Reflecting the current financial climate, this year's retra annual conference in London was titled ‘From Gloom to Boom'. Kept to a tight schedule of six hours, it featured 14 presentations (which was a record in itself in the 49-year history of retra conferences). A wide range of speakers demonstrated to the audience of retailers, manufacturers and service suppliers that despite the downturn in the economy, the industry has plenty to offer to its customers and trade partners although at times some players may need to resort to ‘guerrilla marketing' (more about this later).