Held regularly during VMSD’s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC), the 11th annual Iron Merchant challenge will pit attendee against attendee, challenge merchandising skills and visual design dexterity. Along with a mannequin, teams are provided a handy toolbox filled with VM essentials, containing decidedly quirky materials and, most exciting of all, a secret ingredient. (Can you guess what it might be this year?) In only one hour, six teams must get enough eager spectators oohing and ahhing to garner the votes to win the coveted Iron Merchant sash, all while doing so with a cocktail in hand. Think you can handle it? Sharpen those design skills and get ready for the visual merchandising showdown event of the year. Team spots are filling quickly, so say bonjour to Montréal and register today at irdconline.com.