Oct 14, 2015

New gourmet section, growing exhibitor roster headline Winter 2016 Windy City Gift Show

Fueled by consistent show-over-show increases in attendee and exhibitor participation, the fifth edition of the Windy City Gift Show is on track to be the largest to date. Held Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2016 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, the show will bring together a selection custom-tailored to the Midwest marketplace, including a new Gourmet category, an increasing number of handcrafted and fair trade offerings and even more of the industry’s top name manufacturers, and the region’s premier sales representatives.

“Momentum is building and the Windy City Gift Show has quickly become a ‘must -attend’ event for Midwest region retailers,” said Dirk von Gal, vice president of gift, Urban Expositions. “They see that it has effectively filled a void in the marketplace – offering a one-stop, cost-effective resource to restock best-sellers and discover fresh new designs that are perfectly aligned with their customers’ interests. This strong retail response is driving vendor interest in the show as evidenced by the growing exhibitor roster. Retailers are definitely going to like what they see here in January.”

Winter 2016 Highlights Include:

New gourmet sector, more artisan, fair trade resources join growing exhibitor base

The winter 2016 show will be a one-stop shop for retailers looking for fresh new products, regional specialties and artisan designs. Headlining the offerings is the new Gourmet section. Featuring diverse food and beverage offerings reflecting popular and regional tastes, the new section brings together the increasing number of gourmet resources that have been joining the show since its launch. This new area joins the show’s other popular sectors, including Gifts, Makers’ Market, and Live In Style. The show floor will feature a number of new, first-time exhibiting companies, as well as growing numbers of Fair Trade and craft resources, too.

Show amenities

Buyers can take advantage of show amenities, including parking reimbursement at the Rosemont Parking Garage, show specials offered by exhibitors such as product discounts, free freight and more. Also, the first 100 stores to arrive on Saturday and Sunday will receive a special tote bag and a list of exhibitors to visit to receive a free gift. Plus, buyers who present their show badge at participating Rosemont area restaurants will receive special dining offers. 

Free educational seminars

Retailers can choose from a range of educational programs on a variety of topics including social media, best-selling products and conservation commerce. Programs includes:

Saturday, January 30 

• Retail Roundtable: The Science and Soul of Best-Sellers

Moderator: Lilly Stamets, Manager of Gift Shops, UCSF Medical Center; founder of Premier Retail Consulting

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Social Media 101

Presented by: Alison Walkley, Social Media Manager, Windy City Gift Show

3 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, January 31

• Can Conservation Drive Your Mission While Driving Sales?

Presented by: Tommy Brown, Retail Manager & Buyer of Conservation Goods, Saint Louis Zoo

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Social Media FAQ

Presented by: Alison Walkley, Social Media Manager, Windy City Gift Show

3 to 4 p.m.

Easy Expresspass registration

Buyers are encouraged to take advantage of the show’s easy online ExpressPass registration. Simply log on to www.windycitygiftshow.com and complete the application to receive the ExpressPass via email to bring to the show and scan with our onsite readers to quickly print out admission  badge(s) upon arrival.

Windy City Gift Show fast facts:

WHEN: Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 2016

WHERE: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018

HOURS: Saturday – Monday | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MORE INFO: www.windycitygiftshow.com or call 800-318-2238