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 Date:8/7/2007

 

AHMA
News Release
AHMA’s 2008 Hardlines Technology Forum® Slated For Memphis, Tenn.

After a highly successful 2007 Hardlines Technology Forum® (HTF®) in Orlando, Fla., The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA), Schaumburg, Ill., today announced that its leading technology conference will take place at the world-famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tenn., April 20–24, 2008.

The AHMA Hardlines Technology Forum® brings together hundreds of IT, logistics, merchandising, executive, and finance professionals from the hardware/home improvement industry to discuss leading technology issues affecting the industry, including Supply Chain Management, RFID, Data Sync, Bar Coding, ASNs, and EDI.

“As we continue to raise the bar in terms of content for this innovative Forum, we understand how quickly the dynamics of these subject matters evolve, and we must respond accordingly,” said Timothy S. Farrell, president and chief executive officer of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association. “While the Forum has remained at the top of its class for the sixteen years it has been in operation, we are challenged to constantly raise the bar for IT professionals and the various learning curves they experience. Additionally, we know that anyone involved in business today must have IT knowledge to varying degrees, as more and more departments and functions are being managed by, or supported by, IT, therefore we are aggressively addressing this issue in the 2008 programming. We are also seeing more areas interested in the Forum, as the information imparted during the Forum crosses perfectly well into these areas, such as housewares, industrial supply, and consumer packaged goods.”

Highlights from this year’s Forum included: keynote presenters from some of the world’s largest corporations, including IBM and Microsoft; retail panelists from Do it Best Corp., the Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart Stores, True Value Co., and New Zealand’s Independent Timber Merchants; and an unparalleled Buyer/Seller Forum, giving attendees the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced in supply chain issues.

And, according to attendees at this year’s Forum, it was an unprecedented success. Faith Bryson, a 2007 HTF® attendee from Woodstream Corporation, said of this year’s conference, “HTF® is the absolute best conference to network with retailers and other vendors to gain new ideas and solve problems.” Connie Brendle from Magla Products, LLC said, “The Buyer-Seller Forum is the most unique yet most beneficial conference session I have ever attended,” and Hampton Lumber Sales’ Lydia Henry stated “If I could only attend one conference a year, this would be my pick. All the valuable information I need as a manufacturer is presented during HTF®.”

As in past years, the 2008 conference will offer unique elements that are unrivalled in the industry. The interactive buyer-seller forum, for example, brings together both sides of the supply chain to discuss real-time situations and how to best solve them. The exclusive-to-HTF® Retail Panel is a literal gateway for attendees to hear directly from retailers about their upcoming supply chain mandates. Additionally, there will be a signature keynote address, more than 50 breakout sessions on topics such as supply chain management, data synchronization, bar coding, credit card security, and electronic payments; along with tabletop exhibits and networking opportunities.

For more information on the 2008 Hardlines Technology Forum®, visit www.ahma.org/htf.

About the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA)
The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) is a globally focused trade association of manufacturers, or providers, of hardware, home improvement, lawn and garden, paint and decorating and related products, as well as manufacturers’ representative’s agencies and trade publications.

AHMA offers many valuable member and industry programs, services and activities including the AHMA Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), AHMA Strategic Sourcing, AHMA Low Cost Country Sourcing and related supply chain / strategic sourcing training programs, AHMA Manufacturers Showcases, AHMA University, AHMA Executive Conference and Annual Membership Meeting held in conjunction with International Hardware Week®, AHMA Hardlines Technology Forum®, AHMA / USA International Pavilions, Government Relations Programs, Member Benefit Vendor Programs, Member Cost Reduction Programs, AHMA Hardware Industry Relief Effort (HIRE), and the AHMA / Habitat for Humanity Partnership.

For more information about AHMA, please visit www.ahma.org.



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