The National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers (NASFM) debuted its first CEO Seminar June 20-22, 2001, in Chicago, IL. The CEO Seminar addressed the diverse and demanding responsibilities of senior executives. Topics discussed included strategic business planning and expanding markets, the impact and future of industry consolidation, the state of the economy, and industry profitability, which included an exclusive sneak peak at NASFM's 2001 Profit Report results.

A lively interactive retail forum featuring Jody Clarke, Fossil; Michael Saubert, Sears, Roebuck & Co.; Geoff Wigner, Dollar General; and Kim Zachary, Gap, was held. The panelists discussed trends in fixturing and what they are seeking from fixture manufacturers. Break out sessions on Internet strategies, retention and compensation incentives, and contract clauses were also held. Participants included fixture manufacturing company owners, presidents, CEOs, and other upper-level managers.

NASFM is an international, not-for-profit association representing the store fixture manufacturing industry since 1956. The association's membership includes more than 450 regular member companies operating over 800 plants and employing more than 75,000 people worldwide; an additional 200 industry suppliers are associate members. NASFM members manufacture an estimated 85% of all store fixtures produced in North America, and the 100 largest North American store fixture manufacturers are NASFM members. The typical NASFM member employs 85 people, and generates revenues in excess of $10 million per year.

Many of the Powerpoint presentations presented at the conference are now available online. To view, you must be a member of NASFM.