Feb 1, 2013

Increased Traffic, Positive Industry Feedback Define First Edition of California Gift Show Under Urban Expo Management

As the first edition under Urban Expositions management, the January 25-28, 2013 California Gift Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center generated overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers and exhibitors alike. Reports of brisk business from exhibitors, combined with positive comments on the show’s expanded selection and services from returning and first-time buyers, worked together to create a positive buzz on the show floor.

“When we took ownership in August of 2012, we launched a significant rebuilding process and, as our marketing campaign said, ‘a fresh start’ for the California Gift Show,” explains Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “Based on the feedback we received on the tangible improvements people saw on the show floor and in our service offerings, I feel that we not only met but exceeded our goals and expectations for this first show. I know this momentum will continue to build and it puts us squarely on the path of revitalizing the trade show marketplace for retailers throughout southern California and the surrounding areas.”

On the product side, the January 2013 edition was nearly 30% larger than the summer 2012 edition. The selection included vendors who had decided to return to the show after a long absence and many first-time exhibitors. All companies were featured in the show’s well-established categories – Design LA, Handcrafted, Gifts, Personal Style, World Style, Jewelry Cash & Carry, Vintage and two brand new categories – Boardwalk and Outdoor Living.

“This was the best show in many years,” said Denise DeMont, Service Systems Associates, LA Zoo, Zoo Miami, Pretend City Children’s Museum, noting the improved selection on the show floor.

“The California Gift Show seems to have something for everyone,” added Jose Sepulveda, Director of Retail, Evelyn Hill Inc, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Museum Stores. “The show offered plenty of diverse vendors, displaying wares from common gifts to very unique accent pieces. A good show for any retailer.”

“This year’s show had a wonderful layout with an exceptional product mix,” said Sean Bradley, Tabula Rasa.

In addition to product, retailers were able to take advantage of a full roster of new and improved buyer services. Among them, significant travel savings subsidized by Urban Expositions. To kick off the first show under its management, Urban offered free parking to pre-registered buyers at the Convention Center. Urban Expositions also bought down the rates of already discounted hotels to offer retailers unprecedented room rates in the downtown LA area. In addition, the show featured a significantly expanded buyer education program; goody bag giveaways; special product spotlights on handmade and eco-friendly products; a full range of exhibitor-sponsored show specials; a new “Launching Pad” product preview merchandise display in the lobby to help buyers plan their buying schedule, and more.

In addition, Urban Expositions also worked closely with management of the LA Mart to co-host “LA Gift & Home Market Week.” To maximize convenience for show attendees, the two venues honored each other’s admission badges, produced a joint show directory and provided continuous shuttle service between each location.

Word of the show changes and improvements attracted retailers from thorough Southern California, surrounding states and the nation, with the show experiencing a marked increase over the summer 2012 edition.

Exhibitors throughout the show noticed and commented on the traffic, business and quality of buyer they saw at the 2013 edition.

“We were impressed with the turnout of local and national accounts,” said Mark Reaves, EMI Sportswear. “We’re looking forward to seeing even stronger attendance growth for the summer show.”

“We were pleased with the high level of traffic and quality of attendees walking through the show,” added Jon Bruml, Techstyles. “Urban has created a terrific environment for both the attendees and exhibitors.”

A number of veteran exhibitors were delighted with the noticeable uptick in attendance on the show floor.

“I saw buyers I haven’t seen at the California Gift Show in years plus many new ones,” said Ann Maurice, Ann Maurice.

“I have been doing this show a long time and was amazed at attendance this year,” said Kathy Franz, Ethel & Myrtle. “I always come prepared but had to print out new purchase forms because of all the new accounts I saw.”

“After the Summer 2012 Show we vowed never to come back,” noted Natalie Vlasaty, Spokandy. “But after Urban Expositions took over the California Gift Show, we wanted to give it another try. This show has experienced a 180 degree turnaround. We are totally amazed at how fast the show has changed.”

The next edition of the California Gift Show is scheduled for July 19-22, 2013.

EXHIBITOR/ATTENDEE INFORMATION
Visit www.californiagiftshow.com for the latest show news. For more information on exhibiting, contact Dirk von Gal at 678.370. 0345 or dvongal@urban-expo.com. For information on attending, contact Briana Mackey at 678.831.4573 or bmackey@urban-expo.com or Jhana Jordan at 678.370.0338 or jjordan@urban-expo.com.

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS
Urban Expositions is the largest gift, airport and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 24 shows each year. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional gift events in the nation. Since then, the company has continued to grow through acquisitions and new show development. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Urban Expositions offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/ attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management. For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com or call 800.318.2238