ASTRA Announces Keynote Speakers for 2015 Marketplace and Academy

With more than 1300 members, The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is the largest association for companies in the toy and children's products arenas. ASTRA announced that networking guru Sarah Michel and innovative retailer Bob Negen will headline ASTRA's 2015 Marketplace & Academy. This year's event will take place June 7-10, 2015 in Charlotte, N.C. Michel will open Marketplace & Academy with an interactive keynote, Where Community and Connections Intersect, which will show the ASTRA community how to connect effectively during Marketplace & Academy and beyond. Participants will learn how to communicate their value to anyone, anywhere—therefore increasing their access and influence in their community. Michel is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) who is known for her ability to consistently deliver a high energy.

Negen's closing keynote will send ASTRA members home ready to take their stores to the next level. Retail Success: How to Create a Store that People Love, Runs Like a Dream and Makes Lots of Money will show retailers how their stories can boost business. Negen is recognized as one of the most innovative retail speakers in the world today, and an expert on providing training in retail staff development, on-the-floor selling, store operations, and creating a customer-focused, service-driven store culture.