MPA RETAIL CONFERENCE

ORLANDO, Fla. - The stars were out during the 10th annual Magazine Publishers of America Retail Conference here last week. Among the speakers and guests were Martha Stewart, Jane Fonda, Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Playboy's Miss March Playmate, Monica Leigh. In the educational sessions, retailers and other magazine industry executives learned about innovative best practices, creative cross-merchandising, and engaging the entire supply chain in promotional techniques and initiatives. Suppliers and retailers also met in one-on-one sessions. At the opening night "Print Comes to Life" party, best-selling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, James Swain and Ted Bell signed books, along with cooking show star Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, and Rudy Ruettiger, whose story was the basis for the film "Rudy." There also were recipe tastings and prize giveaways for the 560 registered retailers, industry representatives and guests.