Kids Today Conference will examine key issues
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 21, 2003
High Point — Space is filling up quickly for the third annual Kids Today Conference, which will take place June 4–6 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
This year's theme, "Playing to Win," brings together industry experts for three days of strategizing and networking, and tackles the big questions to help manufacturers and retailers stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The conference, which takes place at the beachfront Lago Mar Resort & Club, looks at topics including best retail practices, imports, and the psychology of marketing to kids. Presentations also will provide valuable statistical information and market research.
Speakers include Langbourne Rust, Ph.D., a child psychologist and consumer researcher, and Dan Acuff, Ph.D., one of the world's leading specialists on youth-related products and programs.
Giving the keynote speech will be Mark Lewis of Ikea, who will discuss the retailer's big push into youth for 2004, when Ikea's theme will be "living with children."
"The theme of Playing to Win really shines through at this conference," said Jane Kitchen, editor of Kids Today, a supplement to Furniture/Today. "We've put together an agenda chock-full of panels and speakers designed to provide attendees with cutting-edge information about the kids' industry, helping them better understand the issues that affect us and the direction this industry is heading, and thereby making winners out of all of us."
The cost of the conference is $650 per person and includes attendance, meals, entertainment and materials. Kids Today will donate $50 from each registration to the nonprofit organization K.I.D.S., Kids In Distressed Situations. The donation from last year's event totaled $4,000.
A special rate of $130 a night at the Lago Mar has been arranged, and the hotel has agreed to extend the rate to two days before and after the conference so attendees may take advantage of the location and plan a family trip.
