August/September 2010

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2010

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2005

AMERICASMART®*ATLANTA

The market featured gift, tabletop, home accents, holiday/floral product, garden, indoor/outdoor furnishings, gourmet, apparel, and jewelry and fashion accessories products.

"It was an exciting Market," said Mary Ellen Jackson, executive director of tradeshows, in a press statement. "Its success was fueled by continuing momentum from January's Market coupled with a healthy economy, an influx of new buyers, as well as the fact that many of our customers simply needed to restock their shelves."

At the show, a Visual Display Award was given to temporary exhibitor Dear Cards out of Clinton, Miss. "This was our first time exhibiting our greeting cards at the Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market," said owner Beth Maheffey. "We're thrilled to say that we had a successful show."

The Atlanta Spring Immediate Delivery Show will be held May 3-5. The event will showcase general gift, tabletop and fine gifts, home accents, fine linens, holiday/floral/home decor product, garden, indoor/outdoor furnishings, gourmet, jewelry and fashion accessories, apparel and more.

Expanded retailer amenities at the show will include on-site dining, a UPS packaging store and assistance with hotel accommodations.

The Market Temporaries on floor 1 will feature hundreds of manufacturers, importers and artisans. The Permanent Showrooms feature thousands of showrooms housed in 10 complete product centers.

DMG

The Toronto International Gift Fair will be held August 5-8 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, North Building and will feature 600 exhibitors. Eight thousand buyers are expected representing specialty retail, chain, department, gift, drug, home furnishings/decorative accessory, bed/bath/linen, book, bridal, children's gifts, craft and hobby, dollar, florist/garden, gallery/museum, gift basket, kitchen, premium incentive, souvenir/resort, gourmet food and stationery and card stores. Free daily seminars and parking will be available, according to a statement from DMG.

George Little Management LLC

The Washington Gift Show® will be held at the Dulles Expo and Conference Center July 24-27. The show will feature a New Resources division catering to new, up-and-coming manufacturers and will feature a wide array of giftware, jewelry and decorative accessories. Other divisions include At Home, Floral and Garden Accessories, General Gift and Handmade. "The Washington Gift Show is all about what's new," said Louise Seeber, show manager, in a statement released by GLM. "With more new exhibitors and product launches than ever, the show offers what retailers need to jump-start their businesses."

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the International New Age Trade Show® (INATS®) West, will feature an expanded lineup of networking opportunities, programs, events and resources for the body, mind and spirit, according to a press statement from GLM. Running June 25-27 at the Denver Merchandise Mart, anticipated participation includes nearly 275 exhibitors and 1,250 retailers. Dr. Wayne Dyer will headline the event, presenting an exclusive program and signing books.

Design-centered, forward thinking creations including themes such as photography, femininity, vintage style, personalization, baby products and humor are all prevalent trends that will be showcased by exhibitors at the National Stationery Show® May 15-18 at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, according to a press statement from GLM.

"The National Stationery Show exhibitors outdo themselves each year," said Lori Robinson, group show manager, in the statement. "Companies are continually taking steps forward by releasing products that are both aesthetically pleasing and ahead of the curve." The show will feature more than 100 international suppliers from 20 countries, including 30 first time participants. There will be approximately 1,400 exhibitors in five sections.

A revised floor plan, division growth and new market activities expanded the scope of the San Francisco International Gift Fair®. The show was held February 5-9 at the Moscone Center and Concourse Convention Center. New products, on-site cooking demonstrations, a wine tasting and a rock concert entertained and informed the 20,110 attendees and more than 1,500 exhibiting companies, according to a press statement from GLM.

A unique one-stop global marketplace for gifts, handcrafts, home furnishings, decorative accessories and accessory apparel, the third annual SOURCES® will run May 15-18 at Pier 94 in New York City, according to a press statement from GLM. The show will feature some 350 exhibitors from more than 30 countries.

"SOURCES brings exceptional resources from every corner of the globe to New York City, offering a valuable, diverse and convenient market to U.S.-based volume buyers," said Tony Lee, vice president of sales and marketing, in the statement. "SOURCES is an essential market for businesses that currently rely on or are considering overseas sourcing."

In a continuing effort to meet the needs of the personal care and wellness industry EX·TRACTS® will shift from its current spring and fall timeframe to a new winter and summer date pattern, coinciding with the New York International Gift Fair®, according to a press statement from GLM. The new timeframe will begin in August 2005, following the completion of the spring show.

The Supply Side®: An Annual Exposition Featuring Suppliers to the Social Stationery, Giftware and Graphic Arts Industries will showcase advanced resources for publishers, manufacturers and designers, according to a press statement from GLM. The show, held May 17 and 18, will run concurrently with four other GLM events: the National Stationery Show®, SURTEX®, SOURCES® and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair®.

The California Gift Show®, held last January at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featured a total of 1,800 exhibitors and attracted 30,500 buyers, representing a 2 percent increase over the 2004 show, according to a press statement from GLM.

The show included the Extreme Retail Challenge, offering buyers a chance to participate in a product selection and merchandising display competition. "There was an unmistakable buzz around the California Gift Show this January," said Aubin Wilson, show director, in the statement. "The Extreme Retail Challenge gave buyers, both returning and new to the show, a chance to think outside the box. And with the influx of new product introductions across all divisions, there was a real sense of energy on the floor and buyers were buying."

Boasting an increase of 6.6 percent in attendance over last winter, the January New York International Gift Fair® was enhanced by networking celebrations, design awards and product launches. The fair showcased a total of 2,877 exhibitors and attracted over 43,000 attendees, according to a press statement from GLM.

"The spirit of the winter market was extremely optimistic. Both buyers and exhibitors were upbeat with many reporting the best show results in years," said Deborah Hilfman, group show manager, in the statement. "The quality of buyers and key accounts represented was a bellwether for the improvement of the economic climate. Overall exhibitors were pleased with the orders written throughout the show."

With a new January date pattern, the fifth annual International New Age Trade Show® (INATS) - East in Orlando, Fla. saw a 30 percent increase in buyer traffic. Together with the Orlando Gift Show, the market serviced over 6,000 New Age and Gift buyers from the Southeastern United States and beyond. "The date change from early to late January was a huge success," said Andrew Toplarski, show manager, in a press statement from GLM. "INATS-East saw a big increase in new stores and buyers attending the market. There was a real buzz on the show floor and buyers were busy placing orders to recharge their inventories after a successful holiday season."

SURTEX® will celebrate its 20th anniversary with 350 exhibitors in 37,000 square feet of space at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center May 15-17. The anticipated attendance is 6,000, according to a press statement from GLM. Original art, innovative designs and creative application concepts will be presented at the show, reinforcing its pivotal role within the art-based sales and licensing arena, the statement said.

Further emphasizing the cross-marketing opportunities of the House to Home™ Market, a new floor plan will debut Oct. 16-19, repositioning all shows on one level of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, in contiguous halls, according to a press statement from GLM. Comprised of the New York Home Textiles Show®, SURTEX® Gallery and the New York Gourmet Housewares Show™, the new layout will reinforce the market's core synergy, while continuing to successfully showcase 900 companies across related product categories for kitchen, table, bed, bath and living. Some 8,000 attendees are expected.

OASIS

Experience the animal kingdom in a whole new way as OASIS Gift Show exhibitors feature their hottest animal, wildlife, and pet themed products at the July 29 - 31, 2005 OASIS Gift Show. Animal prints, wildlife collectibles, and pet products are more popular than ever, so don't miss your chance to buy the newest products available, a press statement from OASIS said. As always, exhibitors will offer trend setting merchandise and the best selection of western, southwestern, and Native American products in the Southwest. Early bird buyer amenities include the Purple Envelope Program and free parking passes. The Purple Envelopes include $10 worth of food and beverage coupons good at any ARAMARK concession stand within the Phoenix Civic Plaza. Parking passes will be distributed outside Civic Plaza Garage and Jefferson Street Garage. Parking passes and Purple Envelopes will be given on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Advanced On-line buyer registration is available through July 8th at www.oasis.org.

OASIS has announced the winners of the best booth contest held at the February 2005 OASIS Gift Show. Exhibitors awarded include Dalley Up Home Furnishings, a Gilbert, Ariz., supplier. And Crunchkins, a new exhibitor from Rancho Mirage, Calif., featured edible greeting cards for pets in a brightly colored booth resembling a dog house with a mailbox and a white picket fence. Also a winner was Steamboat Springs, Colo.-based Rodeo Cosmetics, which offers a cowgirl cosmetic line and natural skin care products and used a western display.

Universal Shows and Western Exhibitors LLC

The 149th semi-annual Seattle Gift Show® experienced strong buying on the exhibit floor January 29 to February 2. Nearly 13,000 attendees shopped 819 booths and 95 permanent showrooms at the Seattle Gift Center.

"The buying was strong throughout the week," said Mike Dean, president and show manager, Western Exhibitors, LLC, in a press statement. "We were pleased that many of the large stores from Alaska and Canada were in attendance placing significant orders with the vendors at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The winter market specifically targets the stores in the Northwest resort areas, and storeowners from these regions often complete their buying for a year."

Retailers in the Northeast came to the January Portland Gift and Accessories Show® prepared to restock and research new resources, according to a press statement. Over 4,500 buyers attended the show, with 206 new stores in attendance. Held at the Oregon Convention Center, there were over 430 booths. "The Portland Gift and Accessories Show continues to attract new exhibitors from across the country as their choice to launch product into the wholesale market," said David Gilfoyle, show manager, Western Exhibitors, LLC, in the statement. "Because of this factor, our retail database has increased on a national level. They understand that it is important to find unusual merchandise in order to keep their business profitable - and they are able to find the uniqueness and diversity of product in Portland."

Urban Expositions

Slated for July 9-12 at the Fort Washington Expo Center in Fort Washington, Pa., the Philadelphia Gift Show will provide retailers from the mid-Atlantic and Tri-State regions with a show tailored to their needs, according to a press statement from Urban Expositions. "As the largest regional show in the country, the Philadelphia Gift Show is the perfect opportunity for retailers to see all their reps and shop all the big names without dealing with the long lines and expenses of the national shows," said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions, in the statement. "The show is large enough that attendees will need more than one day to shop, but the area is so affordable that they can stay over without spending a lot of money."

Held in conjunction with the show will be the Philadelphia International Handcrafted Expo, a new semi-annual event. The show will feature 75 artisans and designers showcasing fine and fashion jewelry, fashion accessories, home furnishings and accessories, prints and other handmade items. With hundreds of new product resources showcased in an easy-to-navigate floor plan, the seventh semi-annual Gift Fair in Atlanta® promises much to retailers in Atlanta, July 15-18 at the Georgia World Congress Center. The anticipated buyer attendance is more than 4,000 stores and the anticipated exhibitor participation is 500, according to a press statement.

"For busy retailers, shopping the Atlanta market is all about time. There is no better place for buyers to spend their valuable time in Atlanta than the Gift Fair in Atlanta," Miller said in the statement. "With hundreds of booths, all on one floor, the Gift Fair offers an easy-to-shop resource for countless new products never before seen in the Atlanta market."

The 20th edition of the semi-annual Orlando Gift Show and Jewelry and Accessories Expo returns July 30 to August 2 to the West Building (Halls C and D1) of Orlando Fla.'s Orange County Convention Center.

Managed by Urban Expositions, George Little Management LLC and Universal Shows, Inc., the Orlando show is central Florida's premier gift industry event featuring more than 600 booths showcasing the latest introductions from top manufacturers and major southeastern sales representatives in every product category, according to a press statement.

The semi-annual Miami Gift Show returns August 27-30 to the Miami International Merchandise Mart and Sheraton Centre offering retailers from Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America a complete shopping experience, according to a press statement. In addition to showcasing the season's best in new products and trends, retailers can also take advantage of cross-market buying opportunities, business-building educational programs and special buyer incentives, the press statement said.

Western Exhibitors, Inc.

The 148th semi-annual Portland Gift & Accessories Show®, which takes place June 4-7, will feature many manufacturers and artisans that will use the market to launch their product to the wholesale trade, according to a press statement. In addition, there will be a major emphasis on seasonal and holiday products as well as home décor, garden and outdoor product and personal accessories. The upcoming event will feature over 500 booths and 3,000 lines as well as all new educational programming.

"The June 4-7, 2005 Portland market gives retailers in this Northwest region a 'jump start' to buying for the upcoming fourth quarter. In addition, there has been an increased interest in the Portland Gift & Accessories Show from exhibiting companies that show in the Seattle and San Francisco markets. We believe this to be the timing of the show as well as the positive economic climate of the Northwest. Attendees will have a competitive inventory edge over the competition as well as being able to choose from more new resources," said David Gilfoyle, show manager, in the statement.

Wholesale Market Inc.

Buyers attending the Biloxi Wholesale Gift Show August 13-15 will experience a brand new section of exhibitors due to a tremendous growth in exhibitor participation, according to a press statement from Wholesale Market Inc.. The market will feature over 250 booths with manufacturers from 33 states and a huge selection of new and trendy merchandise including holiday, home décor, tabletop, garden accessories, souvenirs, gourmet, jewelry, apparel, floral, gift wrap and more.

Buyers and exhibitors will enjoy beaches, 11 area casinos, regional seafood dishes and more. Contact Wholesale Market directly concerning discounted hotel accommodations. The show is held at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.

The Oklahoma City Wholesale Gift Show will be held July 23-25 at the Cox Business Services Convention Center. The show will focus on new and trendy merchandise with a product give away every hour, according to a press statement. The show will feature over 210 major manufacturers from 26 states with a wide variety of merchandise including holiday, home décor, tabletop, crystal, souvenirs, made in Oklahoma products, fine art, stationery, gift wrap, gourmet, garden accessories, plush, floral, apparel, jewelry and more.