Small business day registrants will have access to the sessions below as well as a few additional sessions on April 12 and 14.
View all the sessions that will be available to Small Business Day attendees here.
Main Idea Session: Big Plans for the Future of Small Business
Tuesday, April 13 at 12:00 - 12:50pm EDT
In the wake of COVID-19, small businesses are experiencing a crisis of epic proportions with far-ranging economic and social implications. While the future is uncertain for the small businesses that anchor our communities, this moment of reckoning can also be a catalyst for new approaches to supporting entrepreneurs in commercial districts. As we look toward recovery, local governments, small businesses, and place management organizations must work together in new ways to spur regrowth. In this conversation, hear from nationally renowned leaders in the planning, policy, and Main Street worlds about the creative ways that we can focus on district-level solutions to sustain businesses. This session is generously sponsored by American Express.
Featured Speakers: Bruce Katz, Co-Founder, The New Localism | Kennedy Smith, Senior Researcher, Institute for Local for Self-Reliance and Principal with Community Land Use + Economics Group, LLC
Small Business Marketing: Three Ways to Increase Customer Engagement for Physical Storefronts
Tuesday, April 13 at 1:15 - 2:00pm EDT
Let’s face it – retail isn’t what it used to be. Times have changed as a direct result of COVID-19, and consumers and shopping have changed, as well. What has not changed, however, is the desire for customers to engage with small businesses and communities. This session will explore realistic ways for merchants to capture customer attention, keep customer attention and ultimately gain customer dollars specifically in physical stores. With a core focus on COVID-approved best practices and customer-centric experiences, this is a session you won’t want to miss that will offer actionable, realistic insight you can begin applying to your store right away!
Shifting Your Business Model: Five Marketing Strategies to Reach Customers Despite the Challenges of COVID-19
Tuesday, April 13 at 2:30 - 3:30pm EDT
Customer expectations, preferences, and shopping experiences have shifted tremendously due to COVID-19. This session will highlight five marketing strategies that benefit customers and retailers alike– ultimately aiming to help retailers increase both profit and visibility. Expect to gain some no-cost and low-cost strategies to help your retail business survive the challenges of COVID-19 in 2021 and beyond. Plus, be introduced to resources that can help you achieve these goals. Led by Retail Minded's Founder, Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, this session will include experts from companies across the industry.
Coffee & Conversations: Digital Footprints - What Brick & Mortar Stores Need to Know About Being Online
Tuesday, April 13 at 9:00 - 9:30am EDT
One of the key lessons learned from 2020 is that having an online presence should be a priority for retailers to keep inventory moving– even if their objective is to move inventory from their physical stores. This discussion will offer strategies for physical merchants to sell online – including ways that do not involve having a traditional ecommerce store - while also providing best practices to simply being online. From email marketing to online review sites to community digital offerings and more, expect to gain COVID-approved updates on how to best position your brick-and-mortar store digitally. Join Retail Minded’s Nicole Leinbach Reyhle as she offers direction on ways to expand your selling avenues, increase your customer connectivity and strengthen your overall business awareness. Come with questions, as you’ll have the chance to chime in live during this virtual, round-table discussion!
Happy Hour & Chit Chat: Action Steps to Gaining Visibility & Sales in an Increasingly Challenged Marketplace
Tuesday, April 13 at 5:15 - 5:45pm EDT
Want to gain more attention for your store? Looking to increase profit for your business? Join Retail Minded’s Nicole Leinbach Reyhle as she unveils five ways to do this despite the increasingly competitive retail landscape. While some action steps may be outside your comfort zone, all can help you stay relevant in a challenging marketplace. Come curious. Leave informed. This virtual, round-table discussion is specifically designed to support Main Street communities and their unique offerings, challenges, small businesses and more. Plus, you’ll get the chance to share your questions or comments live during this virtual, round-table discussion!