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N o v e m b e r 1 1 - 1 4 , 2 0 0 9 | T h e b r e a k e r s , P a l m b e a c h , F l o r i d a

WelcomePlease join us as we celebrate A.R.E.’s 54th Annual Convention, November 11-14, 2009, at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.

An exclusive membership benefit, the A.R.E. Convention unites providers of fixtures, visual merchandising products, retail design, materials, equipment, and industry services for industry-focused educational, networking, and social events.

This year’s convention is especially critical as content was specifically crafted to assist A.R.E. members in these challenging times.

Within this brochure, you’ll find details on the timely and relevant program the Convention and General Management Committee has put together—the perfect balance between professional education, industry networking opportunities, social events, and of course, the annual golf tournament and hole-in-one shoot-out. Be sure to mingle with A.R.E.’s associate members over refreshments and hors d’oeuvres at the Associate Member Exhibit Reception. All of this in a location geared toward learning, networking, and socializing with industry professionals and guests. Social opportunities include receptions, dinners, golfing events and the PAVE Casino Night. Additional ideas for entertainment activities specifically for spouses and guests at the resort property and surrounding area offer many things to do.

For our industry supplier members, this event is your best opportunity to network face-to-face with decision-makers from store fixture and display companies, as well as design firms. The Convention offers a prime networking and exhibit opportunity for A.R.E. associate members during a 90-minute reception. Reserve a display table for your company to present your products, services, company literature, or small product samples to industry professionals in a relaxed networking reception atmosphere. See the attached display table registration form for more details.

Please book your hotel rooms early for this event by calling The Breakers at 888- 273-2537 or 561-655-6611. Mention that you are with A.R.E. to reserve a room at the discounted rate of $270 per night, single or double occupancy. The rate is guaranteed on a space available basis until Oct. 15, 2009.

Complete event details can also be found online at www.retailenvironments.org, including online registration and travel details. We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

steve NeumeyerConvention Committee Chair

commITTeeCONVENTION AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Responsible for developing programming for the A.R.E. Annual Convention and working closely with the A.R.E staff to assist in its execution. Staff Liaison: leslie melvin Committee Members:CHAIR: steve Neumeyer, Wind Mill Slatwall Products, Sheboygan Falls, WI donald bloom, Prime Retail Services Inc., Gainesville, GA

chris carlson, Carlson Co. Inc. of Madison, Madison, WI

robert croatt, Goebel Fixture Co., Hutchinson, MN

alan harvill, EMI Industries, Tampa, FL

eric Jones, J.R. Jones Fixture Company, Minneapolis, MN

Paul Pinkus, RSM McGladrey, Chicago, IL

bob riley, DSA/Phototech, Carson, CA

ken ritterspach, Stylmark Inc., Minneapolis, MN

dean rubin, Rose Displays Ltd., Salem, MA

James smith, Vira Manufacturing Inc., Perth Amboy, NJ

mark Waldron, Colony Display, Elgin, IL

William Wilson, Bodeker Fixtures, Eagan, MN

alaN beaulieuSenior Analyst, Economist and Principalinstitute for Trend research A senior analyst, economist and a principal with the In-stitute for Trend Research

(ITR) since 1990, Beaulieu has been consulting and advising companies throughout the U.S., Eu-rope, and Japan on how to plan for and prosper through the business cycle. Forecasts from the ITR have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Barron’s, USA Today, The Wash-ington Times, and numerous other outlets.

SeSSIoNSKeynote: The Economy and How it Affects your Future Decision-MakingThe question on everyone’s mind is,

“When will this trend turn around?”

Alan Beaulieu, senior analyst and

economist, and the Institute for Trend

Research (ITR) were so uncannily

accurate with forecasts at previous A.R.E.

conventions that the A.R.E. Convention

Committee requested a return.

Beaulieu will offer a detailed forecast

for the global economy, with a special

focus on prospects for our industry.

Expect analysis of consumer sentiment,

commercial and residential construction,

and retail capital expenditures, and how

they impact demand. Included in his

presentation will be data on new store

construction and renovation. Hear first

hand his forecasts for the retail industry

and the economy as a whole to help you

determine your next steps.

Keynote: What’s Ahead for Retail?Amidst a constant flurry of retail

market reports and economic analysis,

it is difficult to separate truth from

media hype or rumor. Data on what

areas of retail are expected to increase

expenditures on retail environments

next year is needed.

In this general session sponsored by

VMSD, Dan Stanek, executive vice

president of Retail Forward Inc., will

discuss the current retail landscape

and how the recession is affecting

consumer buying habits. He will detail

the consumer trends that are affecting

retailers’ capital expenditure decisions.

By exploring the challenges ahead in

the post-recession economy, he will

help you discern which retailers have

the best chance for sustained growth.

ReTaIl PaNelIn order to formulate an effective

strategy in this economy, knowing

what retailers need from you is key.

The retail panel gives attendees the

chance to hear directly from major

retailers about their decision criteria for

selecting vendors and their forecasts for

upcoming new store construction and

renovation for 2010 and beyond. Hear

new opportunities for growth as they

cite examples of how their vendors have

responded to the turns in the economy.

The invited panelists will further detail

ways to get the attention of retailers,

what defines a preferred vendor, and

what you should be doing to establish a

long-term, profitable relationship.

Panelists that have committed to

date include Elizabeth Kokotajlo,

senior design manager, design and

development, for Luxottica, and Gary

Lundberg, manager of procurement

group, store environment and

fixtures, JCPenney.

IDea eXcHaNGeIdea Exchange Sessions

These roundtable discussions are

designed to be informal, facilitated

dialogues with peers about industry hot

topics. The result is a lively and honest

interaction that leads to idea generation

and problem solutions for everyone.

choose From amoNg Three sessioNs:

Worth the Risk?

The discussion will focus on both sides

of credit challenges for members. Hear

from other members and facilitators

daN sTaNekExecutive Vice Presidentretail ForwardAs director of the firm’s con-sulting services, Stanek has over 20 years of experience in consumer marketing and

retailing for Fortune 500 companies. He focuses on brand strategy, marketing strategy, channel strategy, market positioning, retail concept de-velopment, and consumer research. Stanek has led and conducted consulting programs with companies including Bloomingdale’s, Hard Rock Cafe, UPS Stores, Hallmark, AutoZone, Circuit City, CVS, Frito-Lay, General Motors, Lowe’s, Mi-crosoft, Wal-Mart, and Wrangler.

FeaTuReD SPeaKeRS

elizabeTh kokoTaJloSenior Design Managerluxottica retailElizabeth Kokotajlo has been a design and strategy leader at Luxottica Retail for 14 years as an environmental

designer. She’s developed solutions for LensCraft-ers, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision, and Sears Optical. She provides expertise and design leadership to large scale rollouts of visual merchandising tools, graphics systems that organize the retail space, and “splash and dash” store refresh programs.

gary luNdbergManager of Procurement Group, Store Environment and Fixtures, JcPenneyAs procurement group man-ager for JCPenney, Gary Lun-dberg is responsible for the purchase of all store fixtures,

flooring materials, and visual properties. He was the recipient of the 2002 Chairman’s Award for his team’s efforts in supporting the company’s im-proved store environment. JCPenney achieved its sales and profit objectives for 2002, the second full year of its stated five-year turnaround plan.

on how banks are viewing borrowers

in the current credit environment and

what is driving credit-granting decisions.

Ensure that your company is in (and

stays in) compliance with any covenants

in current loan agreements. On the

flip side, hear from credit-reporting

analysts about how they determine

the creditworthiness of retailers and

what signs you need to watch to avoid

collections issues.

Facilitator: Scott Peltz, managing director,

financial advisory services group, RSM

McGladrey and Phil Gootee, president, Global

Credit Services

Green on a Budget: Reining in your Sustainability Expenditures

Think green initiatives are only for

prosperous times? Not necessarily.

The current economy has tightened

everyone’s belt, but there are ways you

can incorporate sustainable initiatives

with little or no additional funding.

Compare notes with other members

about low-cost or free endeavors to

green your operations. Discussions will

center on why companies implement

sustainable programs, how they

measure impacts, and how they justify

ongoing sustainability efforts.

Facilitator: Robert Reeve Frackelton, vice

president, Reeve Store Equipment Co.

Executive Toys and Gizmos for Productivity

Discover what technology toys may work

for you and what ones may not be worth

your time or money. Bring your list of

favorite toys and gizmos for executive

productivity, ranging from dashboards

to netbooks. Each participant will come

away with tips on the best gadgets for

productivity and how to separate the

frivolous from the legitimate. Methods

on how to get the most from your

current technology will also be covered.

Facilitator: Fred Hicks, CIO, Early Learning

Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe

CEO Roundtable Explore issues and trends affecting

the retail environments industry with

other industry executives. Topics

discussed will be those selected as

what is top-of-mind in an advance

survey of industry executives.

Facilitator: Paul Pinkus, managing

director, In-Store Marketing and Store

Design Industry Group, RSM McGladrey Inc.

NeTWoRKING eveNTSWEDNESDAY, NOV. 11EARlY ARRIVAlS RECEPTION

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Enjoy refreshments and hors

d’oeuvres while networking with

industry leaders.

Sponsored by Panel Processing

THURSDAY, NOV. 12a.r.e. golF TourNameNT aNd

hole-iN-oNe coNTesT

12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Arrive early enough to make the

12:30 shotgun start at The Breakers in

Palm Beach.

Tournament co-sponsored by Wilsonart

International and Extrude-A-Trim

Hole-in-One co-sponsored by Mayflower

and United Van Lines

WELCOME RECEPTION

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday arrivals can enjoy meeting up

with all A.R.E. members before starting

on Friday’s sessions and events.

Co-sponsored by Crown Metal Manufacturing

Company and Brown Wood Products

DINNER & PAVE CASINO NIGHT

7:30 – 11 p.m.

Stop by after hours at the PAVE

casino night, where you can try

your luck at the craps, roulette, and

blackjack tables. All proceeds for the

2nd annual event go to the PAVE

Foundation.

PAVE Casino Night co-sponsored by Prime

Retail Services Inc. and Crown Metal

Manufacturing Company

FRIDAY, NOV. 13A.R.E ASSOCIATE MEMBER

ExHIBITS RECEPTION

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Mingle with associate members over

hors d’oeuvres while you discover

the latest in products and services to

enhance your business. You’ll learn

about products such as materials,

components, equipment, and services

such as transportation and installation

at a single 90-minute reception.

Sponsored by A.R.E. Associate Members

MEMBER NETWORKING DINNER

7 – 8:30 p.m.

At the annual networking dinner, reunite

and get acquainted with members,

spouses, and other A.R.E. associates.

Sponsored by American Installation

Renew Revitalize Re-vive Rejuvenate Ren-ovate RecReate Re-new Revitalize Revive Rejuvenate Renovate RecReate Renew Revi-talize Revive Rejuve-nate Renovate RecRe-ate Renew Revitalize Revive Rejuvenate Renovate RecReate

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 20094:00–7:00 p.m. Registration Open6:30–8:00 p.m. “Early Arrivals” Reception Sponsored Panel Processing Inc.

Thursday, Nov. 12, 20098:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration Open8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting12:30–5:30 p.m. A.R.E. Golf Tournament and Hole-in-One Contest*Sunset: 5:31 p.m. Tournament Co-sponsored by Extrude-A-Trim Inc. and Wilsonart International. Hole-in-One Co-sponsored by Mayflower and United Van Lines LLC.

12:30–5:30 p.m. Alternative Activities6:00–7:30p.m. Welcome Reception Co-sponsored by Brown Wood, Inc. and Crown Metal Manufacturing Company

7:30–9:00p.m. Dinner9:00–11:00p.m. PAVE Casino Night Co-sponsored by Crown Metal Manufacturing Company and Prime Retail Services Inc.

Friday, Nov. 13, 20097:30–8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast Sponsored by Global Shop Solutions

7:30–8:00 a.m. Association Annual Meeting 8:30–10:00 a.m. Keynote: What’s Ahead for Retail? Speaker: Dan Stanek, Retail Forward Sponsored by VMSD magazine

10:00–10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break10:30 a.m.–Noon Retail Panel Speakers: Elizabeth Kokotajlo, Luxottica and Gary Lundberg, JCPenney

Noon–1:30 p.m. Lunch Noon–1:30 p.m. Trade Show Committee Meeting (Working lunch) 1:30–3:00 p.m. Associate Member Meeting1:30–3:00 p.m. CEO Roundtable: Topics for Executives Facilitator: Paul Pinkus, RSM McGladrey Inc.

3:00–3:30 p.m. Refreshment Break3:30–4:30 p.m. Industry Update Speaker: Klein Merriman, A.R.E. and Industry Panel

4:30–5:30 p.m. Associate Member Exhibit Setup4:30–5:30 p.m. Break5:30–7:00 p.m. Associate Member Exhibits Reception Sponsored by A.R.E. Associate Members

7:00–8:30 p.m. Member Networking Dinner Sponsored by American Installation

8:30–11:00 p.m. Hospitality Suite

saturday, Nov. 14, 20098:00–8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast8:30–10:00 a.m. Keynote: The Economy and How it Affects Your Future Decision-Making Speaker: Alan Beaulieu, Institute for Trend Research

10:00–10:15 a.m. Refreshment Break10:15–11:45 a.m. Idea Exchange Sessions

Worth the risk? • Facilitators: Scott Peltz, RSM McGladrey Inc.; Phil Gootee, Global Credit Services

Green on a Budget: Reining in your • Sustainability Expenditures Facilitator: Robert Reeve Frackleton, Reeve Store Equipment Co.

Executive Toys and Gizmos for Productivity • Facilitator: Fred Hicks, CIO, Early Learning Coalition Miami-Dade/Monroe

11:45a.m.–Noon Closing Remarks12:30–3:00p.m. Open House at A.R.E. Headquarters

ScHeDule

Company Name _________________________________________________

Street Address ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

City _____________________________ State/Province __________________

Zip/Postal Code_____________________ Country _______________________

Phone __________________________ Fax ____________________________

Registrant’s Name ________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Registrant’s Nickname _____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Registrant’s Title__________________________________________________

Registrant’s E-mail _______________________________________________

*Spouse/guest Name ______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Spouse/guest Nickname ____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Spouse/guest Phone _______________________________________________

Spouse/guest E-mail _______________________________________________*Spouse or guest must be registered in order to attend convention functions. Company employees cannot be registered as spouses or guests.

REGISTRATION• Registrant (A.R.E. Member) before Oct. 15: $795; after Oct. 15: $895 $ __________

• Spouse/Guest before Oct. 15: $395; after Oct. 15: $425 $ __________

• A.R.E. Golf Tournament Package, $149 per person

❒ Registrant ❒ Spouse/Guest $ _________Includes greens fees, taxes, and lunch. The Golf Tournament shotgun start will begin at 12:30 P.M. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Handicap: Registrant _________ Guest _________

I prefer to play with my spouse: ❒ Yes ❒ No

• Display Table Registration, $299 $ _________

For A.R.E. Associate Member or Associate Upgrade Companies OnlyDisplay area will be open to all convention attendees Nov. 13, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. during the Associate Member Exhibits Reception.

TOTAL REGISTRATION $ _________

PAYMENT INFORMATIONAmount Enclosed $ _______________________

Payment Type: ❒ Check ❒ Visa ❒ MasterCard ❒ American Express

Credit Card Number_______________________________________________

Expiration_______________ Security Code __________

For your safety and security, we require that you enter your card’s verification num-

ber. The verification number is a 3-digit number printed in the signature panel on

the back of your card. The American Express verification number is a small 4-digit

number printed on the front of your card on the right side.

Signature ______________________________________________________

Name (if different from above) _______________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Billing address (if different from above) _________________________________

______________________________________________________________

HOTEL INFORMATIONCall The Breakers at 888-273-2537 or 561-655-6611 and refer to ARE Convention

to get the convention rate of $270 per night, single or double. Please make your

reservation before Oct. 15, 2009, to ensure rate and space availability. The Breakers

hotel is located at One South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480. After Oct.

30, no refunds will be issued.

RETURN FORM WITH PAYMENT TO:A.R.E., 4651 Sheridan St., Suite 470, Hollywood, FL 33021, fax to 954-893-7500, or register online at www.retailenvironments.org

The Breakers | Palm Beach, Fla.Nov. 11-14, 2009

Registrant price includes the following:

• Early Arrivals Reception, Wednesday, Nov. 11

• Welcome Reception & Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 12

• Continental breakfast, refreshment breaks & lunch, Friday, Nov. 13

• Associate Member Exhibits Reception & Member Networking Dinner, Friday, Nov. 13

• Continental breakfast & refreshment breaks, Saturday, Nov. 14

• All general & idea exchange sessions.

Spouse/Guest price includes the following:

• Early Arrivals Reception, Wednesday, Nov. 11

• Welcome Reception & Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 12

• Associate Member Exhibits Reception & Member Networking Dinner, Friday, Nov. 13

Sun Relaxation Fun BeacheS GolF luxu-Ry ReSoRt Sun Relax-ation Fun BeacheS GolF luxuRy ReSoRt Sun Relaxation Fun BeacheS GolF luxu-Ry ReSoRt Sun Relax-ation Fun BeacheS GolF luxuRy ReSoRt

With a strong Italian Renaissance style and design inspiration from 15th century Italian villas, this AAA Five Diamond resort sits on 140 acres on the island of Palm Beach with five swimming pools, eight restaurants, and 10 tennis courts.

The resort has not one, but two complete 18-hole golf courses, a 20,000-foot luxury spa, and a fitness center that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. On-site shopping includes a variety of shops, including Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Mix.

For toll-free reservations, call 888-273-2537 or 561-655-6611. Mention the A.R.E. Convention for the discounted price of $270 per night. To receive this discount, you must reserve your room by Oct. 15.

Air TravelThe hotel is located just seven miles from Palm Beach International Airport, 42 miles from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and 72 miles from Miami InternationalAirport

Car Rental DiscountFor your convenience, A.R.E. has arranged for convention attendees to receive discounted rates on car rentals with Avis Rent A Car. The low rates include unlimited free mileage and apply to all categories of vehicles. Reserve your vehicle online at www.avis.com or by calling 800-331-1600; use Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number D131080.

Area ActivitiesPalm Beach offers a host of tourist attractions from museums to spectator sports to shopping. The Henry Flagler Museum highlights the history of the area, while the Norton Museum of Art showcases contemporary art. The 20,000-square-foot International Orchid Center is a must-see for orchid enthusiasts, and the Kravis Center for Performing Arts offers an array of live performances of music and dance. Families will especially enjoy the Palm Beach Zoo, the South Florida Science Museum, Aquarium, and Planetarium. Drive through the Lion Country Safari, a 500-acre preserve where giraffes and zebras roam in protected habitats.

THe BReaKeRS, Palm BeacH

R Thinking ShifT YouR T ShifT YouR Thinking Sh ifT YouR Thinking ShifT YouR Thinking ShifT YouR Thinking ShifT YouR Thinking ShifT YouR ThinkingShifT YouR Think-ing ShifT YouR Thinking ShifT YouR

PRESORTED

STANDARD MAIL

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL

PERMIT #6014

4651 Sheridan St Suite 470Hollywood FL 33021 USA

Main: 954-893-7300 | Fax: 954-893-7500www.retailenvironments.org

SPoNSoRS