Diamond Comic Distributors will host its 2009 Diamond Retailer Summit, “Focus on Retailing,” in conjunction with Reed Exhibitions’ new C2E2 show in Chicago next April.  Diamond’s move to the Midwest is in the wake of an east coast event last year in conjunction with Baltimore Comic-Con, and a Las Vegas event in 2007. 

An Opening Night Reception will be held on Wednesday April 14th, with a full day of Better Retailing Workshops and Presentations on Thursday.  Retailers will also receive complimentary admission to the Friday morning (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Professional Only Preview of the C2E2 exhibit floor at McCormick Place, along with a coupon book for various benefits at supplier booths. 

This puts three major hobby retailer events on the calendar within three weeks of each other early next year:  GAMA Trade Show will be held March 22-26 in Las Vegas, and ComicsPro’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held March 25-27 in Memphis (see “GTS vs. ComicsPro Dates”). 

Alliance Game Distributors, Diamond’s sister company, will hold its Open House in Fort Wayne, Indiana in October.