Las Vegas, NV, September 5, 2024*— The Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show, the nation’s largest gathering of gift and souvenir professionals, is excited to announce two pivotal educational sessions focused on the future of retail. The sessions, scheduled for September 17 and 18, 2024, are open to all attendees and will feature industry leaders discussing innovative approaches to visual merchandising and the importance of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) in retail.  
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Presentation: Visuals for 2024 and More!  
Date: September 17, 2024   
Time: 11:00 AM   
Location: Connection Corner Booth #4143 

Retail professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in visual merchandising will not want to miss this dynamic presentation. Titled "Visuals for 2024 and More!", this session will explore the latest in visual technologies, including new 3D props and large-scale graphics, that are set to transform retail spaces in 2024 and 2025. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how bold visual strategies can captivate consumers and drive sales in a highly competitive market. 

Presenter: Tommy Brown, Retail Manager / Visual Manager, Saint Louis Zoo 

Tommy Brown, a seasoned retail professional with over 30 years of experience, will lead this session. Brown’s expertise, honed through roles at Dillard’s, Sears, Six Flags Inc., and his current position at the Saint Louis Zoo, makes him an authoritative voice in retail visual merchandising. His presentation promises to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to create visually stunning and commercially effective retail environments. 

Panel: Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion in Retail   
Date: September 18, 2024   
Time: 11:00 AM   
Location: Connection Corner Booth #4143 

In a retail landscape increasingly focused on inclusivity and representation, the panel titled "Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion in Retail" will bring together industry leaders to discuss how DEAI principles can be integrated into retail strategies. This session will offer a comprehensive exploration of how DEAI impacts social sustainability, economic success, and innovative retail operations. 

Moderator: Tommy Brown, Retail Manager / Visual Manager, Saint Louis Zoo 

Panelists:   
-Angela Dalby, VP Marketing, Sales & Creative, Charles Products Inc.   
​​​​​Angela Dalby, with over 25 years in the souvenir industry, brings a wealth of knowledge in consumer insights and product development. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation at Charles Products Inc. 

- Melissa Lew, Owner, Melissa Lew   
​​​​​​Melissa Lew, an award-winning jewelry designer and small business owner, will share her experience in creating eco-friendly, culturally inspired designs that resonate with a diverse customer base. 

- Mary Nickelson, Retail & Purchasing Manager, Mall of America  
​​​​​​Mary Nickelson, a veteran in retail and merchandising at the Mall of America, will discuss her efforts in promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging within one of the world’s most visited retail destinations. 

These sessions are essential for retail professionals aiming to enhance their visual merchandising strategies and foster a more inclusive retail environment. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and strategies to implement in their own businesses. 

About the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show:   
The Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show is the premier event for the souvenir and resort gift industry, bringing together buyers and exhibitors from across the country. Held annually in Las Vegas, the show features a wide range of products, from souvenirs and resort apparel to gifts and collectibles, providing retailers with the opportunity to discover the latest trends and source new products. 

For more information about these sessions or to register for the show, please visit https://lvsouvenirshow.com or contact lvsouvenirshow@clarionevents.com.