Thursday, June 21, 2012

Urban Acquires California Gift Show From MMPI

Urban Expositions has announced its acquisition of the California Gift Show from Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI). The management transition will take place following the July 2012 edition of the semi-annual show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The acquisition further solidifies Urban Expositions' plans to revitalize the trade show marketplace for retailers throughout southern California and surrounding areas. 

"We seized the opportunity to buy this show as we felt it could accelerate our efforts to rebuild the southern California gift market's brand as a leading trend, product and style resource," explains Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. "Our original plans to launch a new event in Anaheim were grounded in our firm belief that the timing and market conditions were right to pour significant resources into bringing a fresh, vibrant show to the region's substantial buyer base. We'll be able to accomplish this goal much quicker and better serve the overall marketplace by using those same resources to build upon the foundation of the established California Gift Show and the synergistic opportunities that exist with neighboring permanent showroom buildings." 

Urban Expositions will assume all management duties from MMPI following completion of the July 27-30, 2012 edition. At that time, the company will take over all sales, marketing, operations and other day-to-day duties for the January 25-28, 2013 California Gift Show and all future editions of the semi-annual show. Urban Expositions will work closely with MMPI leading up to the July 2012 event to ensure that a smooth transition of ownership takes place. 

Urban plans to significantly expand the exhibitor base of the California Gift Show -- targeting a Winter 2013 show opening with more than 2,000 domestic and international lines. The popular/destination categories of Kentia Hall — World Style, Jewelry Cash & Carry and Vintage will continue to be a mainstay. Order writing will be expanded to include Design LA, Handcrafted, Gifts, Personal Style (including Spa) and two new categories — Outdoor Living and Boardwalk. Outdoor Living will focus on the casual lifestyle unique to Southern California and Boardwalk will feature souvenir, resort, beach and board sport resources. 

For buyer information, visit urban-expo.com or call 800/318-2238. For exhibitor information, contact sales team members at 800/318-2238: Joan Ulrich at ext. 0336 | julrich@urban-expo.com; Dirk von Gal at ext. 0345 | dvongal@urban-expo.com.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

June's Digital Issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor is Now Available

Welcome to June's digital issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor Magazine.

GGD June CoverThis Month's Featured Content:
 

• What's Trending for Christmas 
• Gift Alerts
• Looking for some Inspiration

• Show of Shows
• An Artisan's Touch
• Beautiful Body
• Everything is Illuminated
• Step on This
• Coo Coo for Chocolate
• Summer Markets
• Baking made Easy
• The Newest Accessory
• The Stars' Favorite Baby Products
• Newsmakers 
• Calendar 
• And More...

New Feature:
Now Viewable on Ipads

Please Note:

GGD Digital requires NO special downloads or applications to view in its entirety.

Please click HERE to begin reading now!

We hope you enjoy this issue and all future digital issues of GGD. Feel free to contact us with your thoughts and feedback at gwnplus@talcott.com.

Sincerely,
The GGD Team

Dallas Market Center Announces New App & Expanded Free Wi-Fi

Dallas Market Center has announced that it has once again furthered its commitment to technology with a new and improved App and an enhanced campus-wide Wi-Fi network to better serve buyers and exhibitors. 

"Business success is becoming increasingly dependent on mobile devices," said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. "Connectivity is crucial to the exchange between buyers and exhibitors. With our new mobile app and enhanced Wi-Fi system, Dallas Market Center is at the forefront of the industry and will continue to be a leader in tradeshow technology." 

The new Dallas Market mobile app is available in the iTunes store for the iPhone and iPad. The update includes live data that can be set to automatically refresh each time the app is opened, so that information can update in real-time. Other new features include: Quick searching, screen rotation, better maps, calendar integration, social media integration and Shuttle and DART rail information. 

Buyers and exhibitors are encouraged to delete the previously downloaded app and add the new Dallas Market App to their mobile devices. Those without a smartphone or tablet can see the App in action at any information booth across campus during Market. 

To support its new mobile initiative, Dallas Market Center has also greatly expanded its free Wi-Fi system. Nearly 300 Wi-Fi access points have been installed along with 10 times the system's original bandwidth, creating a seamless wireless network covering the 5 million square-foot campus.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

GWN's June Insider Digital Magazine is Now Available for Viewing


AmericasMart July Market Is Unmistakably Extraordinique

When the world of wholesale buying and selling comes together at one time and in one place this July the experience can only be AmericasMart and The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and The Atlanta International Area Rug Market. The world's single-largest home, gift, rug and apparel product collection — extraordinary by every measure — plus all the advantages of a unique global marketplace designed for business and built for buying assure retailers from every U.S. state and more than 90 countries an experience beyond comparison. 

Leading the line-up for the July 11-18 (Temporaries July 13-17) home and gift market and the July 12-15 rug market are these signature exclusives: Greatly expanded HOME product resources, continuing the category's rapid growth, including: 


Global Views' new 13,000 square-foot flagship corporate showroom housing its complete line of decorative accessories, lighting, furnishings, wall art, rugs and more on Floor 14 of Building 1. 

HD Home, the epitome of furniture and accessory design, featuring its celebrated juried collection on Floor 1 of Building 1, with a special preview on Thursday, July 12 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. 

Expanding GIFT category resources, including:
The expanded WWRD (Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton) showroom, now featuring a broader and deeper selection of its classic china, crystal and other tableware lines on Floor 9 of Building 2. 


Forty-two new showrooms in Building 2 and Building 2 WestWing 

The newly configured corridor on Floor 7 of Building 2 and Building 2 WestWing, giving buyers added ease and convenience for navigating the campus and finding new product resources.
The inaugural showing of Lovelinks America, a Denmark-based gift and accessories company, in its first-ever showroom on Floor 16 of Building 2. 

The GOURMET collection in Building 2 WestWing, Floor 8 continues growing to meet the consumer demand for housewares and home entertaining options: The eight new exhibitors are a la carte, Art & Cuisine, Bormioli Rocco Glass, Café D Amore, Design Imports, KAF, Nusteel and Sherry Matthews. 

The TEMPORARIES are conveniently located throughout the campus in designated, easily shopped collections. Among the highlights for July: The Made in America collection expands to meet the growing consumer demand for products produced in the United States. A reinvigorated Pampered Pets category helps buyers capitalize on the on the multi-billion dollar pet industry. 

AmericasMart delivers a comprehensive experience of product, education and entertainment during July Market. Among the business building, informational seminars offered to help educate and inspire: 

Interiors Forecast, Fall and Winter, 2013, Friday, July 13 Jamie Thomas, trend forecaster, provides a projection of the design considerations influencing interior décor for both commercial and residential spaces for Fall and Winter, 2013. Thomas keys on consumer behaviors and key drivers like color, materials, hardlines, softlines and lighting. Building 1, Floor 14, Seminar Room, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. 

Design with Personality, with Jillian Harris, Friday, July 13 Join Designer Jillian Harris of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" as she discusses how design trends and experiences relate to creating an interior with personality. Building 1, Floor 14, Seminar Room, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. 

What to Buy in July: Gift Edition, Saturday, July 14 Julie Kenney of The Gifting Experts presents her Top 10 Gift Lists in consumer categories featured at AmericasMart. Building 2 WestWing, Floor 6, Escalator Lobby, 11 a.m.-noon.

Chef Curtis Stone, Cook – Create – Celebrate, Saturday, July 14 Curtis Stone, Chef and Host of Bravo's "Top Chef Masters," shows how to whip up some of his favorite dishes. He emphasizes keeping the process simple. Book sale and signing will follow. Building 2 WestWing, Floor 8, Demonstration Kitchen, 2-3 p.m. (A full list of seminars, events, classes and demonstrations is available online at AmericasMart.com.) 

Highlighting Market, the ICON HONORS 2012 celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 14 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Cocktails will be served at 7 p.m., and the dinner and 2012 Honors Presentation begin at 7:30 p.m. Honors will be presented to home and gift retailers, manufacturers, sales agents and service providers from across the industry. Celebrated American comedian, television and radio personality and author Jeff Foxworthy will take the stage, and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter guitarist Kenny Loggins will step into the AmericasMart spotlight as featured musical entertainer. Purchase tickets and tables at americasmarticonhonors.com.