Diamond Announces Baltimore as Site for 2016 Retailer Summit

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - March 3, 2016 - Diamond Comic Distributors is returning to Baltimore for its Annual Diamond Retailer Summit in 2016, with a full range of retailer programming and events focused on the theme, "Future Vision: Building the Comic Book Shop of Tomorrow".

"Last year's event, which was held in conjunction with the popular Baltimore Comic-Con show, was extremely successful and we're excited to be back in Baltimore again this year," said Diamond's Director of Marketing, Dan Manser. "There's a lot of energy and excitement in the industry right now. We hope to build on that and what it will take to be a successful comic shop retailer in the future."

This year's Diamond Retailer Summit will be held as a three-day event, August 31-September 2 at the Baltimore Convention Center, right before the opening of Baltimore Comic-Con. Plans call for the Summit to feature Retailing Workshops, Publisher Focus Groups, and an Opening Night Reception on August 31. Sponsor presentations are slated for Thursday, September 1st.

Diamond will once again partner with Baltimore Comic-Con, which will be held right after the Summit from September 2-4, to share marketing and strategic initiatives for the combined events. Baltimore Comic-Con's Exhibit Hall will serve as the Summit's Exhibit Hall during special "Retailer Only" hours. Summit attendees receive free admission as VIPs to Baltimore Comic-Con.

"I'm extremely delighted that the Summit is once again affiliated with our show," said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Baltimore Comic-Con coupled with Diamond's Retailer Summit makes a compelling reason to come to Baltimore for a full week of events and activities."

Now in its 14th year, Diamond's Retailer Summit is the leading annual event for comic book specialty retailers to meet with publishers and suppliers, and come together with fellow retailers to discuss the industry and their businesses. Top publishers such as BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, DC Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, and Marvel Comics come and share exciting new projects, while retailers get to network and learn about new business practices to help them succeed and thrive in today's retailing environment.

Additional details and registration information for the Diamond Retailer Summit will be announced shortly. Publishers and vendors who would like to sponsor or exhibit at the Baltimore Comic-Con should contact Chris McClelleand (registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com) now for additional information.

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.