The deadline to receive the early registration discount for "Wisdom, Worth, Wealth: Winning Insights to Reshape Your World," WithIt's 2011 professional conference, is quickly approaching! Don't delay. Register today at www.withit.org. In addition to receiving a significant savings--$50 for members; $75 for non-members--you'll have first dibs for pre-conference workshops and curbside mentoring sessions.

Know thy customer. The axiom couldn't be more fitting for marketers, designers, manufacturers and retailers who want to engage the post-Great Recession consumer. What's so surprising, though, is the number of home furnishings brands that continue to message to consumers in the same ways they have been for the past decade, according to Mike Anderson, vice president of consumer insights and communication for The Center for Sales Strategy. Anderson is one of the keynote speakers during WithIt's 2011 professional conference, Aug. 23-25.

"Many businesses have been fighting so hard to maintain the status quo, they've had no chance to sit back and think," Anderson said. "You have to examine what's changed in consumers' lives. So, we're going to examine these issues [during the conference].

"For one thing, consumers have changed the way they think about and use credit," Anderson cautioned. "Consumers aren't going to buy furniture because they can finance it. The message isn't, 'Let me help you add more debt.' People are more deliberate and logical now. They're figured out that new furniture will add value to their lives. This sounds simplistic, yet so many brands continue with the cheap, cheap, cheap message."

In additional to examining macro-level consumer trends during his keynote presentation on Thursday, Aug. 25, Anderson will lead one of the conference's breakout sessions. He'll examine three distinct consumer types: the renter, the homeowner who has owned her house for a few years, and the homeowner who has lived in her house for more than eight years. "Participants can identify the most important one for their brand, what this consumer wants, and how a brand might reach out to this shopper," Anderson said.

Be sure to join WithIt for its networking and education events at the Las Vegas Market, Aug. 1-5. Mark you calendar, attend, wear your pin and ask any WithIt board member in attendance about how you can win a professional coaching session with Shannon Schultz, principal of Schultz Consulting Group--and a free Coach bag!

Monday, Aug. 1

5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Four Hands Networking Reception

World Market Center Las Vegas Building A, space A-0146

Retailers who become new Four Hands customers during the Las Vegas Market are eligible to win a free retail membership to WithIt, courtesy of Four Hands. Plus, Four Hands will have a drawing for "Kelly Hoppen Ideas," the latest tome from the award-winning designer and Four Hands licensee.  

Sponsored by Four Hands and WithIt.

Tuesday, Aug. 2

4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

WithIt Presents: Digital Design Magazines

World Market Center Building B, World Forum, 16th Floor

Editors Lisa Bingham, Entra Design + Architecture magazine, and Cassandra LaValle, Rue magazine, will speak candidly about their move into digital publishing and their personal success with online magazines. As a consequence of the economic strife magazines have faced over the last few years, these former editors from high-profile shelter magazines have reinvented themselves by creating their own brands. Moderated by WithIt Regional Vice President Kassie Smith.  

Sponsored by Las Vegas Market and WithIt.

Tuesday, Aug. 2

5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. 

WithIt Presents: DESIGNINGreen with SFC

World Market Center Building B, World Forum, 16th Floor

A questions-and-answers and lively debate about what's needed in order to both grow--and green--home furnishings businesses. Sustainable Furnishings Council's Executive Director and WithIt WOW Awards winner Susan Inglis will moderate. Join leading designers featured in the SFC's nationwide media campaign, Why not? Panelists will share stories about current priorities and best practices for 'green' projects.  

Sponsored by SFC, Las Vegas Market and WithIt.

Catherine Frinier, WithIt's 2010 President's Award, has generously donated 10 student memberships and 10 student registrations for the 2011 professional conference. This one-time gift celebrates WithIt's commitment to mentoring young home furnishings professionals who are at the cusp of their home furnishings career.

Frinier's generous donation embodies the WithIt mission to grow, lead, encourage and learn. "Those who know her well admire Catherine's reserved manner, her loyalty to partner and clients, her high caliber of professionalism, her creative spirit, and her innate desire to lead without calling any attention to herself," said WithIt Professional Conference Chair Jackie Hirschhaut, American Home Furnishings Alliance. "It's her generosity and instinct to think of the greater good of the industry and of others in ways that propel all things to grow."

Students interested in earning one of the free memberships and registrations should contact Sara Lyke at director@withit.org. 

Members of the Chicago-area chapter of WithIt enjoyed an intimate June networking event that coincided with NeoCon and Fine Design. These Merchandise Mart Properties' events attracted thousands of commercial and contract furnishings professionals to Chicago's River North neighborhood. WithIt Regional Vice President Joan Franken was host, welcoming guests to Chicago's happening rooftop bar, Wit. Special thanks to WithIt member Erin Piotrowski, Furniture Critic, for sending tweets during the event! The next Chicago chapter event will coincide with the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, Sept. 12-15. Details will be posted at the WithIt website in August. 

From left to right: Jan Cregier, President, Interior Design Society Chicago and Suburban Chapter; WithIt Vice President of Networking Margi Kyle, The Designing Doctor; and IDS CEO Pamela White.

From left to right: WithIt Vice President-Media Julie Smith Vincenti, Nine Muses Media LLC; WithIt Regional Vice President-Midwest Joan Franken, Concepts & Designs; and esteemed furniture designer Maxine Snider.