Capital Region Marketers to Discuss Marketing Luxuries During a Luxury-Free Economy

ALBANY, NY (01/04/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York Capital Region Chapter of the American Marketing Association (NYCRAMA) is pleased to present speakers Steve Hungsberg and Jeff Weiss, who will lead the January breakfast roundtable titled "Essential Marketing for Non-essentials" on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at The Desmond in Albany.

Needs are in. Wants are out. In economies like this one consumers focus on the basics and let the luxuries go -- whether the "luxury" in question is a daily latte or a diamond ring; a consultant for your business or a deluxe new website.

But what about the people who market these luxuries? How do they convince consumers that now is the time to buy? Find out at the next Breakfast Roundtable on January 28th, when marketers from two industries particularly sensitive to recession -- dining and jewelry -- share their strategies in "Essential Marketing for Non-essentials."

Both presenters have guided businesses successfully through the economic gauntlet. A manager of such national brands as Progresso, Butterball, Parkay, and Beech-Nut, Steve Hungsberg now operates Toque Consulting, which builds growth strategies for restaurants. Steve's expertise runs the gamut from strategy development and marketing to promotions and profitability analysis.

Meanwhile, since opening the legendary Glennpeter Jewelers in 1977, Jeff Weiss has expanded the franchise to include five stores -- among them the new Diamond Centre, at which consumers can create custom engagement rings via computer design system. Under his guidance, Glennpeter has become the only jewelry store in the state with a liquor license and the only one in the nation that serves birthday parties for princesses.

Admission is $15 for AMA members and students and $20 for non-members. Register online at www.nymarketing.org, where you can prepay by credit or debit card. If not prepaid, payment is expected in cash or check at the door. Coffee and baked goods provided. Space is limited.

WHAT: The NYCRAMA January Breakfast Roundtable

Speakers Steve Hungsberg and Jeff Weiss who have both successfully guided businesses through the economic gauntlet will discuss how people who market luxuries convince consumers that now is the time to buy.

WHEN: Thursday, January 28th, 2010 from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: The Desmond Hotel

660 Albany Shaker Road

Albany, New York 12211

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About the American Marketing Association

The American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world's largest and most comprehensive professional society of marketers, consisting of nearly 40,000 worldwide members in 73 chapters throughout North America. Since 1992, the New York Capital Region Chapter of the American Marketing Association has been committed to recognizing and encouraging the best practices in the field of marketing and helping to elevate the profession. The chapter provides an opportunity to learn from and network with marketing professionals from throughout the Capital Region.