LAUREL, Md. — The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) announced it will hold this year’s Five-Star Marketing Conference at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas Feb. 18-19, 2010.
“Attendees said they wanted to go to Las Vegas, so we’re going back to Las Vegas,” says Mary Scalco, DLI’s senior vice president. “The Venetian is a great property, and we got an incredible deal on hotel suites. Every room is a suite, and they’re only $179.”
A private welcome reception is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, at V Bar. The conference officially begins on Thursday with opening remarks from Bill Fisher, DLI’s CEO.
John Zimmerman, CEO of eRocketFuel, will present the first educational session, “Marketing Through Social Networking—Twitter/Facebook.” The session will include a discussion of social-networking sites, the demographics to which they appeal, and how cleaners can use them to build market share and profit. Norman Way of Puritan Cleaners will then lead a discussion with cleaners who are currently using Twitter or Facebook.
Next, Frank Kollman will lead “OSHA & Labor Laws Under The New Administration” to help drycleaners prepare for legislative and regulatory changes. Then, consultant Barry Gershenson and Milt Chortkoff, of Milt & Edie’s, will lead “Marketing Class Is in Session.” Chortkoff will share the techniques he’s used to attract and retain customers. The day will end with a forum of roundtable discussions.
On Friday, Feb. 19, Al Lautneslager will lead “Guerrilla Marketing In 30 Days,” showing attendees how to use a 30-day marketing blueprint to capture new customers and increase sales. The day will end with another roundtable exercise and closing remarks.
Registration for the Five-Star Marketing Conference is $589 for the first guest, and $389 for additional attendees from the same DLI member company. Members of DLI’s Premier Club can take advantage of one free admission, and bring additional attendees from their plants at the discount rate.
Register for the conference by Feb. 12 at www.ifi.org, or call Melissa Wagner at 800-638-2627, ext. 1603.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].