Media Information

GLOBAL STRATEGIC FOOTWEAR FORUM
Leveraging the Expertise of Footwear Market Leaders

The WSA Global Strategic Footwear Forum was an important, value-added attraction for senior executives and industry analysts at the February 2006 WSA Show.  It will be an annual event, held at the WSA Show each February.  A summary of the objectives, speakers, and content related to this important event are highlighted below.  We look forward to seeing you at the Global Strategic Footwear Forum in February 2007.

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(February 2006) Announcing the WSA Global Strategic Footwear Forum -- an unprecedented opportunity for senior executives to expand their network and gain an enhanced perspective on the key issues and trends affecting their business.

Moderated by Susquehanna Financial Group's John Shanley, the footwear industry's top analyst, this executive Forum was a meeting-of-the-minds that addressed the strategic trends and economic drivers impacting today's marketplace. This was your opportunity to hear what senior level thought leaders and analysts thought about the challenges and opportunities affecting the footwear industry. From athletic footwear trends to high-end fashion merchandising, this was your chance to exchange ideas and gather critical industry information that can help improve your day-to-day decision-making.

February 2006 Agenda 

Continental Breakfast

Opening Remarks
John Shanley, Senior Equity Research Analyst, Athletic & Footwear, SIG LLP

Footwear Market Overview
An overview from a leader in footwear sales and marketing information.
Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst, The NPD Group

Specialty Athletic Brand: adidas' View  

adidas Chairman will share his viewpoints on the growth prospects of athletic products on a global basis in 2006. He will also share his thoughts on the competitive landscape for the upcoming year.

Herbert Hainer, Chairman & CEO, adidas

Specialty Athletic Retailer: Foot Locker�s View  

Foot Locker�s CEO will share his view of American and European consumer trends in the athletic market as well as his outlook for the industry in 2006. Q&A session follows.

Matt Serra, CEO, Foot Locker

 

Major Footwear Brand Licensing
The largest brand licensor in the U.S. (Diesel, XOXO, Nautica and Mecca) discusses the growth of licensed brands in the U.S. Q&A session follows.
Killick Datta, Chairman and CEO, Global Brand Marketing Inc.

Major Better Footwear Brands
What are the trends in the women's dress and casual better footwear marketplace? This session will present an outlook for 2006. Q&A session follows.
Ron Fromm, CEO, Brown Shoe and Diane Sullivan, President, Brown Shoe

Lunch Buffet

Leading Family Footwear Retailers
Discussion on the trends and business challenges facing family footwear retailers. Q&A session follows.
Joe Wood, President, Famous Footwear; Mark Lemond, President and CEO, Shoe Carnival; and Robert B. Tucker, Sr., President and CEO, The Shoe Show.

Major Non-Athletic Shoe Brand
The current market environment and trends for 2006 will be covered by this manufacturer of brands that include Merrell, Hush Puppies, Patagonia, Caterpiller, Harley Davidson, Sebago and the Wolverine brand. Q&A session follows.
Tim O'Donovan, CEO, Wolverine World Wide


Major Department Store Chain

The department store perspective on the growth of footwear private label programs, the evolution of branch store marketing and the current �hot issue� of chargebacks.
Jay Levitt, Former President and CEO, May Merchandising Company


Final Commentary

John Shanley

The WSA Global Strategic Footwear Forum is moderated by:
JOHN SHANLEY, Senior Equity Research Analyst, Athletic & Footwear

John Shanley joined Susquehanna International Group, LLP in June 2004 as senior equity research analyst covering the athletic and footwear industry.

Mr. Shanley brings more than twenty years of experience in the analysis of the footwear and athletic product industries. Previously, Mr. Shanley served as managing director and senior analyst at Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and managing director at JW Genesis Capital Markets, LLC, in New York, where he covered athletic and footwear sector securities. He has also held the position of Director of Research and Strategic Planning at The Woolworth Corporation (now Foot Locker, Inc.) and held a similar position at Allied Stores Corporation (now Federated Department Stores, Inc.)

Mr. Shanley is a member and past president of the Retail Marketing Society (RMS) and was named "Best on the Street" by The Wall Street Journal for his research coverage of the apparel/footwear industry sectors. He has appeared as a guest speaker on CNBC, Bloomberg Television, and CNN on numerous occasions, and is also quoted regularly in The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Fortune, Forbes, and various industry trade publications.

Attend this executive-level Forum and leave with an in-depth knowledge of the issues and trends affecting the global footwear marketplace.