WithIt is sponsoring two events during the upcoming Las Vegas Market, Feb. 1-5. Plus, the women's leadership development network is offering educational programming at the Surfaces show, Feb. 2-4.

Connie Post, CEO of Connie Post Global Media, will present "From Paris and Cologne to You: Merchandising for a Must-See, Must-Be-There Retail Experience" from 3-4 p.m. in World Market Center Building B, 16th Floor, World Forum. Part of the Las Vegas Market's Trend Series, Post's "fast-paced" presentation will reveal the most invigorating styles, forms, colors and trends from imm-Cologne  and Maison et Objet . She'll explain how to incorporate the best ideas to create an exciting retail experience.
 
Post will repeat her presentation on Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. during the SURFACES  show, which is held Feb. 1-4 at the Sands Expo & Conference Center, Las Vegas. This WithIt-sponsored event is a first step toward expanding the orgranization's reach in 2010 into new home and furnishings markets, including the floor coverings segment.

Vice President-Mentoring Lorri Kelly is producing a student-focused event Feb. 3, from 1 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. in World Market Center Building C, space 884. The event will provide students and young professionals an opportunity to network, learn about the furniture industry and begin charting a course for a career in home furnishings. A panel comprised of professionals from many disciplines, including Marketing/Advertising/Communications, Special Events, Product Design/Licensing, Showroom Design and Layout, Sales Management and Leadership Development, will kick off the event. Round table discussions and a questions and answers session will round out the mentoring event.

Follow on Twitter: #WithItLVM

 

WithIt's technology educational symposium exceeded expectations by all measurements and further solidified WithIt's role as a leading education resource for the home furnishings industry.

More than 100 professionals attended the event, which offered timely and topical information about social media marketing and delivered put-in-play tips about how to leverage new technology.
 
The symposium committee, headed by Vice President Jana Phipps, is developing a post-event video webinar, which will be available for a limited time in approximately three weeks. Check the WithIt Web for more information.

Fast Facts from the event and additional reading:

* Social media marketing is best performed by a mix of professionals that includes company employees and outside vendors with proven social media successes.

* Know your marketing objectives before you launch a social media campaign, and be prepared to change your strategy as measurement metrics mandate.  

* Technology changes everyday, so try new tools, experiment, fail and try again. "It's the right idea, not the big idea," according to Maggie Fox, CEO of Social Media Group. Not every tool--Twitter, Facebook, e-mail marketing, mobile marketing--will suit every brand.

Additional resources:
* CMO Expectations For Social Media Revenue, The CMO Club - http://bit.ly/5KPf4r

* An Approach for Measuring Social Media Marketing, Chris Brogan - http://bit.ly/83ji7t

* Social Media Superlist of Superlists, Robin Broitman

Review Symposium tweets: #WithItTech

Do you know someone who is making a difference in the home and furnishings industries? Someone who exceeds expectations at all turns, willingly shares knowledge and insights, and inspires others to achieve their goals? Nominate your peer for a WOW Award online. All nominations are due April 1, 2010. Recipients will be announced Aug. 18 during the annual educational conference, Leadership2: Take It to the Next Level.

2010 WOW Awards categories are:

LEGACY AWARD: For a woman of achievement who has made significant lifetime contributions to the home furnishings industry.

MENTORING AWARD: For an executive or organization that has fostered advocacy, development or promotion of women in their company.

EDUCATION AWARD: For an executive or company that has developed programs to educate associates, retailers or consumers about home furnishings.

FUTURE LEADER AWARD: For a woman 40 or younger who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and the potential to become an industry leader.

Nominees must have five years experience in the home furnishings industry, and the nominee must agree to the nomination prior to submission of this form. WithIt members on the Board of Directors are not eligible. Find more eligibility criteria at the WithIt Web site.

Do you know an extraordinary female leader?

In 2010, WithIt will underscore its position as the home and furnishings industries' foremost leadership development network by publishing an annual list of Women To Watch. The list will recognize and direct national attention to female leaders who are making a difference in all product categories and industry segments.

Honorees will be selected for their accomplishments and leadership potential, and will be announced in conjunction with the organization's annual WOW awards.

The initiative, spearheaded by WithIt President Stephanie Lowder and Second Vice President Mary Leigh Wallace, is also designed to increase awareness of WithIt, develop new channels for the organization's message, maximize value from current assets and build stakeholder value.

Information about the national Call for Nominations effort is forthcoming. Members and supporters are encouraged to submit names of accomplished women in any and all segments of the greater home and furnishings marketplace.

The 2010 WithIt Board of Directors is working to bring educational programming, networking opportunities and mentoring counsel to its membership and the home and furnishings industries throughout the year. As a member, you are encouraged to serve on a committee, as well as take a more active role in your regional chapter. Reach out to members of the Board to learn how you can work for WithIt -- you'll be surprised how quickly WithIt will start working for your career!

Visit withit.org to meet your 2010 Board Leaders.

Photo: 2010 WithIt President Stephanie Lowder, Rare Bird Creative, and Secretary, Debbie Beers, Furniture Brands International, working at the Board of Directors retreat in November 2009.