Winter Show Low Down

Spotlighting what's happening at the January gift markets in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles.

By Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 12/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Atlanta

Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

January 8–16

Atlanta International Area Rug Market

January 17–20

AmericasMart Atlanta

(800) ATL-MART

www.americasmart.com

Show Producer: AMC Inc.

Show Hours: Permanent showrooms, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Breakfast club, January 11–13, 8 a.m. opening. Shop late nights, January 11–12, 8 p.m. closing. Temporaries: January 11–14, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., January 15, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Travel Arrangements: Call Ambassadors at (800) 241-6405 for hotel reservations. Click on AmericasMart.com/Travel/Air Travel/Delta, to earn 500 frequent flyer miles on Delta as well 5 percent off select fares. For AirTran, call (866) 683-8368 and refer to Event Code: AmericasMart. A 10 percent off the lowest domestic, one-way coach fares will apply.

Special Notice: No carts/rolling baggage larger than 22”(H) x 14”(W) x 9” (D) will be allowed in exhibit halls, showrooms or common areas. Buyers will be asked to check all larger pieces.

Special Events

• Entertaining with Lord Wedgwood. 3–4 p.m. Friday, January 11.

• Confessions of a White House Social Secretary. Behind-the-scenes with Lea Berman, former White House Social Secretary and Special Assistant to President George W. Bush. 11 a.m.–noon. Saturday, January 12.

• Fast & French with Chef Virginia Willis. Cooking demonstration and book signing. The Gourmet Gallery, floor 14. Saturday, January 12, 12:30–1:30 p.m.

• America's Magnificent Carpets Awards. Cocktails, buffet and live entertainment. Saturday, January 19. 5:30 p.m. Georgia World Congress Center.

AmericasMart University

Friday, January 11

• 12 Steps to Revolutionize Your Business. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Beginner Retail Basics. Presenter: Marianna Hayes

• The Look that Sells: Wowing Today's Customer. 11 a.m.–noon. Beginner Retail Basics. Presenter: Marianna Hayes

• Reaching the Gen Y Market. 1:30–2:30 p.m. Beginner Retail Basics. Presenters: Marianna Hayes and Andy Chapman

Saturday, January 12

• The Power of a Network: When Others Win Business for You. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Beginner Buying & Selling. Presenter: Jay Litton

• Capturing Corporate Business. 11 a.m.– noon. Intermediate Buying & Selling. Presenter: Jay Litton

• The Buyer-Seller Dance. 1:30–2:30 p.m. Advanced Buying & Selling. Presenter: Al Simon

Sunday, January 13

• Website Marketing 101. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Beginner Building Your Brand. Presenter: Drew Barton

• Website Marketing 201. 11 a.m.–noon. Intermediate Building Your Brand. Presenter: Drew Barton

• The Impact of Brand Influence. 1:30–2:30 p.m. Beginner Building Your Brand. Presenter: Tina Vaughn

Elective Seminars

Thursday, January 10

• Exhibitor Seminar: Learn to Think Like a Retailer 11 a.m.– noon. Presenter: Albert Maslia

• 2008 Kids' Trends Forecast: Displays on a Budget, Store Solutions and Answers to All Your Questions. 11 a.m.–noon. Presenter: Larry Lucas

• Gift Basket Design for Niche Markets. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Presenter: Lynn Rogers

• Theft & Loss Prevention in a Retail Environment. 1–2 p.m. Presenters: Stephanie Wagner and Deirdre Staab

• Exhibitor Seminar: Learn to Think Like a Retailer. 4–5 p.m. Presenter Albert Maslia

Friday, January 11

• Trends, Are They All In Our Heads? 8 a.m. WithIt Panel Discussion.

• Productive & Profitable: A Smarter Way to Shop AmericasMart. 9–10 a.m. Presenter: Albert Maslia

• Trend Search. 9–9:50 a.m. Presenter: Leeanne Baxter

• Building a Brand with Personality. 10–10:50 a.m. Presenter: Mary Liz Curtin

• Kids' Gifts that Deliver Results. 10–11 a.m. Presenter: Caletha Crawford

• Modern Marketing. 11 a.m.–11:50 a.m. Presenter: Ambiance Interiors and Gifts Worldwide

• Break into the BIG Business of Bridal. 11 a.m.–noon. Presenter: Windy Weiss

• Design for Outdoor Living—Southern Sensibility to Metropolitan Chic . 1:30–2:30 p.m. Presenter: Edward Walker

• Planning Fabulous Retail Events for Fun and Profit! 2–2:50 p.m. Presenter: Lynni Megginson

• The Holiday View: Retail Display Secrets from the Pros. 3–3:50 p.m. Presenters: Ingrid Liss, Chris Tkachuck, Margo Tantau and Nathan Skrove

• Candlescaping 101: Candle Merchandising & Display Ideas. 4–4:50 p.m. Presenters: Ingrid Liss, Chris Tkachuck, Margo Tantau and Nathan Skrove

• Hold a “Blind” Wine Tasting in Your Store. 5–6 p.m. Sponsored by: Delectable Samplings

Saturday, January 12

• Productive & Profitable: A Smarter Way to Shop AmericasMart. 9–10 a.m. Presenter: Albert Maslia

• Sustainability in the Industry, 10–11 a.m. Presenter: Susan Inglis

• Gift Basket Design: Building Sales by Tapping into the Gift Basket Industry. 12:30–1 p.m. Presenter: Ronda McConnell

• 2008 Trend Forecast Presentation & Panel Discussion. 3–4 p.m. Moderator: Nicki Gondell, Trend House

• How to Become a Destination Store. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Presenter: Mary Carol Garrity

Sunday, January 13

• The Art of Shopping & Customer Service. 9–10 a.m. Presenter: Debra Tenebaum,

• Children's Seminar. 10–1 a.m. Presenter: Suzanne Morrissey

• Gift Basket Demonstration—Bow Making Made Easy. 12:30–1 p.m. Presenter: Jimi Taylor

• Cutting Edge Christmas. 1–2 p.m. Presenters: Neal Warren, Jeff Purdy and Judy McManus

• “America at Home” and “Secrets to Merchandising Your Store for Sales Success” 3–4 p.m. Presenter: Christopher Lowell

• The Hospital Gift Shop Explosion. 3–4 p.m. Presenter: Debra Tenenbaum

Monday, January 14

• Gift Basket Demonstration: Shrink-Wrapping. 12:30–1 p.m. Presenter: Grace Johnson.

Friday, January 18

• The Unique and Antique Rug Forum. 10 a.m.–noon. Sponsored by: Oriental Rug Retailers of Americas. (ORRA)

• Walk the Market with Phil. 3 p.m. Sponsored by: ORRA

Birdwatch America

January 12–13

Georgia Intl. Convention Ctr.

(678) 285-3976

www.birdwatchamerica.com

Show Producer: Urban Expositions

Show Hours: Janaury 12, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; January 13, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Special Features:

• Pre-Show Day of Special Birding Workshops. January 11. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Buyer and exhibitor reception. Saturday, January 12. 5:30–7 p.m.

Chicago

The Chicago Market: Living & Giving

January 17–23

Beckman's Handcrafted Gift Show

Market Suites Temporaries

January 19–22

Chicago Merchandise Mart

(800) 677-6278

www.merchandisemart.com

Show Producer: Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI)

Show Hours: Floors 13–15, January 17–19 and 20–22, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; January 20, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; January 23, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Floors 7–8, January 19–21, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; January 22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Travel Arrangements: Mart Travel Services, (800) 528-8700 or email marttravel@ttgonline.com

Special Features

• Beckman's Handcrafted Gift Show — 50 new artist/designer juried exhibitors debut with works in all media from jewelry to candles to ceramics

• Lake Living — the lifestyle-inspired product focus defined by fresh-water living is highlighted throughout the market and merchandised in the unique “Holiday on the Lake” themed Lake House North Lobby display

• Living and Giving: Green — Debuts and offers earth-friendly ideas, trends and products

• Market Square Chicago — a design destination featuring home accents and furnishings on the 15th floor

• The Chicago Market: The Next Generation. January 19–22. Features product by students of the Columbia College School of Art and Design

Special Events

• Garden Party with P. Allen Smith. Saturday, January 19, 3–4 p.m.

• Signatures: Meet Alpana Singh. Sunday, January 20, 2–3 p.m.

• Signatures: Meet Bill Kurtis. Monday, January 21, 2–3 p.m.

• The Big Night. North Lobby. Monday, January 21. 6–7:30 p.m. Second City alum Richard Laible and the Live Band Karaoke entertain

Power Lunch Seminars

R.S.V.P.s required by January 5, 2008. Call (312) 527-7885 or email shall@mmart.com.

Sunday, January 20

• New Buyer Breakfast. 9–10 a.m. Special presentation from contributor to Gifts & Decorative Accessories, retailer Carol Schroeder

• Turning Your Store into a Lifestyle Destination: Mary Carol Garrity Shares How She Built Her Store into a Retail Wonder. Noon–1 p.m.

Monday, January 21

• How to Build Your Business through Handcrafted Product. Noon–1 p.m.

Tuesday, January 22

• Cozy up with Lake Living. Noon–1 p.m.

Dallas

Total Gift & Home Market

Dallas Furniture Market

Holiday & Home Expo

January 16–22

Intl. Lighting & Accessories Market

Holiday & Home Expo temporaries

January 17–22

F!NDS Temporary Show

Natl. Gourmet Food Show

January 18–21

Dallas Market Center

(800) DAL-MKTS

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Show Producer: Dallas Market Ctr.

Show Hours: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Late hours: 8 p.m., Friday, January 18

Travel Arrangements: Market Travel, (800) DAL-MKTS

Special Features

• The 19th Annual ARTS Awards. Saturday, January 19. The Grand Pavilion at the Trade Mart. Honors leaders in the field and pays tribute to Academy of Achievement award winner, Arlette Baker of Carl's Furniture in Boca Raton, FL. For tickets, contact Sara MacDonald at (214) 655-7635 or smacdonald@dmcmail.com. Ticket prices are $125 for ART members and $150 for non-members.

• KidsWorld opens on the 8th floor of WTC. Friday, January 18. 9 a.m.

• The Gourmet Market 20th anniversary celebration. Friday January 18. 5–7 p.m.

• Grand openings of the new, expanded, remodeled and relocated showrooms: GANZ (TM 2301), The Faith Collection (TM 2050), UcomTrade (TM 2632), Honey & Me (TM 1634), RAZ Imports (WTC 340), Roman (WTC 450), Midwest of Cannon Falls (WTC 407), Reliant Ribbon (IFGC 2F428) and Kel-Toy (IFGC 1F432).

• New Product Gallery. WTC 12th floor

• Shop Late 'til 8. Friday, January 18

• Book Signing. Tracy George of Everyday Blessings. KidsWorld. Sunday, January 20

IFGC Events

• Discovery Tour: Christmas Trees. 9 a.m. Thursday, January 17.

• Live Demonstration: Color/Trend. 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 17.

• Discovery Tour: Best of the Temps. 4:30 p.m. Thursday, January 17.

• Discovery Tour: Trendspotting. 9 a.m. Friday, January 18.

• Discovery Tour: Table Tops. 11 a.m. Friday, January 18, and Sunday, 1 p.m.

• Top 10 Picks – Santas/Ornaments.

11:30 a.m. Friday, January 18.

• Top 10 Picks – Stems/Pre-Mades. 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 18.• Discovery Tour: Merchandising. 9 a.m. Saturday, January 19.

• Top 10 Picks – Wall Decor/Wreaths. 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 19.

• Live Demonstration – Decorative Accessories/Holiday Fun. 4 p.m. Saturday, January 19.

Seminars

Thursday, January 17

• From Terrible Twos to Terrific Tweens: Marketing to Kids. 9 a.m. Presenter: Mary Liz Curtin

• American Floral Trends Forecast 2008–2009. Noon. Presenter: Talmadge McLaurin. $5, includes lunch

• Retail by Design – A Blueprint to 'Eventing' Success. 3 p.m. Presenter: Melissa Haberstroh, contributor to Gifts & Decorative Accessories

Friday, January 18

• Explode Your Sales – How to Get the Maximun Bang from Your Marketing Bucks. 8 a.m. Presenter: Bob Negen

• Find More Customers, Keep More Customers. 9 a.m. Presenter: Marsha Horne

• Retail by Design – A Blueprint to Cross-Merchandising Success. Noon. Presenter: Melissa Haberstroh, contributor to Gifts & Decorative Accessories. $5 box lunch available.

• Noel on the Edge. Noon. Presenter: Gerald Toh. $5, includes lunch

• Keynote address “Behind Design” by Barry Dixon. 4 p.m. Why designers do what they do.

• Designs that Transition from Harvest to Holiday. 5 p.m. Presenter: Matt Wood

Saturday, January 19

• How to Successfully Incorporate Antiques in Modern Interiors. 9 a.m. Presenter: Barry Dixon.

• Williamsburg for All Seasons. 10 a.m. Presenters: Cindy Cragg and Brad Schmidt

• A Williamsburg Christmas. Noon. Presenters: Cindy Cragg and Brad Schmidt. $10 includes tavern lunch.

• Money Grows on Trees: Christmas Trees. 2 p.m. Presenter: J. Schwanke

• Hot Trends and Timeless Traditions: What's Selling, Who's Buying and Where are They Shopping. 3 p.m. Presenter: Mary Liz Curtin

Sunday, January 20

• Highly Effective Low Cost Marketing Strategies.9 a.m. Presenter: Debbie Allen.

• Who Let the Dogs Out. 11 a.m. Presenter: Mary Liz Curtin.

• The Royal Chef. 2 p.m. Keynote speaker: Darren McGrady, Princess Diana's former chef.

Monday, January 21

• Close More Sales: Mastering the Retail Sales Cycle.9 a.m. Presenter: Marsha Horne

Los Angeles

California Gift Show

January 18-21

Los Angeles Convention Ctr.

(800) 272-SHOW (7469) or (603) 665-7524

www.californiagiftshow.com

Show Producer: George Little Mgmt., a dmg world media company

Show Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Travel Arrangements: Group Travel Associates, (805) 496-1251 or (888) 524-7285; www.gtameetings.com

Special Features

• A “lifestyle-inspired” layout

• New show floor venue, “The Platform,” for complimentary programs is designed for an audience on-the-go and provides an open format for live programs, allowing attendees to come and go at will. South Hall at the rear of the 2600 aisle.

Special Events

• Live Onstage: “LA Trend Report.” 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 19. Moderator: Liezel Munez-Gunn.

• “Hollywood Red Carpet” party. Saturday, January 19. 6 p.m.

• Product Theater: “FLAUNT.” Fashion, dance and products from around the world choreographed by Danny Teeson. Noon and 3 p.m., Friday–Sunday, January 18–20, and noon, Monday, January 21.

Seminars

Friday, January 18

• Find 'Em, Hire 'Em and Keep 'Em. 10 a.m. Presenter: Rick Segel

• The Why of the Buy — Why we buy what we buy. 1:30 p.m. Presenter: Rick Segel

Saturday, January 19

• Visual Merchandising for the Artistically Challenged and Financially Deprived. 10 a.m. Presenter: Rick Segel

Sunday, January 20

• Spring Into Summer Gift Baskets. 10 a.m. Presenter: Shirley Frazier.

• Wrapping Up Higher Sales in Your Store. 1:30 p.m. Presenter: Shirley Frazier.

CMC Gift & Home Market

January 15-21

California Market Ctr.

(213) 630-3683

www.californiamarketcenter.com

Show Producer: California Market Ctr.

Show Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Special Features

• New collections debuting at CMC: Precious Moments, Sandylion, Sanrio, Transpac, Random House, DM Merchandise, Crabtree and Evelyn, Brighton, Fiesta Plush, Avanti, Decorative Arts and Raz Imports.

• Country Corner features country product, handmade crafts and collectibles.

Gift & Home Furnishings Market at the L.A. Mart

January 15-21

Temporaries at L.A. Mart

January 18-21

The L.A. Mart

(213) 763-5800 or (800) 526-2784

www.lamart.com

Show Producer: Merchandise Mart Properties (MMPI)

Show Hours: January 15–17 and 19–21, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., January 18, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Travel Arrangements: Mart Travel Services, (800) 528-8700 or email marttravel@ttgonline.com

Special Features

• L.A. Mart 50th Anniversary celebration “Fresh At 50” throughout 2008 begins.

• Celebration of redesigned Main Lobby.

• Late Nite Shopping and Lobby Launch Cocktail Reception. Friday, January 18.

Seminars

Tuesday, January 15

• What's New, Now, Up-and-Coming 2008 Gift Basket Trends. 3 p.m. Presenter: Debra Paulk

Friday, January 18

• Trendy Tablescapes That Sell. 3 p.m. Presenter: Krissa Rossbund

Saturday, January 19

• They Won't Look for You in the Yellow Pages Anymore. 9:30 a.m. Presenter: Maria Weiskott, editor-in-chief, Gifts & Decorative Accessories.

Sunday, January 20

• Learning from the Big Boys. 3 p.m. Presenter: Warren Shoulberg

Showroom Seminars/Events

Wednesday, January 16

• How Much Should I Buy? 3 p.m. Presenter: Mort Haas at The Encore Group, suite 600

Thursday, January 17

• How to Turn Ordinary Tables into Works of Art. 3 p.m. Presenter: Olga Tuchscher Krasnoff at Palecek, suite 1048.

Friday, January 18

• Meet Kathy Ireland. 11 a.m. Quadrille, suite 111

Saturday, January 19

• Meet Betty White. 3 p.m. Appearance benefits Morris Animal Fdn. Champagne reception, LA Mart lounge. Presented by Joy to the World Collectibles, suite 551