IT’S CONFERENCE TIME! IRCE is just around the corner.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an up-and-comer, or brand-spanking new to the world of online selling, you’ll want to strongly consider attending the granddaddy of all ecommerce soirees: the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition. IRCE, as it’s known in the industry, is anything but yet another glitzy platform for self-promotion. Taking place June 5-8 this year in Chicago’s marquee McCormick Place West, it promises to deliver another spectacular array of expert presentations, vendor booths, and just about everything else you’d hope to see at an industry conference.

Since 2005, IRCE has drawn an impressive crowd and not failed to please, thanks to its highly organized, well planned event. Each year, industry trends are highlighted and futuristic ideas teased.

What’s different about this one? In its 14th year, the expo has joined forces with two entities: GlobalShop, the biggest annual event tailored for brick-and-mortar stores, and RFID Journal LIVE!, a trade event geared toward data-capture and inventory technologies that make the sales stream run smoothly.
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IRCE officials believe this three-pronged location is a stellar opportunity for the onslaught of businesses with overlapping online and physical presence demands. The conferences will still operate separately, but hosting them in a singular venue offers convenient access to an even greater array of useful resources.

Learn from the pros

Curious about how internet sensation Houzz has accomplished its mercurial growth? A keynote speaker for IRCE 2018’s final day is Houzz CEO Alon Cohen, part of a duo that turned a school parents’ group into a burgeoning online home products marketplace hosting independent sellers’ wares and collecting a commission from each. The site and subsequent mobile apps have caused a stir in the home improvement business, and demonstrated the ferocious power of ecommerce.

More than 200 other speakers will share their expertise, including Dave Gilboa, CEO and co-founder of optical products ingénue Warby-Parker; Zak Stambor, editor of online marketing at Internet Retailer; Kathleen Gambarelli, Global Product Strategy Lead for Commerce at Snapchat; and Kelli Durkin, VP of Customer Service at Chewy.com.

But IRCE isn’t a lecture hall, and attendees will be treated to a range of workshops, exhibit booths, and even entertainment. These are critical offerings for ecommerce vendors finding their feet in an increasingly complex industry and hoping to find solutions and ideas that will help them reach goals, avoiding mistakes made by learning from those who’ve hit bumps and moved on.

Here’s a sample of workshops available by registration:

• Amazon & Me – pick up useful information about this ecommerce giant, including recent changes and ideas for using their platform to sell your goods.
  
  
• Managing Technology – Delve into the differences between emerging technological trends and find out which work best for a business of your type and size.
  
  
• New Recruit Bootcamp – FABULOUS! A course built especially for ecommerce novices. Prepare to spend an entire day learning the ins and outs of successful e-selling.
  
  

Make plans to hit Chicago’s annual ecommerce expo. Invest in your business and make contacts. Pick up the latest in technology designed not just for internet giants, but for small players with big dreams.
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For information on the conference, including how to register, visit its main site and snoop around. You’ll be inspired to hop online and e-buy a plane ticket.