The World Shoe Association (WSA) announced the launch of the Footwear & Accessories Business Conference at the upcoming WSA Show to be held in Las Vegas August 4-7, 2005. Offered for the first time by the footwear industry's largest trade event, the WSA-branded seminars deliver expert insights on topics retail buyers specifically asked for in post-show surveys. These tightly-focused sessions will keep attendees a step ahead in the increasingly competitive footwear and accessories market.
WSA will present a total of eight sessions including three “Trend Lunches” timed to give attendees the opportunity to take a lunch break during the busy show schedule while they learn about the latest fashions, colors and consumer buying trends from some of the leading authorities in the fashion and retail fields.
Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst from The NPD Group's Fashionworld and noted commentator on the fashion industry and retail trends, is the featured speaker for “Opportunities and Insights in Women's Footwear.” Cohen will focus on the footwear market from the consumer perspective, including significant factors in their purchase decisions and their views on specific brands.
“What Marshal talks about isn't theory, it's fact, because NPD gathers its data either at point of sale or directly from consumers,” stated Diane Stone, WSA's COO. “What a bonus for independent retailers in particular, to be able to learn this stuff while they're at the show.”
Fran Sude, international color authority and head of Design Options, the West Coast color trend and forecasting company, presents “Color and Trends for Spring/Summer 2006.” Footwear insider Maria Clifford, fashion and trend consultant to several large footwear companies, reveals European fashion trends for women's shoes for 2006.
“We're offering up just what the attendees told us they wanted when we surveyed them after the last two shows: more discussion and education around trends to help guide their business and purchasing decisions for this WSA Show and beyond,” said Sally Matteson, WSA's Director of Content and Publishing. “The seminars are designed to be smart, focused, informative and fun, equipping attendees with the kind of knowledge they should expect from the industry's largest forum.”
