The Great Ideas Summit 2010 is THE place to network and mix it up with industry leaders just like you. The show is packed with networking, volunteer and social events where you’ll make the connections and seal the deals that will strengthen your business.
Restore New Orleans Volunteer Event
Sunday, January 31, 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
New Orleans Neighborhood - meet in Salon A for breakfast and instructions
ERA is committed to giving back to the great city of New Orleans. Join ERA and your fellow direct response industry colleagues and volunteer with Beacon of Hope. Assist neighborhoods still devastated by Hurricane Katrina and other areas affected by disaster. No experience is necessary and breakfast, lunch, transportation and a donation to Beacon of Hope is provided. View the photos and the videos from the rewarding but COLD event!
Sponsored by: 
VIP Reception (invitation-only)
Sunday, January 31, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The Deck
Join ERA Platinum members, the ERA Executive Board and ERA president and CEO, Julie Coons, for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at this C-level networking event. Please send all inquiries to events@retailing.org.
Opening Reception
Monday, February 1, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
River Room, 2nd Floor
Start your Great Ideas Summit 2010 experience off right - Mardi Gras style! The reception will feature heavy Creole-cuisine appetizers, a LIVE local New Orleans band, a New Orleans-themed drink bar, plenty of Mardi Gras beads and masks and high-powered networking with your direct response colleagues. Eat, drink and dance the night away in The Big Easy! Check out the video of the band!
Sponsored by: 
ERA Customer Appreciation Dinner
Electronic Retailer Marketer of the Year Award 
Presentation (invitation-only)
Monday, February 1, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Belle Chasse
ERA and the Electronic Retailer magazine thanks its loyal customers for their dedicated support throughout the years. Join us for dinner and the 3rd Annual Electronic Retailer Marketer of the Year Award presentation. Congratulations to Jenny Craig International for receiving this year's Electronic Retailer Marketer of the Year Award!
Free Networking Breakfast
Tuesday, February 2, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Versailles Ballroom
Start your day off right with breakfast and coffee with your industry colleagues. Stay after breakfast for the keynote address by Jeff Taylor at 9:00 a.m. also in Versailles.
Free Networking Lunch
Tuesday, February 2, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Napoleon Ballroom
Savor the flavors of New Orleans
and join us for lunch in between education sessions and networking with the exhibitors in the Expo Zone.
U.S. Hispanic Council Reception
Tuesday, February 2, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Melrose
Join the ERA U.S. Hispanic Council for drinks and light appetizers during The Great Ideas Summit. This is a unique opportunity to network with members and to learn more about the U.S. Hispanic Council.
Sponsored by: 
Happy Hour
Tuesday, February 2, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Napoleon Ballroom
Don't you wish every hour was happy hour? Grab a drink with your direct response industry colleagues at this fun and crowd-pleasing event!
Sponsored by: 
New Member Reception (invitation-only)
Tuesday, February 2, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Melrose
Welcome new ERA members! Don’t miss the exclusive New Member Reception where you’ll meet ERA mentors, the ERA Board, Platinum members, the Membership Committee and ERA staff for a tremendous networking experience. Please send all inquiries to events@retailing.org.
Sponsored by: 
Jazz Dinner on the Mississippi River
Tuesday, February 2, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Steamboat Natchez - just a short walk to the dock from the Hilton
Join us for an exclusive evening of dinner and networking - New Orleans style! Board the Steamboat Natchez and enjoy an open bar, dinner and live jazz music by the Dukes of Dixieland! Space is limited to the first 50 Great Ideas Summit participants. Only Great Ideas Summit participants can attend. This event is SOLD OUT. Cost: $99/person.
Sponsored by: 
Free Networking Breakfast
Wednesday, February 3, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Versailles Ballroom
Start your day off right with breakfast and coffee with your industry colleagues. Stay after breakfast for the keynote address by David Vladeck at 9:00 a.m. also in Versailles.
Free Networking Lunch
Wednesday, February 3, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Napoleon Ballroom
After discussing issues hotter than the jambalaya, you'll have worked up an appetite for a delicious networking lunch.
NEW!! Happy Hour
Wednesday, February 3, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Napoleon Ballroom
Ahh, another refreshing and stress-relieving happy hour. Grab a cocktail and catch up with your new contacts one last time at this valuable and enjoyable networking opportunity.
Sponsored by:
Closing Reception
Wednesday, February 3, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mark Twain Courtyard (Inclement weather location: Versailles Ballroom)
The perfect way to end three productive days at The Great Ideas Summit. This black and white jazz-themed reception will feature a martini bar and LIVE jazz music from local New Orleans musicians. This is your last opportunity to seal the business deals and make the connections that can fuel your 2010 business year. Don you best black and white outfit and get ready to dance and party the night away!
Sponsored by: 
