodservice—Best in Class Operators Share Their Strategies; and the popular AWMA Buyer’s Program.  Stay tuned—these sessions and others will be profiled in future issues of The AWMA Executive Update.

SUPER SAVER REGISTRATION EXPIRES ON JANUARY 31, 2010

Register Today – go to www.AWMASHOW.com for registration and housing information

Secure Your Exhibit Booth Today – go to www.AWMASHOW.com or call Julie Sullivan, AWMA Exhibit Sales at (703) 995-3861.