May 17th, 2012

SPREE 2012 is huge success!

posted in: spree

Hanover, Mass. – Specialty Retail Report is pleased to announce that the Specialty Retail Entrepreneur Expo & Conference (SPREE) was a tremendous hit with attendees. This industry event has continued to grow every year since it first debuted eight years ago, and SPREE 2012 did not disappoint. The conference attracted a record high 2,500 plus attendees from more than 17 countries. The exhibit hall featured 300 booths and showcased a wide variety of innovative products ranging from cell phone recycling to the latest in cutting edge kiosk designs. The international conference is held each year in April in Las Vegas.

“SPREE 2012 was our biggest and best event yet. As always, it is exciting to see such a large crowd turn out to participate in the specialty retail industry’s premier event,” said Debbie Lahti, SPREE Trade Show Director. “We are thrilled that after eight years we are still able to offer the latest and greatest products, relevant industry education and networking opportunities for our attendees and exhibitors, and we plan to continue to do the same for many years to come.”

Highlights of the three-day show included numerous social and networking events such as a charity golf outing, the SPREE opening night party and the SRR Specialty Retail Hall of Fame awards. This year’s Hall of Fame winners were announced at a luncheon that recognized the following industry leaders:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Marc Winkelman, CEO and co-founder of Calendar Club
• Outstanding Specialty Leasing Manager of the Year: Denise Monahan from Glimcher Realty Trust
• Outstanding Specialty Leasing Director of the Year: Heidi Cardall from CBL & Associates Properties
• Outstanding Retailer of the Year: Tim Olfield from Gold Rush

SPREE 2012 also hosted a special graduation ceremony honoring its very first graduating class in the Specialty Leasing Designation (SLD) program. More than 65 leasing professionals were recognized in a ceremony complete with diplomas, cake and champagne. Program graduates earn their SLD certificates by completing 30 credit hours of educational seminars and courses.

For more complete details on SPREE 2012 and to learn more about SPREE 2013, visit the SPREE website at www.spreeshow.com.

About SPREE
The annual SPREE is the largest show for cart and kiosk retailers, attracting over two thousand entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their cart and kiosk businesses. Attendees typically include entrepreneurs exploring opportunities for their first location to industry veterans looking for the latest hot products, retailing strategies and expansion locations. SPREE is free to attend and also includes free educational seminars on a variety of topics.