Philadelphia Gift Show Seminars Cover Social Media, Best Practices

As the first gift show of the year, Philadelphia Gift Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center with a full line-up of educational seminars to help retailers get a jump on 2016. From top social media platforms and best practices to discovering new niche markets to profitable year round promotional strategies, the winter 2016 schedule will provide retailers with informative and practical tips they utilize in their own stores immediately.

All educational programs are free to registered buyers and will take place on the show floor in the back of the 2100 aisle. The show runs 9 a.m. to 6 pm. Jan. 8 to 10 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Jan. 11. Programs include:

Friday, Jan. 8

Social Media 101, 1 to 2 p.m.

Presented by Alison Walkley, social media manager, Urban Expositions

In this digital age, there are social platforms popping up on a nearly weekly basis. Which are the musts to be on for your business? Join Walkley for a discussion on the top platforms, which make the most sense for small businesses and best practices to employ on each.

Finding Your Niche Market, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Presented by Tammy Shapiro, president, Talk of the Town Gourmet Gifts & More

As business owners, we often get caught up in the day-to-day operations of running a business and overlook potential customers that are right in front of us. On occasion we can overlook the importance of marketing and seeking the "niche market" that can utilize our business and products on a daily basis. This session will explore how to figure out which niche markets can utilize your services beyond the everyday customer base that currently uses your products. Shapiro will share unique marketing techniques, including web sites, social media, marketing literature, networking and getting your foot in the door with these various markets.

Saturday, Jan. 9

Social Media FAQ, 1 to 2 p.m.

Presented by Alison Walkley, social media manager, Urban Expositions

What are your burning questions about social media? Bring them along to this discussion. Walkley will dive into some of the most frequently asked questions among small business owners, then open the floor for a conversation with attendees.

Cashing In Year Round, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Presented by Tammy Shapiro, president, Talk Of The Town Gourmet Gifts & More

In the gift industry, our most anticipated time of year is the fourth quarter. One of the most challenging things as a business owner is to keep the client needing your service year round.  In this session we will explore creative ways to keep business booming year round with creative open houses, buyer incentive programs, supply and demand and more.  Mind readers we are not, but we need to know how to forecast what the client is looking for and understand their needs for year round profit.

Based in Kennesaw, Ga., and founded in 1995, Urban Expositions produces and manages a portfolio of 40 events serving nine industry sectors.

The show is co-located with the 133^rd Philadelphia National Candy, Gift and Gourmet Show, sponsored by the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia. The candy show runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 9 and 10 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 11.