HPU to Host Online Marketing Seminar

March 4, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Social Media on March 5, 2012

The Knabusch-Shoemaker International School  of Furnishings at High Point University will sponsor an online marketing seminar, "Online Merchandising: Web Strategies to Increase Sales and Profits."

The seminar for students and home furnishings industry professionals will focus on increasing revenues in a world where online advertising, social media and company Web sites are among the most effective ways to reach consumers.

The event, which features keynote speaker Kristine Kennedy, editorial director of Wayfair, will be held March 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in the Francis Auditorium in the Phillips School of Business at HPU. It is open to home furnishings retailers, manufacturers, designers, suppliers and HPU students.

During the seminar, Kennedy will give an overview of how Wayfair is implementing a brand strategy and creating inspirational content to designed to build customer loyalty and purchase likelihood. Wayfair.com is the largest online-only retailer of home furnishings, selling 4.5 million items from 5,000 vendors. Kennedy recently joined Wayfair after 17 years with Better Homes and Gardens to implement a rich visual and editorial content strategy to enhance customer experience, loyalty and engagement.

In addition, IMRE Vice President of Emerging Media Christine Pierpoint will give a presentation on measuring return on investment of online marketing through analytics.

Also, a four-member panel of industry professionals, including two retailers, a manufacturer and an interior designer, will present case studies for their effective use of online marketing. Breakout seesions will involve tactics to manage time for the most effective return and customer engagement through social media marketing. This includes the fast-growing online design board Pinterest, the emerging power of online promotional platforms such as Living Social, and understanding the business model around QR codes.

Seminar details and registration information are online. There is no cost for the seminar, and lunch will be served. Seating is limited.