Going to the Gift Shows
AmericasMart Atlanta
Atlanta
www.americasmart.com
Mission/background: AmericasMart is the largest wholesale marketplace of its kind and is a leading international market source for a wide variety of consumer goods. It hosts 23 wholesale markets and six Market Wednesdays that annually attract more than 540,000 attendees from the United States and 80 other countries.
When: There are six gift/home furnishings markets annually. Dates for 2008 are available at www.americasmart.com.
Registration: Call (800) ATL-MART.
Dedicated floor space: More than 6.2 million square feet with an additional 1.5 million under construction.
Educational sessions: AmericasMart University
Chicago Market: Living & Giving
Chicago
www.merchandisemart.com
Mission/background: With a world of product at buyers’ fingertips, the Chicago Market, a premier quarterly gift and home accessory show, is a dynamic destination where manufacturers unveil new design and product, buyers discover stylish trends and designers find sources of inspiration.
When: July 17 to 23, 2008
Registration: Open to the trade only and does not require a fee.
Dedicated floor space: Square footage tops 1 million with nearly 300 showrooms and 1,000 exhibitors.
Denver Merchandise Mart Gift, Jewelry & Resort Show
Denver
www.denvermart.com
Mission/background: Since opening in 1965, the Denver Merchandise Mart has firmly established itself as the Rocky Mountain region’s premier wholesale marketplace. Its mission is to provide retailers a wide variety of merchandise in an easy-to-shop facility with unsurpassed buyer amenities.
When: It takes place semiannually each February and August. The next show is Aug. 14 to 19, 2008.
Registration: Open to the trade only. No fee.
Dedicated floor space: 175,000 square feet of permanent showrooms and 100,000 square feet of temporary exhibitors.
Educational sessions: Six to eight retail seminars per show featuring industry professionals.
Galveston Gift & Resort Merchandise Show
Galveston, Texas
www.urban-expo.com
Mission/background: Located at the new state-of-the-art Galveston Island Convention Center at San Luis Resort, the show will provide retailers with a wide selection of themed merchandise, resort apparel, gifts and souvenirs. The show is timed to allow for immediate shipment of last-minute holiday merchandise and a head start on spring and summer buying.
When: Oct. 12 to 14, 2008
Registration: Open to the trade only and does not require a fee. Buyers must present a photo ID and two forms of business ID to validate their buyer badge.
Glee
Birmingham, England
www.gleebirmingham.com
Mission/background: Glee is the most comprehensive annual buying event for the garden, pet and leisure sectors. It showcases exciting and unique products, innovative retail ideas and provides the opportunity to meet new suppliers alongside the best international brands.
When: Sept. 21 to 23, 2008
Registration: Trade visitors can register free in advance via the website. Visitors who do not preregister will pay £20 at the show but must also provide proof of trade status.
Educational sessions: Free seminars by industry experts designed to boost business. A wide range of topics ensures there will be something for everyone.
Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show
Las Vegas
www.urban-expo.com
Mission/background: The Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show is the show in the western United States dedicated exclusively to the specialized needs of the souvenir and resort merchandise industry.
When: Sept. 10 to 12, 2008
Registration: Open to the trade only and does not require a fee. Buyers must present a photo ID and two forms of business ID to validate their buyer badge.
Dedicated floor space: 400 temporary booths
Miami Beach Gift Show
Miami
www.urban-expo.com
Mission/background: Responding to the business conditions at the Miami International Merchandise Mart/Sheraton Center, Urban Expositions announced the relocation and revamping of the former Miami Gift Show, which had taken place at that site for the past eight years. Renamed the Miami Beach Gift Show, the exhibition expanded and moved to the Miami Beach Convention Center in 2006.
When: Aug. 23 to 28, 2008
Registration: Open to members of the trade only. No fee for guests. Buyers must present a photo ID and two forms of business ID to validate their buyer badge.
Dedicated floor space: Between 250 and 300 companies in 450 temporary booths.
Education sessions: Three to four business-building seminars.
Orlando Gift Show Featuring the Jewelry & Accessory Expo
Orlando, Fla.
www.urban-expo.com
Mission/background: As Florida’s largest, most established temporary gift event, the Orlando Gift Show is the show retailers from all over Florida have turned to for their buying needs for 20 years. This semiannual gift event aims to give retailers everything they need to set their store apart from the competition, and the strategic winter and summer date pattern meets the needs of the region’s retailers.
When: This show is held each January and August. The next show is Aug. 2 to 5, 2008.
Registration: Open to members of the trade only. A $20 fee for guests. Buyers must present a photo ID and two forms of business ID to validate their buyer badge.
Dedicated floor space: Approximately 350 companies in 500 temporary booths.
Educational sessions: Three to four business-building seminar programs.
Philadelphia Gift Show
Reading, Pa.
www.urban-expo.com
Mission/background: The Philadelphia Gift Show is the largest regional gift show in the country. Known for its extensive product selection in almost every category, this show strives to provide the best selection of general gifts to the Mid-Atlantic market.
When: This show is held semiannually. The next show is July 20 to 22, 2008.
Dedicated floor space: 1,200-1,300 temporary booths
Educational sessions: Free business-building seminars led by industry professionals. Topics include current trends update, visual merchandising, store planning and retail 101.
San Francisco International Gift Fair
San Francisco
www.sfigf.com
Mission/background: This semiannual fair features 17 divisions, including Accent on Design, At Home, Cash & Carry, Details, Distinctive Lines, FoodFocus, GardenStyle, General Gift, Handmade, The Jewelry Vault, Just KidStuff, The Museum Source, Personal Accessories, PetStyle, Stationery & Trend, Village Arts and the Vintage Collection.
When: Every winter and summer. The next show is July 26 to 29, 2008.
Registration: Open to the trade only.
Educational sessions: Conference program includes a series of business-building seminars, life chef demos, pet fashion shows, Opening Night Party and other educational programs and networking events.
Summer Fair
London, England
www.summerfair.com
Mission/background: Summer Fair is an edited sister show to Spring and Autumn Fair providing design-led contemporary home and giftware within a London venue.
When: June 22 to 25, 2008
Registration: Preregister at www.summerfair.com.
Educational sessions: Seminars and trend presentations.
The Torquay Fair
Torquay, England
www.torquayfair.co.uk
Mission/background: The Torquay Fair is a trade-only gift and home fair meeting the needs for buyers and sellers in southwest England.
When: Jan. 11 to 14, 2009
Registration: Free of charge at www.aspen.uk.com/hale
Dedicated floor space: Approximately 32,000 square feet
Total Home & Gift Market
Dallas
www.dallasmarketcenter.com
Mission/background: Founded in 1957, Dallas Market Center is one of the world’s largest wholesale merchandise resources. Products featured at the market include home furnishings, gifts, decorative accessories, lighting, textiles, fashion accessories and apparel.
When: January, March, June and September. Remaining markets for 2008 are June 18 to 24 and Sept. 13 to 15.
Registration: Open to the trade only. There is no admission fee. Dedicated floor space: 5 million square feet of permanent showroom and temporary exhibit space.
Educational sessions: Keynote speakers; seminars on trends, marketing and profit-building practices; walking tours; and live product demonstrations.
Virginia Gift Show
Virginia Beach, Va.
www.urban-expo.com
Mission/background: The Virginia Gift Show offers the best in souvenir and resort gift and merchandise items. There is something for everyone, including destination, resort and tourist merchandise, board-sport merchandise, souvenirs, beach items, resortwear, T-shirts, general giftware, logo products, shell items, coastal and nautical theme products, fashion accessories, toys/games, aromatherapy, greeting cards, paper goods and social stationery, tabletop, gourmet food items and garden gifts.
When: This year’s show was March 2 to 4. Check the website for future dates.
Registration: Open to the trade only and does not require a fee. Buyers must present a photo ID and two forms of business ID to validate their buyer badge.
Dedicated floor space: 400 temporary booths.
Educational sessions: Free business-building seminars led by industry professionals. Topics include current trends update, visual merchandising, store planning and retail 101.
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