The 2021 NCA Success Summit will offer insights and advice from a star-studded group of panelists on topics ranging from selling more products online to serving unconventional markets. This 2-day event on March 23-24 is free and open to everyone in the costuming industry. Please join us! Click here to read the schedule.
To reserve your spot in the Success Summit, simply click here.
Here are the panelists:
Day One
Tuesday, March 23 (all times are Central)
11 a.m.: Improving Your Online Sales - Even when COVID ends, selling online will still be important for successful costume shops. This panel discussion will feature three costume shop owners who have succeeded with their online sales. They'll explain what works for them and then take questions from the attendees.
Courtland Hickey, Chicago Costume
Terry Sinopoli, Arlene's Costumes, Rochester, NY
Noon: Serving the Theater Community During and After COVID - The theater community was completely shut down by COVID, which means that revenue dried up for most costume shops. But a new season is upon us and slowly things are opening up. This panel discussion will include experiences and insight from three costume shop owners and one vendor who are all serving the theater community. Hear what they're doing and ask any questions you have!
Gene Flaharty, Mehron Inc.
Dwayne Ibsen, Ibsen Costume Gallery, Omaha
Christy Hutchinson, Theatre Garage, Edmonton, Alberta
Debbie Hamrick, Debbie's Costume Shop, Columbus, OH
Day Two
Wednesday, March 24 (all times are Central)
11 a.m.: Selling to Unconventional Markets - Sometimes success involves just finding the right market. This panel discussion will feature costumers who have succeeded in selling to Cosplay enthusiasts, the drag community, and various other unconventional markets. Learn how they reach and serve these markets!
Katherine Sprague, Tabikat, Moscow, Idaho
Courtland Hickey, Chicago Costume
Anne Newman, Kryolan Corp.
Noon: Selling Non-Costume Retail Items - Your customers might walk in looking for a costume or some make-up, but why not add a few other items to their shopping cart? This panel discussion will cover the selection and sales of games, magic, toys, impulse items and other fun retail items that can add profit to your store. Each panelist will share their experiences and offer tips.
Dick Stoner, Stoner's Funstore, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Jerry Bradley, Discount Costumes, Warner Robins, Georgia
Louella Torrence, Drop Me a Line Costume Shop, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Tushar Mehta, Camden Passage
To reserve your spot in the Success Summit, simply click here.