By Deborah Jackson, Editor National Liquor News
The Liquor Stores Association of NSW (LSA NSW) held its annual Working on Your Business Forum last week which was this year reformatted to also include an expo lunch.
The new format gave delegates additional networking opportunities, while also allowing them to see and taste the latest product offerings and initiatives from suppliers.
Michael Waters, the Executive Director of LSA NSW, told TheShout that this year's event saw representation for more than 140 independent liquor stores, more than 530 corporate chain stores, six retail banner groups representing an additional 500 stores, along with more than 40 supplier companies.
He urges liquor store owners to make the Woking on Your Business Forum & Expo the cornerstone of professional development for their staff.
Waters told TheShout: "The LSA Working on Your Business Forum & Expo represents an important event on our annual calendar, as it gives liquor retailers access to key insights and strategies to help their businesses run more efficiently and effectively.
"Our keynote speakers and presentation topics were relevant and of a high standard, and I was pleased to see such a capacity crowd of incredibly engaged members and industry stakeholders – many of who were taking plenty of notes to take back to implement in their respective businesses – that’s what this event is all about as to continue to be successful in business, we all need to have access to the latest information, trends and ideas to assist us in making our business decisions."
Key business experts and industry leaders delivered short, sharp and informative presentations with real world examples that delegates could take back with them to help grow their businesses.
Philip Pryor, the Director of Morphthink, spoke about the art of negotiation and how effective communication and relationship building skills could lead to a more successful workplace.
Renae Korsman, Partner at DFK Crosbie discussed benchmarking to improve your business, presenting real case studies of liquor stores she has worked with to become more profitable.
Dominique Lamb, the CEO of the National Retailers Association (NRA) identified the top five issues faced by Australian businesses and gave practical cost effective solutions to minimise risk.
Suzanne Lunn, the Director of Metro Staffing, spoke about staffing and recruitment and gave practical tips on how to nurture and retain staff.
And finally Paul Greenberg, the Executive Chairman of the National Online Retailers Association, spoke about 'New Retail' and how customers are shifting to a multi-touch arena and how retailers can leverage this to their advantage.
Following a successful event, Waters told TheShout "we look forward to a bigger and better event next year".
He continued: "I would urge all liquor store owners to not just make the time to attend themselves, but to consider making this event the cornerstone of professional development for their managers and staff."
For more detailed coverage from the LSA NSW Working on Your Business Forum & Expo see the May issue of National Liquor News.