Gift Sales Manager Association to host virtual conference this October

The Gift Sales Manager Association (GSMA) will host its 2023 virtual conference Oct. 24-26 via Zoom. It will be a three-day event from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST each day. Some topics and guests are planned for this year’s conference are:

• Trend Report – What Retailers are Looking For – Editors from Gifts & Decorative Accessories, Gift Shop and Giftbeat
• The Benefits of using Various Sales Formats – Varying Vendor Partners
• Tradeshows Now & Future – Andmore & Dallas Market Center Representatives
• Retail Analytics – What Retailers are searching for – Faire Analytics Expert
• International Sales Distribution
• Best Practices for Vendor Relationships – Panel of Key Account Buyers
• How to be a Successful Vendor – Sales Representative Principals & REA 2023 Sales Representative Winners
• Closing Remarks & Virtual Happy Hour

The collaborative event will include presentations and Q&A. GSMA said its goal is always to educate its members to become better sales management experts. Members can reserve and attend the conference as part of their membership. Non-members can attend the conference for a $50 fee. GSMA is also accepting new members at this time. Sales managers and/or vendor owners can join online. The association is also planning its first in-person conference since 2019 for May 2024. Current board members include:

• President – Richard Freeman, National Sales Director, DM Merchandising
• Vice President – Taylor Brunson, National Sales Manager, Archipelago
• Vice President Marketing & Technology – Ashley Jankowski, Founder, The Type Set Co.
• Secretary – Sydney Kearns, National Sales Manager, Regal Art & Gifts
• Treasurer – Angela Knight, Co-Founder, Center Stage Team
• Special Projects – Ann Nensel, National Sales Manager, Peking Handicraft, Inc.
• Parliamentarian – Randy Spoor, Sales Manager Consultant, Center Stage Team