NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETAIL BUYERS (NARB) www.narbuyers.com
The National Association of Retail Buyers is an independent, non-profit, national membership organization dedicated to strengthening and developing the careers and/or education of its members. Founded in 2009 by Andrew BeauChamp and Angela Dalby, NARB aims to unify and organize those retail professionals who desire to further their career and education in the retail buying, selling, planning or product development fields. Through formal and information educational programs, roundtable discussions and networking events, NARB contributes to the professional growth of its members. Las Vegas events include:

• NARB SEMINARS – NARB will host two educational programs during the show on Wednesday, September 22, 2010:

• Merchandising on a Budget - How to Keep Your Store Fresh
  Time: 10:00AM
  Hosted: Michele Flamer, owner and C.E.O. of M. Flamer 
  Consulting and board member of NARB

• Tao of Social Media- A fun seminar focusing on using social media to grow your business locally
  Time: 2:00PM
  Hosted by: Michele Flamer, owner and C.E.O. of M. Flamer 
  Consulting and board member of NARB

• NARB SOCIAL, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 5:00-6:00PM, LOCATED IN LOBBY – Urban Expositions invites all Buyers and NARB sponsors to enjoy a great networking opportunity!

ZOO & AQUARIUM BUYERS GROUP (ZAG) – www.zaggift.com
ZAG is a not-for-profit Zoo and Aquarium buyers group that traces its beginnings to the late 1980s. Started by a group of buyers who met annually, these informal meetings proved to be great opportunities to share ideas. The meetings also resulted in ongoing lines of communication between buyers in the Zoo and Aquarium gift industry. In the past few years, ZAG has undergone phenomenal growth, with its membership surpassing 300 members and the support of more than 70 sponsors. For more information on ZAG, visit their website and look for their special events at the show, including:

• ZAG HOSPITALITY SUITE – All ZAG members are invited to stop by the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show hospitality suite, to hold meetings and to catch their breath between show appointments and more.

• ZAG BREAKFAST NETWORKING SESSION—8:00 AM, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – ZAG members should make plans to attend the special networking breakfast session on Thursday, September 23.

• ZAG RECEPTION – 5-7 PM, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – All ZAG members and sponsors are invited to attend the ZAG –hosted reception after the show closes on Thursday. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and the chance to mix and mingle with fellow ZAG members.

• ZAG BREAKFAST, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – ZAG members can fuel up before shopping the show by stopping in the hospitality suite on Friday morning for a complimentary continental breakfast.