Sep 22, 2017

New product sectors, features draw industry’s top buyers to September ’17 edition of Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show

From top concessionaires, museums, and zoos to destination retailers and other specialty stores, buyers from across the nation flocked  the Las Vegas Convention Center for the September 13 – 16, 2017 edition of the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show. Bringing together more than 1300 booths, 150+ new exhibitors, expanded networking opportunities and 3 new product sectors – the show continues to secure its position as the souvenir industry’s most productive meeting place.

“This show truly gives souvenir/resort buyers a one-stop shopping experience,” explains Lisa Glosson, vice president, gift/souvenir, Urban Expositions. “In addition to the selection of customizable products and latest introductions, our team worked hard to make this show not only great for purchasing, but also a hospitable trade show experience. With the introduction of new pavilions and an expanded schedule of events – we pride ourselves on meeting the needs of both our buyers and exhibitors and will continue to do so in the coming years.”

Headlining the new 2017 features, the show’s Native American Pavilion, Gourmet and Boardwalk sectors gave retailers even more resources and merchandising ideas to help differentiate their stores.

The Native American selection was a hit with buyers looking for one-of-a-kind designs and authentic American Indian artisan crafts. The new pavilion also hosted a number of events and daily cultural demonstrations, including Native American jewelry-making demonstrations by Ed Smith of First American Traders, hand-beading demonstrations by Autumn Shotridge of Shotridge Studios, dream catcher demonstration and musical/story-telling performance by Rose Red Elk, Red Elk Enterprises, international performing arts entertainer known by her Native American traditional and stage name, Red Feather Woman.

The pavilion also hosted a special networking event and silent auction sponsored by Pendleton on Thursday, September 14. Industry members had the chance to bid on products and travel packages donated from exhibitors and concessionaires and all proceeds benefited the American Indian College Fund.

“The new Native American Pavilion is a great addition to the show’s growing selection, offering the perfect keepsakes and collectibles for the park,” said Rhonda Dudly, DNC Yellowstone General Store, Bozeman, MT.

Putting a special spotlight on the show’s growing selection – buyers were given the opportunity to vote on their favorite product offerings. Urban Expositions presented Madd Capp (left) with the Best New Product award and Rio Grande Wholesale from the new Native American Pavilion with the Best Booth Award (below).

“Urban Expositions makes everything seamless for us to attend the show,” explains Chris Lake, SSA, Denver, CO. “We don’t have to worry about anything except seeking out new vendors and meeting with the leading manufacturers in the tourist industry. This show is the perfect place to accomplish both!”

“The Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show is the number one show for our company to see all the vendors under one roof,” said Brad Hill, Evelyn Hill Inc., NY. “The show is early enough to have custom merchandise at the beginning of the season.”

“This was my first time attending and I think it’s a great show for fellow Millennials to see what’s trending ,” added Brianna Watkins, Rockin’ Rudy’s, Missoula, MT.“

In addition to the growing product selection, the show also offered a number of educational programs including a Keynote Address and book signing event led by Former Official Photographer for the National Park Service, Frank Ruggles; a session presented by Diane Sulg of CRAFT on “How To Jump Start Sales With Made In American Products; and a curated Made In America Show Floor Tour led by Tommy Brown, Retail Manager & Buyer of Conservation Goods for the Saint Louis Zoo.

Retailers also enjoyed a variety of networking events and show hospitality, including cookie socials, afternoon popcorn, goody bag and gift basket giveaways, daily exhibitor-sponsored happy hour events, the Living Legends Association event honoring Jim Sherwood of Lone Rock with the Golden Lily Award, ZAG reception and more.

“This is a very important show for us and the only one we go to,” said Monica Jones, JP Retail Management, Chandler, AZ. “We always find a number of new lines and product introductions to bring back to our store.”

The 2017 edition received solid feedback from exhibitors pleased with the quality of buyers and connections made throughout show.

“This is THE show if you want to make the very best connections in the souvenir and resort industry,” explains Chris Molak, Rhode Island Novelty, Fall River, MA. “This show has gotten me into the doors of a lot of companies I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. I’m thrilled!”

“The Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show is the perfect meeting place for my regular buyers to come shop,” said Michael Feel, The Jonsteen Company, McKinleyville, CA. “But I’m also very excited about all of the new contacts and orders made during this show. Quality connections!”

“We are very happy with the orders written at the show, but it just gets even better post-show with orders streaming in,” explains John Gallagher, Maple Landmark Woodcraft, Middlebury, VT.

The next edition of the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show will be held September 25-28, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information call 800.318.2238 or visit www.lvsouvenirshow.com.