Birdwatch America Lands in Atlanta

One of the largest backyard nature products trade show is returning to the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta Jan. 12 and 13, 2008, bringing a comprehensive collection of educational programs and new resources to nature retailers. The 200 edition of Birdwatch America will offer a full range of buyer and exhibitor services, including extended hours and a special show floor reception on opening day, a business-building pre-show educational conference, and other new introductions and products from the birding industry's top manufacturers and sales representatives.

Featuring an array of wild-bird, wildlife and nature products, Birdwatch America is expected to feature more than 300 booths showcasing bird feeders, bird houses, water-gardening supplies, birdbaths, bird seed, optics, garden décor, wildlife art, jewelry and other birding industry items.

Some show highlights include:

Birding Business Retail Workshop. Birdwatch America continues to partner with Birding Business magazine to expand the educational offerings of the pre-show educational workshop. Advance registration is required.

Consumer Trends Forecast. Mitch Whitten, Birding Business editor, will help attendees gain a better perspective on the industry and the changing retail landscape. Attendees will hear about the consumer trends forecast for 2008 in this session.

Store Planning 101. Join Judy Sharpton, owner of Growing Places Marketing, as she provides examples of great store planning from all types of stores, including garden centers, bird stands and franchise stores.

Retail Reality Check. Dave Netten, co-owner of All Seasons Wild Bird Store, will explain the changing pace of retail. This general retail seminar will present how shopping has changed in the last 10 years, what is motivating shoppers, what today's shoppers consider to be good customer service and how you can position your company to meet shoppers' changing needs.

Goodie-bag Giveaway. The first 100 buyers to arrive at the show on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 12 and 13, will receive a special tote bag filled with free gifts from many of the show's exhibitors.

Attendees can register in advance to receive their badge and avoid the $10 on-site registration fee by calling (678) 285-3976 or visiting www.birdwatchamerica.com.