Executives from Google, eBay, Discovery Channel, LinkedIn Gather to Discuss Importance of Multi-Channel Marketing

Washington, DC, December 15, 2006 --(PR.com)-- The Electronic Retailing Association, the only industry association representing direct response marketing companies and major retailers that use electronic media to sell goods and services to consumers, will hold its 15th annual Mid-Winter Leadership Conference & EXPO on January 28-30, 2007 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, FL.  This convention brings together the most profitable companies in the industry for three full days to celebrate the power of networking, to discuss changing consumer behavior, and to highlight the latest trends in social media and mobile devices. This event will also focus on integrating traditional and new media, channels, and tactics to build a competitive advantage.

More than 700 attendees will gather to hear top business leaders from leading multi-channel and Internet companies address integrating direct-to-consumer marketing with the energy and innovation of new and emerging technologies. Some notable attending companies include eBay, Google Audio, Discovery Channel Store, LinkedIn, SmartReply, Eluma, Third Screen Media, and Webside Direct. Fortune 500 CEOs, direct response and interactive marketers, product and channel professionals, advertising agencies, brand managers, merchandisers, and planning executives are also expected to be in attendance.

The electronic retailing industry, which includes the Internet, live shopping, long- and short-form commercials (informercials and spots) and radio, grossed over $300 billion in 2005, almost double-digit growth over the previous year, and is on track to meet or exceed similar projections this year, particularly online which currently represents 33% of consumer purchases (14% informercial; 10% home shopping, 6% DR radio), according to the results of ERA's 2006 Electronic Retailing Buyer Study. The news media are encouraged to attend this news-making gathering with unlimited access to:

-Fortune 500 CEO's and business leaders
-Latest trends in mobile and text message marketing
-Keynote and guest speakers from leading companies engaged in online customer loyalty, mobile marketing and social networking
-Industry breakout sessions in three distinctive tracks: Multi-cultural Media, Mobile Marketing and Online Multi-channel Strategies
-Peer networking with decision-makers at companies across multi-channel and Internet retailing vertical markets
-Exhibit hall with participating companies showcasing all aspects of the multi-channel direct response industry
-The 3rd Annual Latino Awards of Excellence – known as the “Oscars” of the Latin American direct response industry, co-hosted by Latina celebrity Rashel Díaz

For more information on ERA's Mid-Winter Conference, visit ERA's website at www.retailing.org .

Registration for the convention is now available online at https://www.expotracker.net/era/index.asp. Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. There will be no on-site media registration. All media must register no later than January 18th, 2007.

About The Electronic Retailing Association
Representing a more than $300 billion market, the Electronic Retailing Association (www.retailing.org) is the only trade association in the U.S. and internationally for major companies in the multi-channel electronic retail industry, which includes long- and short-form commercials, live shopping channels, the Internet and radio. ERA counts industry leaders like Guthy-Renker, HSN, QVC, ShopNBC and eBay among its member companies.

Media Contact:
Kirk Monroe
kirk@enten.com
301-913-0010 x113

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