An Update from Shop’s Executive Director

Hello!

I hope your week is off to a great start. As we move into a new month, I wanted to share a brief update on some exciting Shop! happenings that are taking place in the upcoming weeks. For the first time, we will be hosting virtual members-only Town Hall meetings. Hosted on Zoom, these Town Halls will give members a unique opportunity to tune in live for important association announcements. I am very excited to finally unveil our latest initiative, the new Shop! “Pillars,” as well as share the launch of Shop’s new Committee program, plus so much more. Our North American members will meet on Thursday, March 10 at 12:00 PM ET. Save the date and sign up here – you won’t want to miss it! A separate Town Hall will be held for our global members (outside U.S./Canada) on Friday, March 11 at 7:00 AM ET to discuss Shop’s global strategic plan. Register for the Global Town Hall here.

In addition to the Town Hall virtual meet-ups, the Shop! team is currently crafting outstanding programs for two in-person industry events in 2022. As you plan your travel schedule for the year ahead, be sure to save the date for Shop! MarketPlace (May 24-26 in Austin, TX) and Shop! Ideation (October 23-25 in Columbus, OH). Registration is now open for MarketPlace – See below to learn more and grab your ticket!

Lastly, I wanted to share a quick update on Shop’s awards programs. We are now accepting entries for the 64th annual Outstanding Merchandising Achievement (OMA) Awards. Download the entry kit below and submit your displays for the Marketing at Retail Industry’s most prestigious, largest and longest-running awards contest. Additionally, an esteemed panel of judges are currently reviewing the entries for Shop’s annual Design Awards. Our 2021 winners will be announced and celebrated at Shop! MarketPlace during a special program on Wednesday, May 25.

Keep reading below for additional details on upcoming Shop! initiatives and events and be sure to register for next week’s Member Town Hall. I look forward to the opportunity to “meet” all of you! Also, feel free to reach out to me directly if you’d like to connect one-on-one. I’d love to chat and hear what’s on your mind.

MURRAY KASMENN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHOP!
murray.kasmenn@smartworkmedia.com