ABC Spring Educational Conference Preview (Part 2)
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So many exhibitors responded to our inquiry about their “Must See” products on display at next week’s ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show that we made it a two-part series. Since this ABC event is all about learning from others in the town built upon luck, brand representatives also shared their best business tips and the luckiest they have ever been in their lives.
See Part One of the ABC SEC preview published April 19, 2012. The ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held April 25-27 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas.
Kastel International
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Must-See…
The fresh and functional designs from Babyhome products and the Evo stroller from Mutsy.
Best Business Tip…
My father told me, “Tie your shoelaces tight and hit the road!” His lesson was that you can’t manage from behind a desk. Meeting people face to face is essential to learning and understanding.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
In business my luckiest moment was being asked to move to the U.S.A. by the then president of Chicco, Mr. Piero Catelli, to manage his newly formed U.S. subsidiary. Personally, the birth of my daughter Flavia.
Spongex
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Must-See…
The Soft Gear My Booster Seat comes in a variety of colors including Blue, Pink, Mint and new Espresso Brown. My Booster has patented, molded-in suction cups to provide a stable foundation; anti-microbial closed cell foam; and is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Made with pride in the U.S.A.
Best Business Tip…
On the wall behind a buyer’s desk was a framed warning: “A lack of preparation on your part does not necessitate an emergency on my part.” The same buyer once told me, “You will be successful if you make the buyer’s job easy.” Both pearls of wisdom have stayed with me for over 25 years.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
40+ years ago I was lucky enough to have my wife say “yes” to my proposal.
Twelve Timbers
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Must-See…
Twelve Timbers will be featuring our new Chalk Board bubbles, 30” XXL letters, new pillows and Art Panels. The Chalk board bubble can be hung on the wall, used on a desk, or held.
Best Business Tip…
Don’t put all your eggs (or business opportunities) into one basket. It takes a solid base from different sources!
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
To be in business and stay in business (and enjoy it) is very lucky.
Green Kids Club
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Must-See…
Green Kids Club is essentially our coming out for the company. We will be showcasing our books that promote environmental stewardship for children. We have not seen this educational concept in the format we have developed and feel it will make a difference for our children and future generations!
Best Business Tip…
Surround yourself with good people!
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
The luckiest I have been in my life is to have become an Environmental Engineer. North Wind allows me to further my vision of promoting environmental stewardship with younger children who will become the stewards of our world!
Inglesina
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Must-See…
The 2012 Inglesina Zuma highchair unites sophisticated design with technical excellence. Shown in gray/light blue, Zuma features a wider tray and a more vertical seat in the upright position so that the baby sits closer to the tray for neater feedings.
Best Business Tip…
Focus on profits, not revenues.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
I made a hole-in-one playing golf.
BabyKids
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Must-See…
The BabyKids Little Ideas Curriculum Themes and Projects book! It is a great resource for early childhood teachers, homeschool groups, and daycares. The book features popular themes and art projects with “But Why?” extension questions.
Best Business Tip…
You don’t need any sales tricks. When you are passionate about the product and enjoy talking about it, others will listen.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Eighteen years ago, my now husband asked me to our senior prom. So it began our adventure together and along the way we have been blessed with two children. Nothing could be luckier! However, a big jackpot in Vegas couldn’t hurt!
Pura Stainless
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Must-See…
Our proprietary products include the first and only 100% plastic-free bottle on the global market as well as the first modular bottle and collar designed to adapt to, and grow with, the child. Other innovations include the first leak resistant silicone nipple/spout cover, a line of silicone sleeves and a compelling lifestyle approach to brand building.
Best Business Tip…
A successful business creates products (and services) that solve real customer problems in a unique and economical fashion.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Being lucky is a state of mind so the staff at Pura focus on the great things that happen to us on a daily basis.
Hotslings
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Must-See…
Our Hotslings AP Adjustable Pouch Sling is the only adjustable fitted pouch that can fit comfortably on multiple users while also easily accommodating postpartum body changes.
Best Business Tip…
Keep it simple.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
At one of the first trade shows I attended, I got a huge unexpected order.
i play
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Must-See…
Our green sprouts® Garden Collection is a cheerful line of coordinating bibs, lunch bags, snack packs, lunch chillers, and play mats that are PVC-free. They’re made with waterproof material that is easy to clean.
Best Business Tip…
Listen. We often forget to do it, but when we really listen to our customers, team members and suppliers, we learn everything we need to know.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Losing our largest customer changed our entire business model and pushed us to develop our brands with more intention. While it did not seem like it at the time, it turned out to be a lucky break for the long-term direction of our business.
Kiddy USA
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Must-See…
The Kiddy World Plus seat is unique in the way that it replaces the 5-point harness with the Kiddy Protection Shield. The traditional harness holds the child in such a manner that in a frontal crash, energy is absorbed solely thru the neck area. With the Kiddy Protection Shield, the energy is absorbed thru the upper portion of the child’s body rather than the concentrated area of the neck.
Best Business Tip…
A good way to spark up a conversation with someone is to give them a compliment.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
The luckiest I’ve ever been is here and now. I have two beautiful children and an amazing husband.
Dutailier USA
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Must-See…
Dutailier’s new Urban Chair is a new way of seeing the rocking chair. We have revamped the grandmother’s look of the traditional wood chair. This chair has several advantages: it can glide, it’s Made in Canada, it has optional side panels and a wide selection of finishes and fabrics.
Best Business Tip…
Work your plan, and plan your work!
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
I’m feeling lucky every day because I’m healthy.
My NapPak
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Must-See…
Two new patterns for the 2012 back-to-school season: Cowboys & Indians and Under the Sea
Best Business Tip…
If your product is successful, focus on what makes it different from others in the same category. Don’t follow others; be your own leader and be unique.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Finding the two business partners that I have. We all have our own strengths and as we recognize this we also encourage each other so we can be successful as a whole.
Britax
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Must-See…
The must-see item is the Britax B-Agile Double. This stroller has the same features parents love about the single B-Agile: one-hand quick fold, lightweight, and infant car seat compatible, but in double form.
Best Business Tip…
Listen to your customer. It’s our goal to serve our customer’s needs and all feedback is essential to reaching that goal.
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
I’m lucky to work for a brand that is committed to providing the safest gear for on-the-go parents. We’re a good team and I’m lucky to be a part of it!
Bummis
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Must-See…
Bummis is excited to be launching the re-engineered Easy Fit Diaper (made in the UK by Tots Bots) at the ABC Spring Conference. Eagerly awaited by the cloth diaper community, this diaper is a sure and easy seller in brick and mortar stores. Not only is the design and functionality even better than before — but it stands out as probably THE cutest cloth diaper currently on the market! Check out “London”!
Best Business Tip…
Sell what you love and it will come easy!
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
To be able to make my living selling cloth diapers!
Kids Mirror
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Must-See…
New Mirror Wall Art is made out of recyclable plastic with sparkling embedded ink which will not flake or scratch off.
Best Business Tip…
Seek constant customer feedback!
The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Starting up Kids Mirror with my husband.
Child to Cherish
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Must-See…
New Big-Ear Piggy Banks.
Best Business Tip…
Vote Republican 
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The Luckiest I’ve Ever Been…
Every new child in our Family.
