Mar 27, 2017
Native American Pavilion to debut at 2017 Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show

Further strengthening the broad, deep and diverse product offerings of its Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show, Urban Expositions will launch a Native American Pavilion at the September 13-16, 2017 edition at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Bringing one-of-a-kind designs and other authentic American Indian artisan crafts together with a series of events, displays and daily cultural demonstrations, the newest show floor feature gives attending retailers yet another exciting resource to discover new designs and creative ideas to differentiate their stores.

To ensure that the new Pavilion offers the best possible mix of products and engagement opportunities for retailers and participating Native purveyors alike, Urban has partnered with retail veteran and industry consultant Karen Tryman. With years of successful retail and merchandising experience, including top leadership posts with Yosemite Hospitality, Delaware North Companies Resorts & Parks, Baker Leisure Group, Ogden Entertainment Services and others, Tryman will work closely with Urban’s sales and marketing team to guide exhibit sales and program development for the Pavilion.

“During the show’s retail advisory board meeting last year, Karen suggested that Native American merchandise would be an ideal complement to our growing product mix,” explains Lisa Glosson, vice president |gift & souvenir, Urban Expositions. “Karen’s experience speaks for itself and we are so excited to work with her to bring this idea to life. Her vision, incredible creativity and keen understanding of the specialized needs of and opportunities for retailers, promise to make this a truly exciting addition to our show.”

The new pavilion will bring together the works of Native American artisans and other tribal sources/suppliers across a range of merchandise categories, including jewelry, apparel, artwork, food products, music and health/beauty. Among the Native American vendors already confirmed for the 2017 Pavilion include Rio Grande, Kachina, Taos Drums, Supersmith (pictured), Shima of Najavo, Medicine of the People (pictured), First American Traders, and Shiprock.

“Showcasing the rich heritage of both traditional and contemporary artists, artisans, and business ventures from our First Peoples, this is truly an opportunity for our buyers to explore, make connections, and add value and meaning to their retail operations,” says Tryman.

In addition to identifying and securing vendors from Plains Tribes, the Northwest and other key areas, Tryman is also developing a number of events and programs to further enhance the Pavilion offerings, including:

Spirit of Native America Model Store – Featured on the show floor, this high design model store will showcase merchandise ideas using products from participating Pavilion exhibitors.
Powwow – Daily demonstrations, including music, drumming, jewelry-making, story-telling and more.
Networking Event – An afternoon event inviting buyers and Pavilion exhibitors together to enjoy refreshments and networking on the show floor.

Look for more information on exhibiting tribes, artisans and other Native American Pavilion special events coming soon.