Offered in lounges in the Aquatic Answers pavilion on the show floor, the 45-minute sessions will give retailers a chance to speak directly with experts to get advice on a wide variety of aquarium-related topics.

“The main goal of these interactive sessions is to address the concerns of individual stores, so we want retailers and their employees to bring specific questions,” said Colette Fairchild, trade show director for H.H. Backer Associates Inc. (Chicago). “For example, if a store owner and staff want tips on selling more freshwater fish, plants and supplies, they are encouraged to discuss their current strategy, then get expert advice on how to improve sales.”

Topic-specific sessions will be offered multiple times throughout the weekend. However, only two stores can sign up for each of the 38 available timeslots.

The sessions are not designed to promote any product or service, Fairchild added.

At press time, 11 sessions were slated:
• “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Corals” by Julian Sprung of Two Little Fishies Inc. (Coconut Grove, Fla.).
• “How to Sell More Freshwater Fish, Plants and Supplies” by Joe Olenik of Hoffer’s Tropic Life (Milwaukee).
• “How to Find and Train Good Employees” by Patrick Donston of Absolutely Fish (Clifton, N.J.).
• “Marine Fish and Invertebrate Nutrition” by Julian Sprung.
• “Aquarium Lighting: Turning Possibilities Into Profits” by Tullio Dell Aquila of Aquatic Research and Development (Utica, N.Y.).
• “Keeping Marine Fish Healthy” by Patrick Donston.
• “Working With Your Aquatic Wholesaler” by Laura “Peach” Reid of Fish Mart (West Haven, Conn.).
• “Setting Up and Selling Beautiful Reef Tanks” by Jeff Turner of Reef Aquaria Inc. (Miami).
• “Selling High-End Aquatic Supplies” by Gary Sparks of Central Aquatics (Franklin, Wis.).
• “Tips on Selling Filtration Systems” by Les Wilson of United Pet Group Aquatics (Blacksburg, Va.).
• “Freshwater Husbandry for Retailers” by Bryan Masone, general manager of Heavenly Fish (Ewing Township, N.J.).

In addition, Backer Associates will offer full-length seminars on aquatics and other business-related topics as part of its educational conference. Patrick Donston will present “How to Run a Profitable Aquatic Department” on Friday, March 30. Donston, Joe Olenik and Gary Sparks will participate in a panel discussion on “Maximizing Aquatic Supplies Sales” on Saturday, March 31.

To sign up for specific sessions, visit the Spring Show section of the H.H. Backer Web site (www.hhbacker.com) and click on “Aquatic Answers: Ask the Expert.” Sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. [February 2007 PET AGE]