Market Runup: News About Upcoming Shows
By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 8/27/2008 3:37:00 PM
The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies
Toledo, OH – The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies is scheduled to be held November 6–11 at the Sevierville Events Center, Sevierville, TN. It will be the show’s second year in the new Center and the largest exhibit location in the Smokies with the opening of a third exhibit hall. New merchandise for 2009 will be featured, along with an extensive selection of custom apparel and nearly 200 new exhibiting companies. “Green” exhibits displaying eco-friendly products will be designated by green ribbons.
Highlights include special buyer lodging rates, free parking, complimentary coffee, donuts and deli lunches. There will be thousands of dollars in cash prizes and give-aways on Friday and Saturday, as well as Buyer Gift Bags given away to the first 100 buyers on Friday and ZAG Bags (zoo and aquarium gift bags) given to the first 200 ZAG buyers. Attendees must be present to win all prizes. On Saturday afternoon, complimentary wine and cheese will be available from 2–5 p.m.
Artist Jody Bergsma will be at the show on Friday from noon–5 p.m. At 10 a.m. on Sunday, there will be a drawing for a signed Bergsma original. Also appearing will be award winning authors Carl R Sams II and Jean Stoick, introducing and signing a new children’s book by Robert and Laura Sams. Date to be announced.
Attendees can book rooms for the show at special show rates with the Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort Hotel, connected to the Sevierville Events Center and offering amenities such as restaurants, lounges, waterpark, golf and more. For reservations call (877) 325-WILD. Other lodging choices are available online.
For further show information please call (800) 430-7608 or visit www.iges.us.
2008 Ocean City Resort Gift Expo
Atlanta — The 2008 Ocean City Resort Gift Expo returns to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD, from November 16–19. The show will help coastal and shore community retailers plan their spring and summer resort seasons and allow them to buy last-minute holiday merchandise. With over 450 booths, the show will provide attendees with an extensive selection of themed merchandise, resort apparel, gifts and souvenirs, nautical/coastal items, licensed products, beachwear and more.
Highlights include a goody bag give-away November 16–17 to the first 100 buyers (one per store). Buyers and exhibitors will be able to enjoy free drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the show party at a popular Ocean City nightclub on Monday evening, November 17. Also available will be a free buyer seminar on Sunday, November 16, where Marilyn Nason will share information on promotions and successful ideas for the individual store’s goals.
Off-season hotel rates are available in Ocean City, as well as discounts on accommodations. For travel information please call Connections at (800) 262-9974 or visit www.giftshowhotels.com.
For further show information please call (678) 285-3976 or visit www.urban-expo.com.
China Toy Expo 2008
Shanghai, China — The China Toy Expo, organized by China Toy Association, is set to take place on October 9-11 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The fair will feature more than 1,200 booths of exhibiting manufacturers and factories from all over China. In addition to toys, exhibits will display hobby products and baby articles of all types.
Free shuttle buses will transport visitors from some hotels to and from the Fair daily. Pre-registered visitors will enjoy the following privileges: three-day show admission pass, free copy of show catalogue and regular updates via China Toy Expo 2008 newsletter.
For additional fair details, please go to www.china-toy-expo.com. To pre-register, please visit www.china-toy-expo.com/visitor.
