• February 2, 2004

Magazine Publishers of America and the International Periodical Distribution Association have announced that their annual joint event, The Eighth Annual Retail Conference: The Marketing of Magazines and Books, will take place March 21-23 in Washington, D.C. The event, dubbed "Print Comes to Life," is scheduled to focus on shifts in consumer traffic patterns, new technology and other issues affecting retail.

"Magazines and books continue to be vital contributors to retailers' bottom lines," said MPA president and chief executive officer Nina Link in a press release. "We will demonstrate how to tap into our readers' unique passion and affinity for print in order to further drive traffic and sales."

Keynote speakers include Craig Fuller, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and Gordon Erickson, senior vice president, general merchandise manager, Wal-Mart Stores.