The SHOP/08 Portland conference is coming to town. The deets:

Crave Party is proud to present SHOP/08 Portland, a conference to honor, invigorate, and educate independent retailers of all stripes. For new businesses still figuring out the nuts and bolts or a business veteran needing fresh ideas, this all-day conference is for all business owners seeking knowledge and improvement. The only conference of its kind, this one-day event teaches practical skills, offers wise encouragement, and builds camaraderie amongst retail professionals. Whether your shop sells cookies or candles, high-heeled shoes or hardbound books, the public is invited to join us. Guests are encouraged to bring all business questions, frustrations, fears, worries, and hopes. Prepare to be inspired. Attendees will participate in panel discussions and group sessions geared to enhance all areas of business. Topics covered include how to attract new customers, predict future trends, effectively build your brand, and how to use the online marketplace to enhance your brick and mortar store. The SHOP/08 mission is to bring the community together to be inspired and educated while keeping the local small shop owner thriving. Featured local experts this year include Carol Gardner of Zelda Wisdom, Kathi O’Neil of Portland Picks, Suzanne Hein of LexiDog Boutique & Social Club, Hallie Janssen of Anvil Media, Mark Hayes of Flowerbud.com, Melissa Shaw of What Counts, Craig Opfer of Magneto Works, Katherine Gray of Tweak Interactive, Lisa Radon of Ultra PDX, Andi Koegler of The Changing Room Magazine, Rebecca Luke of les Egoistes and Rob Smith of the Portland Business Journal – to name just a few. Past speakers include seasoned retailers like Mario from Mario’s, Jeri Rice, Michelle Manasie of Fireworks and Lisa Myers of Capers in Seattle. SHOP/08 is an all-day conference that takes place in Portland on Monday, March 10th from 9-5pm at the Gerding Theater @ The Armory in Portland’s Pearl District. Registration is $100 for a full day pass, $75 for a full day pass if you purchase two or more. Please visit http://craveparty.com/shop08 for event information and www.craveportland.com to purchase tickets online.