Southeast Shows Have Regional Flair
Regional markets allow buyers to shop closer to home.
Edited by Matthew Kalash -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 5/1/2001
ORLANDOThe Florida International Gift Show, at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center July 28–31, will present more than 600 booths of brand name lines and new introductions in gifts, home furnishings, stationery, tabletop, and many other product categories. The show has been scheduled to give retailers the chance to get a jump on their holiday buying and to restock for the tourist season. Complementing the Florida International Gift Show, the Jewelry and Fashion Accessories Expo will run concurrently, providing delivery to the trade only.
This summer's show will also feature free gift basket design school sessions. Buyers are invited to join Jeanne Gates and Don Morley of QCU One-Stop Wholesale for two business-building educational seminars: "Quick Baskets = Quick Profits," July 28; and "Gifts for a Reason Have No Season," July 30. Both sessions will take place from 1–2 p.m. in the exhibit hall seminar area.
The Florida International Gift Show will offer a number of buyer amenities, including specially priced tickets for Orlando's Disney theme parks, available by filling out and returning the special advance purchase tickets form. To receive the form, call Urban Expositions at (678) 285-3976. In addition, travel discounts are available through Connections at (800) 262-9974, and buyers can pre-register and receive admission badges and a special pre-show planner online or by calling Urban Expositions.
SHOW INFO
Hours: July 28–30, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; July 31, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Address: Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819
Call: (678) 285-3976
MIAMIAccording to show producer Urban Expositions, the Miami International Gift and Decorative Accessories Show will give its buying audience more products to choose from than ever before. The show, which takes place August 25–28 in the permanent showrooms of the Miami International Merchandise Mart, will offer everything from high-end gifts and home accessories to fashion accessories and apparel. In addition, more than 500 temporary exhibits will be featured in the adjacent Radisson Center Exhibit Hall, including a resort merchandise component that will showcase a wide range of coastal, nautical, resort gift, souvenir, and beachwear items.
Registered buyers are invited to attend a free gift basket design school seminar, "Gifts for a Reason Have No Season," presented by Jeanne Gates and Don Morley of QCU One-Stop Wholesale, Sunday, August 26, from 1–2 p.m. The program encourages retailers to use gift baskets to develop shippable arrangements that encourage repeat business, as well as fund-raising gift baskets for civic and social clubs.
Buyer amenities include special discounted hotel accommodations through Connections at (800) 262-9974. Buyers can also pre-register for the show and receive their admission badges and a special pre-show planner by visiting the Urban Expositions Web site or by calling (678) 285-3976.
SHOW INFO
Hours: August 25–27, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; August 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Address: 777 NW 72nd Ave., Miami 33126
Call: (770) 952-6444
CHARLOTTEThe Charlotte Merchandise Mart will once again host summer shows in June and September this year. The Charlotte Gift and Jewelry Show, June 22–25, features some 400 booths of temporary exhibitors, in addition to the Mart's permanent showrooms. Products on display will include gifts, crafts, gourmet, candles, collectibles, and jewelry designs in gold, silver, diamonds, and fashion gems, as well as fashion watches.
The late summer Charlotte Gift and Jewelry Show, September 8–10, will be presented in conjunction with the annual National Motor-sports Merchandise Show, which features racing memorabilia, as well as gifts and souvenirs from NASCAR, Mattel, and Action Performance.
These events, produced by Mahone Associates of Charlotte, are expected to draw some 5,000 buyers to the Merchandise Mart this summer. Buyer amenities for the shows include free parking, shuttle service, and on-site food service.
SHOW INFO
Hours: June 23–24, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; June 25, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; September 8–10, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Address: 2500 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205
Call: (704) 377-5881
