"As individuals and as an industry, we need to develop additional skills and gain fresh perspectives in order to survive and thrive in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure, uncertain environment"
Mary Leigh Wallace, conference organizer

Women in the Home Industries Today (WithIt) announces it will hold a Spring Educational Conference to help members of the industry steer their careers and their companies through times of change. The two-day event – entitled "Tools for Navigating Our Changing Industry" – will be held May 12-13, 2004 at the AmericasMart in Atlanta. (see May events)

"As individuals and as an industry, we need to develop additional skills and gain fresh perspectives in order to survive and thrive in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure, uncertain environment," says WithIt conference organizer Mary Leigh Wallace of Trone Public Relations. "The WithIt Spring Educational Conference is designed to give participants from across the home furnishings industry new tools for dealing with the broad range of challenges they face."

The sessions offer insight into issues affecting business as well as the skills and choices that can drive individual careers. Designed to benefit all WithIt members and industry guests – whether entrepreneurs or employees of mid-size and larger companies – the conference programs are relevant to retailers, manufacturers, designers, sales representatives, service providers, students and others.

The conference will include a vibrant keynote presentation, Nothing Changes Until You Change or How to Build a Better You, by noted speaker Bryan Dodge. His message: the only way your company will grow is if you grow. He offers an array of tips and techniques for meeting and exceeding expectations.

Conference attendees will attend four of eight educational sessions:
· Repositioning in the Face of Globalization
· Technology Tools for Competitive Advantage
· The Lowdown on Career Paths
· Personal Branding and Professional Etiquette
· Financials for the Non-Financial Executive
· Home Furnishings Trends
· Psychology of the Home
· Staying on Track: How to Avoid Professional Derailment

The conference registration fee is $50 for members, $25 for students and $250 for non-members. WithIt members in the High Point area are also invited to join in on a chartered bus trip to attend the conference in Atlanta.

You may register for the WithIt Spring Educational Conference or learn more about it at www.withit.org or for more information, contact Sara Lyke, WithIt Executive Director at 336-880-2188, or by email at director@withit.org.