National Stationery Show To Be Held May 20–23, 2012
North America’s most comprehensive showcase of all things paper — from greeting cards, custom invitations, gift wrap and partyware, to journals, frames, writing instruments, decorative desktop and complementary lifestyle gift — will return with the latest trend-setting products from nearly 800 exhibiting companies, May 20-23, 2012, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Some 11,000 buyers from around the world will convene at the National Stationery Show (NSS) for four days of sourcing, buying, networking and discovery of this important and profitable product category.
Perhaps the most intriguing draw of the National Stationery Show is the debut of hundreds of new talents — such as Applesauce Greetings, Flour Pot Cookies, Kookaburra, Plum Paper and Stationery HQ — alongside the industry’s most revered brands, including Anna Griffin, Avanti Press, Caspari, Crane & Co., Envelopments, Papyrus/Recycled Paper Products, and William Arthur. This combination sets the stage for the industry’s most diverse presentation of social stationery and related lifestyle products not found in any other market. Registration is free for qualified buyers through May 4. For more information or to register for the show, visit nationalstationeryshow.com.
Off the Show floor, the National Stationery Show presents excellent opportunities for business education and professional development. The 3rd annual Future Conference — an engaging, two-hour, pre-Show program in a “Ted Talks” format — kicks off the educational component, followed by a seminar series addressing multicultural marketing, color and retailing trends, bridal market insights and more, Sunday through Tuesday.
“Whether an independent stationer, lifestyle gift shop, bookstore, pharmacy, home décor retailer. …, the National Stationery Show presents refreshing, profitable, complementary products in a focused, easy-to-shop format. Plus, the show is filled with clever visual merchandising trends which inspire great ideas to bring back to the store,” says Lynn White, show manager.
Market Highlights include:
The Future Conference – "Social Stationery: What's New, What's Next?" will be held Sunday, May 20, from 8 a.m.—10 a.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 3rd annual Future Conference will take a "TEDTalks" format. Each speaker will offer her perspective on significant forces impacting the social stationery industry: marketing to Generation Y; the intersection of technology and paper; the critical role design plays in product development and consumer impact; and the importance of the web as a promotional outlet. Speakers include: Kelly Ricker, Executive Director of Product Development at American Greetings; Katherine Rosman, Feature Reporter for The Wall Street Journal; Elizabeth Bailey Weil, Owner Paperwheel Press and Head of Culture and Brand ExperienceTwitter, Inc.; and Rachel V. Ivey, VP of Creative & Product Development, Crane & Company. Tickets are available for $75 each through NSS attendee registration atnationalstationeryshow.com.
The Future Conference – "Social Stationery: What's New, What's Next?" will be held Sunday, May 20, from 8 a.m.—10 a.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 3rd annual Future Conference will take a "TEDTalks" format. Each speaker will offer her perspective on significant forces impacting the social stationery industry: marketing to Generation Y; the intersection of technology and paper; the critical role design plays in product development and consumer impact; and the importance of the web as a promotional outlet. Speakers include: Kelly Ricker, Executive Director of Product Development at American Greetings; Katherine Rosman, Feature Reporter for The Wall Street Journal; Elizabeth Bailey Weil, Owner Paperwheel Press and Head of Culture and Brand ExperienceTwitter, Inc.; and Rachel V. Ivey, VP of Creative & Product Development, Crane & Company. Tickets are available for $75 each through NSS attendee registration atnationalstationeryshow.com.
Ascending to the Show entrances on both sides of the Crystal Palace, the Trend Walkwayreveals the latest trend predictions seen through the eyes of leading editors from Martha Stewart Weddings, Stationery Trends, Gift Shop, Gifts & Decorative Accessories, Party and Paper Retailer and Giftware News.
Taking center stage at the 2012 National Stationery Show are the latest product launches from nearly 800 exhibiting companies. Hundreds of products making their debut at the Show will be found in the New Product Display, located in the Crystal Palace Lobby. Product categories are All Things Wedding, Celebrations, Eco-Chic, Lifestyle, Luxury, Paper Style, and The Desktop. The New Product Display also serves as the judging arena for the coveted Best New Product Awards, which will be determined by an esteemed group of editors. Winners will be announced on Sunday, May 20.
Online Catalog Gallery. The Online Catalog Gallery, available for viewing through nationalstationeryshow.com, offers retailers the opportunity to browse exhibitor catalogs before, during and after the National Stationery Show. The page-by-page browse books give retailers a sneak peek at what will be seen on the NSS Show floor. For participating exhibitors, the key benefit of the Online Catalog Gallery is the lead-generating capability, which extends the life of the Show from four days to a full year, including bonus exposure with the automatic connection through the online product search tool. To participate, email Stephanie Leon-Santiago at ssantiago@glmshows.com
A division of the NSS, The Supply Side returns this year with more than 50 industry suppliers, including finishing specialists, die-cutting, die-making, foil/hot stamping, embossing, holography, lamination, packaging/box specialists, converters, paper manufacturers, specialty printing/thermography, production machinery, envelope manufacturers, custom displays/fixturing systems and others. The division will be located in 3E Hall. To register as an attendee, visit nationalstationeryshow.com.
The Supply Side Networking Receptions will be held Monday-Tuesday, May 21-22, 6—7:30 p.m. at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Level 3, Hall E. Suppliers to the social stationery industry exhibiting within The Supply Side division will have dedicated time to connect with NSS exhibitors during The Supply Side Networking Reception, where a casual atmosphere and complimentary refreshments will foster networking among colleagues. Advance registration is not required.
The Supply Side Networking Receptions will be held Monday-Tuesday, May 21-22, 6—7:30 p.m. at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Level 3, Hall E. Suppliers to the social stationery industry exhibiting within The Supply Side division will have dedicated time to connect with NSS exhibitors during The Supply Side Networking Reception, where a casual atmosphere and complimentary refreshments will foster networking among colleagues. Advance registration is not required.
NSS Mobile App. Back by popular demand following the 2011 launch, the NSS mobile app is ready to navigate attendees through the aisles. Designed to help attendees shop the show more efficiently, the mobile app allows users to instantly search for exhibitors or products by name, product line, product category, or description, with results including company names and booth locations. In addition, it provides details about NSS seminars, events and shuttle schedules, as well as the floor plan. The application is compatible with Android, iPhone and Blackberry Torch devices.
“For the gift retailer, in particular, the NSS presents a vast number of exhibitors and products spanning all styles, price points and designs that appeal to a broad audience. This lends itself to a superior buying experience unparalleled to markets with limited focus on this product category. Paper products are in high demand today from a consumer that is oversaturated with electronic communication – and greeting cards and boxed notes, in particular, can retail in almost any store environment,” says Patti Stracher, show general manager.
National Stationery Show Announces Seminar Lineup
From wedding market insights, multicultural marketing advice, and design and color trends, to social media tips and retail strategies for success, the 2012 National Stationery Show (NSS) seminar program will serve as the industry’s foremost opportunity of the year to stay ahead of trends and marketing tactics driving the social stationery business forward. This professional development opportunity coincides with North America’s most comprehensive exhibition of social stationery and related lifestyle product manufacturers, May 20-23, 2012, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
“The programs offered this May have been carefully selected, each offering information that will keep participants’ businesses relevant and thriving,” said Patti Stracher, NSS General Manager. “Insights from successful retailers, trend predictions, and leading edge marketing strategies are vital for growth – and will be delivered in this tactical seminar lineup.”
The 2012 National Stationery Show seminar lineup includes:
Sunday, May 20, 2012
11 a.m.—Noon, Wedding Market Insights. Learn how to tap into the lucrative $161 billion wedding industry by joining Liene Stevens — wedding marketing expert and author of the book, “Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace”— as she discusses the consumer behavior of engaged couples —70 percent of whom are now Millennials — and shares how to use digital media to reach today's brides and grooms. Presented by Liene Stevens, CEO, Splendid Communications
11 a.m.—Noon, Wedding Market Insights. Learn how to tap into the lucrative $161 billion wedding industry by joining Liene Stevens — wedding marketing expert and author of the book, “Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace”— as she discusses the consumer behavior of engaged couples —70 percent of whom are now Millennials — and shares how to use digital media to reach today's brides and grooms. Presented by Liene Stevens, CEO, Splendid Communications
2—3 p.m., Multicultural Marketing. Demographics in the U.S. are changing, and so are your customers. To stay relevant, your store's marketing strategies must change, too. Find out how as David R. Morse — author of the book, “Multicultural Intelligence: Eight Make-or-Break Rules for Marketing to Race, Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation” —explores cultural and societal trends among Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians and the LGBT population, and defines best practices in ethnic marketing and merchandising. Presented by David R. Morse, President and CEO, New American Dimensions
Monday, May 21, 2012
11 a.m.—Noon. Color Trends To Keep Your Eye On. Internationally recognized color expert Leatrice Eiseman, whose latest book looks at “The History of Color in the 21st Century,” will reveal the upcoming year's hottest color trends. Eiseman will provide information to help you make the best and most educated choice of color when purchasing new products, creating eye-catching displays and promotional materials, or updating your store's décor or website.
Presented by Leatrice Eiseman, Director, Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training; and Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute
11 a.m.—Noon. Color Trends To Keep Your Eye On. Internationally recognized color expert Leatrice Eiseman, whose latest book looks at “The History of Color in the 21st Century,” will reveal the upcoming year's hottest color trends. Eiseman will provide information to help you make the best and most educated choice of color when purchasing new products, creating eye-catching displays and promotional materials, or updating your store's décor or website.
Presented by Leatrice Eiseman, Director, Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training; and Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute
2—3 p.m., Top Bloggers Talk Stationery Trends. Today's top stationery bloggers are young, savvy and always have their fingers on the pulse of the market as well as on their computer keyboards. This panel features four of the stationery industry's leading bloggers, who will offer their observations on up-to-the-minute trends in design, typography, innovations, customer-buying habits and more — to help you sell more invitations and stationery products.
Moderated by Sarah Schwartz, Editor, Stationery Trends Panelists: Nole Garey, Founder & Editor, Oh So Beautiful Paper; Kristen Magee, Editor, Paper Crave; Suann Song, Designer & Printer, SIMPLESONG Design, and Proprietor, Fifteen/Eleven; and Lyndsey Wells, Editor, The Stationery Place
Moderated by Sarah Schwartz, Editor, Stationery Trends Panelists: Nole Garey, Founder & Editor, Oh So Beautiful Paper; Kristen Magee, Editor, Paper Crave; Suann Song, Designer & Printer, SIMPLESONG Design, and Proprietor, Fifteen/Eleven; and Lyndsey Wells, Editor, The Stationery Place
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
11 a.m.—Noon, Turning Clicks and Likes Into Store Visits and Sales. Stationery industry veteran and retail web expert Brian Lawrence will share how to draw more visitors to your store's website and Facebook page — and how to turn those clicks and Likes (or connections) into increased business. This enlightening session will cover everything from enhancing the design and effectiveness of your website, to generating loyal customers and referrals through the use of email, blogging and Facebook. Presented by Brian Lawrence, Founder, Local Traffic Builder
11 a.m.—Noon, Turning Clicks and Likes Into Store Visits and Sales. Stationery industry veteran and retail web expert Brian Lawrence will share how to draw more visitors to your store's website and Facebook page — and how to turn those clicks and Likes (or connections) into increased business. This enlightening session will cover everything from enhancing the design and effectiveness of your website, to generating loyal customers and referrals through the use of email, blogging and Facebook. Presented by Brian Lawrence, Founder, Local Traffic Builder
2—3 p.m., Stationery Retailers Share Success Stories. Retailers love hearing what other retailers are doing to be successful, so we've assembled some of the best stationers in the business to share their secrets to success. This panel of sharp, passionate, experienced stationery retailers will talk about their best-selling products, most effective promotions, most creative displays, social-media strategies, and other ways they keep customers coming back and their stores in the black. Moderated by Kathy Krassner, Director of Communications, Greeting Card Association
Seminars are $20 each if purchased by May 4, and $30 is purchased after this date or onsite. Seminar registration is available through NSS attendee registration, atnationalstationeryshow.com.
24th Annual LOUIE Awards Tickets Now Available on GCA Website
Tickets for the 24th Annual LOUIE Awards are now on sale through the Greeting Card Association's website. Members of the industry interested in attending the Awards can purchase tickets online by visiting greetingcard.org and clicking on the gala information button below the LOUIE logo. Ticket prices are $185 per person or $1,850 for a table of ten. The event, which celebrates the "Greatest Cards on Earth!" will take place from 6:30—10:30 p.m. on a new night, Sunday, May 20, at Espace, located at 635 W. 42nd St. in New York City. Complimentary transportation from the National Stationery Show will be provided via shuttle service. The Awards gala, a fun-filled evening of celebration, will feature an exciting display of all of the nominated cards, a dynamic ceremony honoring the finalists and winners, and a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow industry members.
"We are thrilled to present such a creative theme and gala for this year's LOUIE Awards," said Katy Greenspan, Director of Creative Services at Cardstore.com and this year's LOUIE Chair. "The 'fancy circus' theme should lend itself to a fun and festive atmosphere and a wonderful event that celebrates the creativity, originality, and imagination of all of the finalists and winners."
The LOUIE Awards would not be possible without the generous support of this year's sponsors: The United States Postal Service, GLM and the National Stationery Show, American Greetings, Glory Moon, Hallmark Cards, Inc., JAST Company Limited, Bobst Group North America, FREEMAN, and Infinity Foils, Inc. and Universal Engraving, Inc. — UEI Group Companies. Through their financial support, these companies, along with many others, ensure the success of the LOUIEs. To purchase tickets, learn more about the LOUIE Awards, and to see a full list of finalists, visit greetingcard.org.
