May 3, 2017

MSA, ZAG form promotional partnership for Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show

The Museum Store Association (MSA) and Zoo and Aquarium Buyers Group (ZAG) have formed a promotional partnership with Urban Expositions to offer their members even more networking, hospitality and travel-saving benefits at the September 13-16, 2017 Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show.

As part of the joint effort, show management Urban Expositions and the two associations will co-host a hospitality suite on show site for all members providing complimentary breakfast each morning. In addition, members of both associations will also be eligible for specially discounted rates on Signature rooms at the Westgate, the show’s host hotel. Other networking and hospitality events are also being explored as well.

“MSA and ZAG have been long-time supporters of our show and we are thrilled to take this involvement to the next level with this joint effort,” said Lisa Glosson, vice president, gift & souvenir, Urban Expositions. “With the new product sectors,  educational/networking and other new initiatives we have in store for the 2017 edition, we know that buyers for zoos, aquariums and museum shops will find even more new ideas and resources than ever before.”

“I am very excited to explore this expanded partnership with our colleagues in MSA,” said Michael Davis, ZAG president and retail sales manager, Cameron Park Zoo, Waco, TX. “Our commonality and our shared circumstances make this a natural fit. I look forward to many future opportunities for members of ZAG and MSA to share our experiences.”

“We are looking forward to exploring even more ways the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show can align with member retailers from both organizations,” added incoming MSA President, Julie Stiner, director of retail operations, The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, PA.

As the largest souvenir show in the nation, the September 2017 edition will welcome a number of new show features. Among them, an ever-expanding show floor selection, including a new Native American Pavilion, expanded Made in America Pavilion and new Gourmet and Boardwalk sectors.  On the networking, educational and entertainment front, retailers are invited to join a special curated Made in America show floor buying tour led by Tommy Brown, retail managers and buyer of conservation goods for the Saint Louis Zoo; a keynote address by Frank Ruggles, former official photographer for the National Park Service; daily happy hours and giveaways; show specials and more.