/R E P E A T -- Notice to media - Retail Convention March 19 and 20, 2012 "LE DÉTAIL DANS LA PEAU !"/

MONTREAL, March 16, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Media representatives are invited to attend the 19^th annual Retail Convention, on March 19 and 20, 2012.

What:	19^th annual Retail Convention Theme: "Le détail dans la peau !"
When:	March 19 and 20, 2012
Where:	The Montréal Sheraton Centre 1201 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, Montréal Level 4 (accreditation) 514-632-6030
Who:	A large number of distinguished speakers and guests will be available for interviews during the event.

In Quebec, the retail sector is a source of passion and motivation for more than 420 000 persons and it is the province's largest employer. With Marie-Soleil Michon as moderator again this year, this event is the year's most unifying forum for intersectoral discussions.

More than ever before, the CQCD has brought together leaders and headliners who also care deeply about retail. We offer you a choice of more than 40 sessions grouped around three main conference tracks:

Grow your business successfully
The presentations in this track will explore the different facets of development and provide tools for those who want to conquer new markets: financing, risk management, successful business models. Also on the program: how to prepare the next generation and cultivate an entrepreneurial mentality.

Watch your radar
This track encompasses the emerging trends that are likely to radically change your day-to-day operations: Face the foreign competition that is arriving from every corner of the world. Position your business to react to the arrival of the giants. Foster retention of the best talents in this context. M-commerce, social networks and other multi-channel tactics, and their applications in the retail sector. Concrete and real-life examples! Consumers are changing; if you want to keep up, this is the track to choose.

Back to basics
This track is intended for businesses that have reached maturity in their growth cycle. At this stage, it is important to go back to basics to continue on the road to success.

The objectives: demonstrate the best practices from Quebec and elsewhere, celebrate creativity, provide effective tools for operations and rethink the customer experience. A track that goes to the heart of the action!

NOT TO BE MISSED on MONDAY, MARCH 19

MORNING PLENARY SESSION
Still passionate after 90 years! - by Philippe Duval, President and CEO, SAQ. Philippe Duval presents an overview of the selection and sale of wines and spirits, while also revealing the future trends in this changing world.

AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION
Focus on the customer! - by Larry Rosen, President and CEO, Harry Rosen. Larry Rosen will speak about the judicious use of databases and training to ensure customer loyalty. Also on the program: the company's Web strategy, developed to attract a new and younger clientele with a focus on marketing, products and social media.

NOT TO BE MISSED on TUESDAY, MARCH 20

OPENING SESSION
Socio-economic panel: Economic outlook for the retail sector in 2012 - With Georges Pothier, Canal Argent-TVA anchor, in the role of moderator, the panel is made up of Marie-Claude Frigon, RSM Richter Chamberland, Jacques Marcil, Services Économiques TD and M^e Gaston Lafleur, CQCD.

AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION
Vision of the future - by Doug Stephens, the Retail Prophet from Toronto. Doug Stephens is recognized as one of the retail industry's only "futurists." His research and thinking have influenced several of North America's leading retailers.

Consult the detailed program and the conference schedule at the following address www.congrescqcd2012.com

The CQCD wishes to thank the Altus Group and the Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation, the event's main partners, as well as its many sponsors.

Note to media representatives: A press room will be available to you, Salon 8 on Level 4, Montréal Sheraton Centre.
Please confirm your presence at the event or at the sessions of your choice by calling
514-842-6681, ext. 200 or 514-632-6030

Certain distinguished speakers and guests will be available for interviews during the event.

 

and accreditation requests:
Lise Plante, MBA
Communications and Marketing Director
Conseil québécois du commerce de détail
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel.: [phone]