IHA DIARY
2009
AHMA Hardlines Technology Forum
19 - 22 April 2009
Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Philadelphia, PA, USA
details: info@ahma.org
National Hardware Show
5th - 7th May 2009
Las Vegas
NRHA Annual Convention and all Industry Conferences
13th - 15th July 2009
San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel
Home & Gift Fair
19th - 22nd July 2009
Harrogate, UK
Expo Nacional Ferretera, Guadalajara, Mexico
3 - 5 September 2009
Managing Committee and Council
17 September 2009
General Assembly
20th September 2009
50th Congress and Centenary celebration, London
18 - 21 September 2009
2010
International Hardware Fair
28 February - 3 March 2010
Cologne, Germany
2011
51st. IHA Congress
13th - 16th July 2011
Washington DC, USA
The WOW factor!
I was talking with the Secretary General and he quoted:
“I never came away from a conference or an exhibition without at least one good idea I could put to work, this is especially true of the International Federation Congress”. When I heard these words of the former IHA Chairman David Jackson, I realised just how important it is for me and others in our business to get out and make every opportunity work to the advantage of our business.
Our world is facing a major economic crisis, and it is clear to me that as entrepreneurs we have to confront this desperate challenge, to manage our businesses, and to use every refreshing technique to buy and sell our way through this recession.
We do not expect to manage without trained
and motivated staff; we know we have to excite our customers with ideas and innovation, with value and price. with stimulating promotion and product knowledge and of course with service.
I am always looking for a new idea and I know the business is more about people than ever before. My customers are better informed and more demanding than ever. It is my job to find the ideas, identify the trends, the gaps in the market. the products which I can promote. The trade press will provide many of the solutions, but a conversation with other congress delegates, an impressive presentation by an influential speaker, a spark, an idea, this is what makes it is so valuable to be involved.
The catalyst is the Centenary Congress in London the business programme will deliver ideas; the social programme will present opportunities. You will talk shop with people who might say “I did it my Way”. You will learn something new; you will enjoy the company of many colleagues, and meet with some new faces. You will take home many happy memories of a very special visit, good food, good company, and WOW at least one good idea.
The Secretary General and I look forward to seeing you in London.
Oliviver Blondet
Chairman
The IHA Centenary Congress organisers BHF Group have published new leaflets in four languages, detailing the London event. Bulk copies have been mailed to all member national hardware trade organisations. Copies are also available on request from: alanhawkins@bhfgroup.co.uk or +44(0) 121 446 6688 and further details are accessible on www.iha2009.com
At the Centenary Congress all organisations have been invited to participate in an Association Manager's seminar Education and Training as a route to Membership Recruitment. Each member association is invited to bring examples of materials or ideas, questions and comments to the seminar style event, to discuss and exchange information including promotion, sales, income, profit contribution, internal and external experts.
Speaking at the Managing Committee Meeting in Chicago, Chairman Olivier Blondet said, "I shall be glad if all interested organisations would discuss this and advise me if you would like to participate with this initiative."
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE
Alan Hawkins - BHF Group MD. Congress up-date
IHA Centenary Congress Business Programme
Press Release: IHA Congress 2011
Las Vegas Hardware Show
At the Las Vegas, National Hardware Show, the Worldwide DIY Council is conducting a store tour May 7 and a reception at its conclusion. Stores being visited are an Ace, True Value, Home Depot, Lowes and Walmart supercenter. Cost is $100. Gathering at the Las Vegas Convention Center at 11.00 am May 7. More details: Don Droesch, Executive Secretary, at ddroesch@cox.net
Confidence Index May Press Release
AHMA Announcement (Download pdf)
AHMA Announces The Hard Fax International
| German Overview of the hardware trade in 2007 Download the pdf here |
ROYAL PATRONAGE CONFIRMED FOR 2009 CENTENARY CONGRESS.
The Princess Royal has agreed to become Patron of the IHA Centenary Congress, which takes place in London from September 17 to 21, 2009.
BHF Group, which will host the Congress for the IHA, is planning a spectacular event for international delegates based on the Queen Elizabeth 11 Conference Centre, London’s top conference venue.
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