Dec 14, 2016

New director named for National Stationery Show

The National Stationery Show (NSS) has named Kelly P. Bristol show director effective January 1, 2017. Bristol brings nearly two decades of show experience to the role and extensive industry knowledge. She is transitioning into the role following Patti Stracher’s announcement that she would be leaving her position as NSS show director and vice president at the end of the year, a position she held for nearly 25 years.

“Transition is often hard,” said Christopher McCabe, executive vice president, Emerald Expositions. “This time, though” McCabe continued, “we’re so fortunate that Patti and Kelly have worked side-by-side, walking the floor of this show for years, ensuring a transition that will be as close to seamless as possible. We wish Patti the best and offer her gratitude and thanks for her many contributions to the show. With Kelly’s tremendous experience and a fresh outlook, we are very excited for what the future holds for the NSS.”

“This was a difficult decision,” said Stracher. “I love the industry and the National Stationery Show! It will be in excellent hands under Kelly’s direction.  She brings great skill, creativity and passion to the position, and I know her flair will be immediately recognizable this year.”

Bristol has served as the Group Sales Director of the National Stationery Show, and more recently, SURTEX.  She has worked with the NSS for 18 years. Her sales focus has brought her to trade-shows across the globe, working with a wide range of partners and exhibitors, guiding both new, young businesses toward a successful launch and leading established businesses toward continued success.  Prior to her work on the NSS, Kelly was Associate Director, Special Events at amfAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research), where her work included serving as the manager/liaison to Gift for Life, the sole charitable partnership between the gift, home accessory and stationery industries raising funds in support of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and education.

The National Stationery Show will be held May 21-24, 2017 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.