May 3, 2016

Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show expands, moves to Sunday opening in 2016

One of the nation’s largest trade shows for the souvenir industry returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center with an expanded selection and a new Sunday- Wednesday date pattern. Held September 18-21, 2016 in South Hall 3-4, the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show grows by more than 10 percent to bring retailers 1300+ booths filled with the latest introductions from every major and new souvenir/resort supplier.  Special spotlights on Made in America resources, the Hawaii Pavilion, education and networking events round out the extensive offerings.

“Now entering its 11th year, the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Show kicks off the industry’s buying season,” said Donna Guess, vice president, souvenir, Urban Expositions. “From a relaxed, fun atmosphere conducive to the relationship — building that is so important in this sector to an unrivaled selection developed with the unique needs of the resort/destination buyer in mind, this has truly become the can’t miss event for anyone in the business.”

2016 show highlights include:

• Growing Selection: At the September 2016 edition, retailers will be able to explore even more souvenir and resort lines in a wide range of categories, including destination, resort and tourist merchandise, souvenirs, green products, T-shirts, beach items, coastal and nautical, lake, mountain and lodge, ski-themed products, logo products, shell items, giftware, jewelry/fashion accessories, toys/games and more.
• Expanded Made in America Pavilion – Responding to retail demand for more products produced in the USA, the show will feature an expanded Made in America Pavilion.  Making it even easier for retailers to find the product their customers want, the pavilion will showcase resources in a range of categories
• Expanded Hawaii Pavilion – Overwhelmingly positive feedback from its 2015 show debut has led the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) to bring back an expanded Hawaii Pavilion for 2016. Showcasing a versatile range of gift and resort designs in a host of categories from leading Hawaiian manufacturers and artisans, the Hawaii Pavilion will offer attending retailers an ideal way to discover the best the islands have to offer.
• $25 Hotel Rates for Retail Buyers: To help retailers keep those travel costs down, Urban Expositions has bought down already discounted rates to offer hotel rooms for retail buyers starting as low as $25 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. These limited rates are available only to retail buyers who pre-register and attend the show. Show management has also negotiated low rates at other Las Vegas properties as well for buyers and exhibitors.  For rates and to make a reservation, visit www.lvsouvenirshow.com  or call 1-855-246-URBAN.
• Free Educational Opportunities: Retailers are sure to pick up ideas and tips from free programs, including:

  Sunday, September 18

Tour of Trends: Personal Care & Lifestyle Products 2:30-3:30 PM   |   Hosted By: Allan Share, president, Day Spa Association and Patti Biro, Patti Biro and Associates

  Monday, September 19

Credit Card Processing 101: Is Your Business Paying Too Much To Accept Credit Cards 10:30-11:30 AM   |   Hosted By: Frank Bernacke, Business Development, CardConnect

Conservation Seminar & Buying Tour: Can Conservation Commerce Drive Your Mission   while Driving Sales? 1:00-2:00pm   |   Speaker: Tommy Brown, Retail Manager & Buyer, Saint Louis Zoo

• Goody Bag Giveaways: The first 100 buyers to arrive at the show on Sunday, September 18 and Monday, September 19 will receive a special shopping bag filled with free gifts from many of the show’s exhibitors.
• Living Legends Social | Sunday, September 19, 5pm:  Each year the Living Legends Association membership invites show attendees to enjoy a social honoring someone whose contributions have helped the souvenir industry take shape. Look for the honoree announcement coming soon.
• Zoo & Aquarium Buyers Group (ZAG) Networking Events: ZAG will host a variety of networking events for its members, including a special hospitality suite and networking reception on Monday evening, September 19, 2016.  Look for more details coming soon.