{"id":34,"date":"2018-04-12T17:54:27","date_gmt":"2018-04-12T17:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2024-04-24T15:04:04","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T15:04:04","slug":"activities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/?page_id=34","title":{"rendered":"Programs &#038; Events"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<p>CRS engages in a variety of activities including retail and sales education programs, conferences, seminars, student competitions, and conducting research in areas that affect the retail and sales industries.<\/p>\n\t<iframe width=\"360\" height=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6YcWlhjLkow\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<h1>\n\t\tUpcoming Activities\n\t<\/h1>\n\t<p><b>Walmart<\/b>\u00a0will sponsor the <a href=\"?page_id=405\"><strong>Fall 2024 CRS Collegiate Challenge<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 Student teams will be tasked with solving a real-world problem for Walmart.\u00a0 The event will be open to undergraduates at any 2-year or 4-year university.\u00a0 Teams of 3 or 4 students will have a chance to compete for a 1st place prize of $1200 and a 2nd place prize of $400 provided by the sponsor.\u00a0 The challenge will take place on the DeSales University campus in the fall of 2024. Follow CRS @thecrsorg on Facebook or check back here for more info.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"walmart.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" itemprop=\"url\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Walmart-logo_cropped-300x82.png\" alt=\"Walmart logo_cropped\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"82\" width=\"300\" title=\"Walmart logo_cropped\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n<h1>\n\t\tPast Activities\n\t<\/h1>\n<h2>\n\t\tReading, Writing, &#038; Retailing Symposium Showcases Renowned Speakers\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Program-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Program\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"150\" width=\"150\" title=\"Program\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t<p>April 19, 2024 &#8211; Center Valley. From screenplay writers, authors, script writers, journalists, and composers &#8211; there are all kinds of writers out there &#8211; and The Council for Retail and Sales gathered some of the best at their recent Reading, Writing &#038; Retailing symposium which was held at DeSales University on Friday, April 19, 2024. Over 60 guests attended, ranging from aspiring writers, publishers, avid readers, students, and more. The symposium featured the very best from industries across the board.<\/p>\n<p>The day opened with a \u201cConversation with the Dans,\u201d featuring the talents of Dan Lauria and Dan Roebuck, renowned actors who are equally accomplished as writers.  The \u201cDans\u201d let us in on their creative processes, offering insights on transforming writing into marketable products, both on Broadway, television, and the big screen. <\/p>\n<p>Dan Lauria is an actor, playwright, producer, and author, best known for his role as the dad on the highly acclaimed Emmy winning ABC television show, The Wonder Years. Dan\u2019s most recent work, Just Another Day, is set to open Off Broadway in May.  Roebuck is a Lehigh Valley native who is an author, producer, director and star of several films including Getting Grace, Lucky Louie, and Hail Mary.  Both Dans are friends with James R. \u201cDoc\u201d Ogden, who chairs the Council for Retail and Sales.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m grateful to have these two as longtime friends, and am obliged that they both joined us for this fun and educational day,\u201d said Ogden.<\/p>\n<p>Although the Dans didn\u2019t personally know each other before the event, they run in the same circles and found plenty of friends and things in common to chat about. They spoke about the drastic changes to the audition process today versus the pre-Covid days, such as how auditions are no longer held in person and are now submitted via a pre-taped film. The Dans talked about the pros and cons of taking a play on-Broadway versus off-Broadway and let us in on the creative ways that writers use to fund their projects. The session was moderated by Dr. Denise Ogden, professor at Penn State Lehigh Valley and author of several marketing textbooks.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a blast. I got to spend some time with the Dans and met some wonderful people. Hope you guys do it again,\u201d said attendee and long-time author, Larry Deibert.<\/p>\n<p>After hearing from the Dans, guests attended small interactive discussion groups where they chose between topics that interested them the most, including: \u201cUsing Social Media to Leverage Yourself\u201d by Robin Gow; \u201cIdeation Creation\u201d by Dr. Nikki Gutgold; \u201cIn-Store Promotions: Author Signings and More\u201d by Karen Rose; \u201cFinding a Publisher: Through the Wringer\u201d by Eric Hinrichs; \u201cSo you want to Compose?\u201d by Barry Anderson; and \u201cWriting Textbooks\u201d by Dr. Denise Ogden.<\/p>\n<p>Shelley Dennis joined via Zoom as the keynote speaker during lunch. Shelley brought a variety of experiences to the discussion, most notably her current role as television writer for ABC\u2019s The Conners. Shelley\u2019s in her third year as a writer for the show and is anxiously awaiting news if it\u2019ll be picked up for another season. Channeling her time spent as a stand-up comedian, which started only as a way to get more comfortable in front of an audience, Shelley brought many stories and laughs to the room. Guests asked questions about the development of each episode and Shelley was gracious in letting the audience in on a piece of the process, giving examples of how certain story lines came to fruition.<\/p>\n<p>The final discussion featured Maria Rodale (author and former CEO of Rodale Press), Dr. Katherine Ramsland (professor and author of over 72 books on criminology and serial killers), and Vicki Mayk, (long-time journalist and author). The three women brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel. Although all three are writers, each walked a slightly different path along their journey and the room of aspiring writers was at attention, asked questions, and were feverously taking notes. Rodale, Ramsland, and Mayk were full of tips for writers of all ages. The panel was moderated by Dr. Gaetan Giannini, Vice President of Graduate and Adult Education at Alvernia University and an author himself.<\/p>\n<p>For those who love all things writing, this was an event not to be missed. The day was fun, informative, and inspirational. Thanks to sponsors NextEvo Naturals, Edward Jones, Poster Boy Productions, and Walmart, students were able to attend at no cost.<\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\tGiant Food Stores selects Penn State Lehigh Valley team as 1st place winners\n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p><strong>Giant Food Stores<\/strong> sponsored the <a href=\"?page_id=405\"><strong>Fall 2021 CRS Collegiate Challenge<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 Student teams were tasked with creating a marketing plan for Giant&#8217;s prepared food line.\u00a0 Ten teams competed for a 1st place prize of $1000 and a 2nd place prize of $400 provided by Giant.\u00a0 Congrats to 1st place winners from Penn State Lehigh Valley: Alexis Matlack, Hemil Patel, Brianna Peters, and Bejamin Stratz.\u00a0 Millersville students Ryan Eckert, Marquis Wright, and Kritsada Wongsa took 2nd place.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Giant-winners_PSULV.jpg\" alt=\"Giant winners_PSULV\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"351\" width=\"632\" title=\"Giant winners_PSULV\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n<h2>\n\t\tPSU-LV wins CRS Collegiate Challenge for 2nd consecutive time\n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>Center Valley \u2013 Oct 31. \u00a0The Council for Retail and Sales, housed at DeSales University, hosts two collegiate case competitions each year.\u00a0 This semester\u2019s competition was sponsored by the global powerhouse Brenntag Food &amp; Nutrition. \u00a0In its 2nd consecutive win, Penn State Lehigh Valley team MakeConvenient Lions Consulting, led by faculty advisor Dr. Denise Ogden, took home 1st place.\u00a0 The winning team consists of students Hemil Patel, Georgia Gonzalez, Ben Stratz, and Simon Tomaszewski.<\/p>\n<p>Seven teams altogether competed in the competition and were tasked to solve a real business opportunity for the sponsor. The focus of the competition was to help Brenntag launch a new product line during the time of Covid-19 when typical face-to-face sales models will not work.\u00a0 Many customer R&amp;D and purchasing departments are working remotely, not accepting supplier visits, and industry tradeshows have been canceled.\u00a0 Brenntag tasked the teams with finding creative solutions to get this new product out to market and quickly generate sales.<\/p>\n<p>Shea Worman, Business Development Manager for Brenntag Food &amp; Nutrition and one of five judges for the competition said, \u201cIt was so much fun!\u00a0 It really was difficult to pick the best teams.\u00a0 All the students were professional and did a great job.\u00a0 The\u00a0judges and I learned so much and have a lot of fresh ideas to share with our teams.\u00a0 We loved the experience and cannot wait to sponsor the program again!\u201d\u00a0 Doc Ogden, Chair of the Council for Retail and Sales, said, \u201cWe were excited to have such high-profile judges who get to witness different perspectives and recruit some of the best students in the state.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The 1st place winning prize was $1500 and 2nd place prize was $500.\u00a0 The competition is judged on a written executive summary and recorded video presentation.\u00a0 Nittany Consultants from Penn State Abington, comprised of Kyra Fripps, Tzuyin Su, Christopher Liston, and Aidan Pulli, took 2nd place.\u00a0\u00a0 Amnah Kahn, from PSU Lehigh Valley won the best presenter award.\u00a0 Other colleges participating included Bloomsburg University, University of Lynchburg, and PSU Wilkes-Barre.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe always look forward to this competition and it is becoming a high-profile event among our students. I can\u2019t think of a better way to prepare our students for business careers.\u00a0 I was very impressed with the Brenntag management team,\u201d\u00a0said Dr. Thomas Stone, faculty advisor from Penn State Abington.\u00a0 The other faculty advisors from Abington included Peter Hornberger and Kevin Mayhew.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Group-Zoom-shot_Brenntag.png\" alt=\"Photo of people on a Zoom call\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"520\" width=\"899\" title=\"Group Zoom shot_Brenntag\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\tStudents await the announcement of the winning teams at the online CRS Collegiate Challenge.\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Brenntag-logo_FN_CMYK330dpi-300x80.jpg\" alt=\"Brenntag logo_F&amp;N_CMYK330dpi\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"80\" width=\"300\" title=\"Brenntag logo_F&amp;N_CMYK330dpi\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n<h2>\n\t\tBusiness of Cannabis symposium is a success\n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>The Business of Cannabis symposium, held at Penn State Lehigh Valley, was hosted by The Council for Retail and Sales (CRS) on March 11th.\u00a0 Program sponsors included the Cleveland School of Cannabis, Milford Enterprises, Keystone Canna Remedies, and High Expectations Marketing.\u00a0 The cannabis industry has seen significant growth in recent years as businesses and consumers are realizing the benefits of medical marijuana, CBD and industrial hemp.\u00a0 The increasing level of demand has brought about opportunity and jobs for entrepreneurs and the CRS developed a lineup of industry experts who explored all aspects of the industry in the full-day educational symposium.<\/p>\n<p>Topics included legal and human resources issues, marketing and branding, banking and financing, retail layout and more, all specific to the cannabis industry.<\/p>\n<p>Speakers Tyrone Russell, Kevin Greene, and Austin Briggs of the Cleveland School of Cannabis provided an overview of the industry and job outlook.\u00a0 Corbett Hefner, Vice President of R&amp;D, Formation Ag (Colorado) discussed innovations in the cultivation of hemp.\u00a0 Victor Guadagnino of Keystone Canna Remedies reviewed the successes and challenges of running a medical marijuana dispensary.\u00a0 Jeff Adkins and Alex Fetterman of Milford Enterprises presented on various retail layouts for dispensaries and other businesses in the industry.\u00a0 Lunch featured a discussion of the \u201cThe State of the State\u201d with State Senator Judy Schwank and State Representative Mike Schlossberg. Special guest Jack Maxwell, from Travel Channel\u2019s \u201cBooze Traveler\u201d show, shared his inspiring experience with cancer and how cannabis products helped ease his pain. These experiences led to the filming of \u201cThe High Road with Jack Maxwell,\u201d an uplifting, adventure-packed series that explores the cannabis culture and industry.<\/p>\n<p>Numerous breakout sessions were held throughout the day including supply chain and manufacturing, an industry outlook on CBD in Pennsylvania, the importance of corporate social responsibility and more. Batch Microcreamery was onsite to provide ice cream samples and 12 vendors participated in a Cannabis Marketplace to discuss their businesses with attendees.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Council for Retail and Sales at Penn State Lehigh Valley did a great job putting this together\u2026 an educational and well attended event. In an industry with so much confusion and deception, CRS put together a lineup of respected and super knowledgeable speakers,\u201d said Benjamin Davies of Wildfox Provisions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Screen-Shot-2020-03-13-at-2.40.40-PM.jpg\" alt=\"Speaker at symposium\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"1074\" width=\"2048\" title=\"Screen Shot 2020-03-13 at 2.40.40 PM\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\tKevin Green speaks at Business of Cannabis Symposium on March 11, 2020.  Photo credit: Penn State\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/CSC-logo-150x150.png\" alt=\"CSC logo\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"150\" width=\"150\" title=\"CSC logo\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n<h2>\n\t\tMeet the Experts: The Changing Landscape of the Retail Industry\n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>Bethlehem, PA \u2013 The Council for Retail and Sales (CRS) held its second Meet the Experts event at Walmart\u2019s eCommerce facility in Bethlehem on September 25, 2019.\u00a0 Walmart was the main sponsor of the event which drew over 70 attendees.\u00a0 The event focused on the Changing Landscape of the Retail Industry and featured a panel of experts who discussed the future of shopping, consumer trends, and the need for constant innovation.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The panel of experts included Ellen Deyoc (Regional eCommerce Director, Walmart), Wayne Packer (Regional HR Director, Walmart), Dr. Denise Ogden (Professor of Marketing, PSU-LV &amp; Vice-Chair CRS) and Jeremy Schmoyer (Financial Manager, Sherwin-Williams).\u00a0 The program was moderated by Doug Nay (Associate Professor of Business, East Stroudsburg University).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The panelists discussed the shift from traditional brick-and-mortar to online business along with environmental implications, the evolution of the consumer, sustainability, and the need to fulfill the demands of an ever-changing workforce. \u00a0Walmart offered guided warehouse tours following the discussion as well as provided swag bags for each guest.\u00a0 Many students were among the 70 attendees.\u00a0 Sherwin-Williams also sponsored the event.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>###<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Walmart_logo.svg_-300x75.png\" alt=\"Walmart_logo.svg\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"75\" width=\"300\" title=\"Walmart_logo.svg\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Photo_introducing-speakers-e1569609692286-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Photo_introducing speakers\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"1024\" width=\"768\" title=\"Photo_introducing speakers\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t<p>Pictured from left to right: Doc Ogden, Doug Nay, Jeremy Schmoyer, Wayne Packer, Dr. Denise Ogden, Ellen Deyoc. Photo credit: Elaine Thode<\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\tMeet the Experts: The Changing Landscape of the Food Industry\n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>Bethlehem, PA \u2013 The Council for Retail and Sales (CRS) held its first Meet the Experts event at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.factory-llc.com\">Factory<\/a> in Bethlehem on April 25, 2019.\u00a0 This first event focused on the Changing Landscape of the Food Industry and featured a panel of experts from various companies who have a vested interested in the food business.\u00a0 The April event is the first in a series of Meet the Experts speaking engagements, each of which will focus on the changing landscape of a specific industry.<\/p>\n<p>The panel of experts included Larry Davis (vice president of Food &amp; Nutrition North America, Brenntag, Dallas, Texas), Keith Caldwell (operating partner, Factory LLC, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania), and Kiersten Hafer (vice president, Marketing &amp; Innovation, Clemens Food Group, Hatfield, Pennsylvania).\u00a0 The program was moderated by Shea Worman (food industry manager \u2013 Northeast Region, Brenntag, Reading, Pennsylvania).<\/p>\n<p>Some topics of interest discussed by the panelists were the evolution of the consumer and the need for innovation, sustainability and social awareness. Approximately 70 guests attended the event including 10 students from various local colleges.<\/p>\n<p>For Susan Sundaram, former QA Product Evaluation &amp; Development and Sensory Analysis manager for AholdUSA, the event was of significant interest.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe entire presentation was incredibly informative&#8230;the different backgrounds of the three speakers were well selected and complimentary to the focus of the presentation: a food manufacturer, an ingredient supplier,\u00a0and a finance professional &#8211; all of whom have to adapt to the ever-changing consumer market,\u201d Sundaram said.<\/p>\n<p>The next event in the Meet the Experts series will be held on September 25 and will focus on the Changing Landscape of the Retail Industry.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>###<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Speakers-in-front-of-stage.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: 1:  Panel of experts (from left to right): Larry Davis, Keith Caldwell, Kiersten Hafer, Shea Worman. Photo credit: Elaine Thode\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"3024\" width=\"4032\" title=\"Speakers in front of stage\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\tPicture: 1:  Panel of experts (from left to right): Larry Davis, Keith Caldwell, Kiersten Hafer, Shea Worman. Photo credit: Elaine Thode\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/MTECrowd3.jpg\" alt=\"Photo credit: Tim Mattson\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"3648\" width=\"5472\" title=\"Guests at the event\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\tPhoto credit: Tim Mattson\n<h2>\n\t\tThe CRS 2018 Collegiate Challenge \n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p><b>Powered by <\/b><img decoding=\"async\" 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alt=\"pastedGraphic.png\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Management of Sherwin-Williams, The Americus Group, Eastern Division, took the concept of \u201cThe Apprentice\u201d television series and applied it to a collegiate competition in retailing. The competition involved regional college students. The challenge was for the teams to create a plan that focused on increasing sales in the residential repaint segment. The teams were judged based on the written plan, a store visit, and the presentation of the plan. Students prepared the project during the fall and\/or spring semesters and presented their plans at the competition held Nov. 6, 2018 at Penn State Lehigh Valley. The competition was co-sponsored by The Council for Retail and Sales (CRS), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring together retail academicians, students and practitioners.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStudent involvement in these competitions prepare them for the exciting world of retail,\u201d said James R. (Doc) Ogden, chair of the CRS, noting the talent and determination of the participants.<\/p>\n<p>The judges of the competition were from Sherwin-Williams: Mike Williams, Northeast PA district manager, Chris Crocker, Northeast PA district sales manager, Jeremy Schmoyer, Eastern Division collection manager, Monica Schwab, Eastern Division marketing specialist and Jessica Furtado, area human resources generalist<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInvolvement in student competitions allow us to see a different perspective to opportunities that we think about on a daily basis,\u201d Williams said.<\/p>\n<p>Five teams competed in the competition. The first place winners were from Penn State Scranton. The team took home a traveling trophy to be housed at their campus until next year\u2019s challenge. These winners also each received a $250 scholarship from Sherwin-Williams.\u00a0 Sweet Briar College took a close second place and each team member received $100 from Sherwin-Williams.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis was a good experience that taught me a lot about how to present and research and figure out solutions to a problem I may not fully understand at first,\u201d said Angelica Kalsi, first-year student at Penn State Lehigh Valley. \u201cI think it was a good experience in leadership and in working with a group.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While the judges deliberated, Elly Martin, North Area recruiter for Sherwin-Williams, spoke to students about career opportunities at the company and how to develop their resumes and prepare for an interview.<\/p>\n<p>Previous sponsors of the competition have included:\u00a0 Walmart, Z-CoiL, Sorrelli, Target, Enterprise-Rent-A-Car, and Stuff\u2019n Mallows.<\/p>\n\t<iframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DqF5CxpJfjQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\t<p>If you have any questions, please contact Denise T. Ogden , Ph.D., from the Council for Retail and Sales at Penn State (<a href=\"mailto:dto2@psu.edu\">dto2@psu.edu<\/a>).<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Stud-Comp-group-shot_11-06-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" itemprop=\"image\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0710.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_0710\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"600\" width=\"800\" title=\"IMG_0710\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Stud-Comp-PSU-Scranton-1st-place_11-06-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" itemprop=\"image\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n<h2>\n\t\tThe Business of Entertainment Symposium\n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>The VIP All-Access Business of Entertainment Symposium proved to be full of edutainment (education + entertainment) on the business aspects of the unpredictable entertainment industry, including Broadway and cinema. The event was held October 12, 2018 at the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus and hosted by the Council for Retail and Sales, a division of LaunchBox. Student from various colleges and people from the area as well as six states were present for the event.<\/p>\n<p>Susie Krajsa, President of Broadway Across America (BAA) provided a behind the scenes look at how the subscription part of BAA operates. The theatre show, Hamilton, led to the \u201cHamilton Effect.\u201d Krajsa explained that subscriptions to BAA rise considerably when Hamilton is part of a season\u2019s line up.<\/p>\n<p>Angela Shelton, movie actor, director and producer, spoke about her feature film, Heart, Baby! which brings light to an untold, historical true story. The film is premiering in New York City on November 16.<\/p>\n<p>Pat Addiss, a theatre producer who is currently producing the off-Broadway hit, Desperate Measures, was interviewed by Liz Keptner, the Multi-media Innovation Center Director at PSULV. Addiss spoke about the struggles and successes of being a producer. She stated that producing live theatre is addicting.<\/p>\n<p>Jack Maxwell, host and professional actor, made the audience laugh and cry when he shared the story of how a poor kid from Boston became an actor. Despite having had a chemo therapy treatment a few days before, Maxwell was in full energy mode and finished to a standing ovation.<\/p>\n<p>Three breakout sessions were conducted by Frank Megna, director, actor and writer from Los Angeles who spoke about how directors work with the \u201csuits\u201d or business people. Lauren Yarger, a critic who reviews Broadway and Off-Broadway theater in New York and professional theater in Connecticut, discussed the changes in the profession. Bryan Tuk, an entertainment industry attorney, spoke about copyright laws and how important it is for entertainment professionals to hire a lawyer.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_5817-e1542221475927-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_5817\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"768\" width=\"1024\" title=\"IMG_5817\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/JackMaxwellOct18Symposium.jpg\" alt=\"JackMaxwellOct18Symposium\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"678\" width=\"960\" title=\"JackMaxwellOct18Symposium\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CRS engages in a variety of activities including retail and sales education programs, conferences, seminars, student competitions, and conducting research in areas that affect the retail and sales industries. Upcoming Activities Walmart\u00a0will sponsor the Fall 2024 CRS Collegiate Challenge.\u00a0 Student teams will be tasked with solving a real-world problem for Walmart.\u00a0 The event will be&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-34","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>2018 Collegiate Challenge l Retail &amp; Sales Training<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thecrs.org\/?page_id=34\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2018 Collegiate Challenge l Retail &amp; Sales Training\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"CRS engages in a variety of activities including retail and sales education programs, conferences, seminars, student competitions, and conducting research in areas that affect the retail and sales industries. 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