HiMA April Luncheon

Time: April 1, 2009 from 11:15am to 1:15pm
Location: Maggiano’s Restaurant – Galleria Location
Street: 2019 Post Oak Blvd
City/Town: Houston, TX 77056
Website or Map: http://www.mapquest.com/map…
Contact Info: (713) 961-2700
Event Type: monthly, luncheon

Green Talk
Getting Skeptics to Buy Using Interactive Marketing Tactics

A growing population of environmentally conscious consumers is emerging from the convergence of environmental concern, energy prices and limitless information. These customers are demanding “real green” products from “real green” companies and are skeptical about most companies’ claim on green. The outcome is a longer selling cycle and a reduction in customer loyalty. Join guest panel speakers from Houston’s leading green businesses: New Living, Green Lily Events and forGreen Marketing & Design. They will address key issues at the forefront of the challenging green marketplace and share how they overcome obstacles using interactive marketing strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the language and communication style that appeals to niche consumers;
• Learn how to use the interactive & social media tools that connect with the green audience;
• Polish your marketing voice to attract and retain a specific targeted audience;
• Engage with a cautious and even smarter consumer;
• Customize your online marketing efforts to create a community of buyers; and
• Outpace your competition through a unique brand message.

About the Panel Speakers
MARY FRANCES Blatchley is founder and president for both forBri, Inc. and forGreen Marketing and Design. Her experience encompasses everything from innovative marketing strategy to interactive technology to green initiatives. Mary Frances has been helping her clients build strong brands with beautifully executed, award winning campaigns for nearly 20 years.

JEFF Kaplan founded New Living in 2007 and began selling eco-friendly products on one aisle of Wagner Hardware in January 2008. Jeff later leased the entire store and recycled the historic building into New Living, Houston’s Green Building + Home Store. He is completely passionate about making the green building movement accessible for everyone and hopes that New Living can be a paradigm shift for how business is done.

JESSICA Zapatero is Founder and Director at Green Lily Events has over 11 years experience in social and corporate event planning. Her passion for sustainability was the inspiration to create a new, progressive event planning company. She considers the effects of the environment at every level of planning resulting in a lighter footprint event.