Mar 11, 2016

Rocky Mountain Gift Show wraps up

The 2016 February Rocky Mountain Gift Show held parallel with the Denver Apparel & Accessory Market was held February 26-29, with the permanent showroom pre-show February 24-25. More than 3,500 buyers and guests attended in search for unique product and the ultimate peak experience.

This year offered the pinnacle of success by incorporating over 400 exhibitors in both the permanent showrooms and temp space, including 33 percent new temporary exhibitors with fresh, high quality product. The Rocky Mountain Gift Show integrated events beyond the buying experience. Violin music by David Villano adorned the Terrace Gardens, while temporary exhibitors took advantage of the camplike set up in the expo to play some campfire tunes with a slide guitar and harmonica. The newly titled “Cookies, Cocoa and Conversation” series, brought exhibitors, buyers and guests together for hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies sponsored by the Double Tree Inn, to sideline some amazing educational business seminars from leading speakers Carol Richter, Barbara Wold and Greg Jameson.

The induction of the Made in Colorado Gourmet Showroom, a permanent showroom space with temporary exhibitors, offered delicious individualized merchandise including a range of items from peanut brittle to hand crafted dog treats. The response to this grouping was overwhelmingly positive, and looks to expand for future shows. In accordance with good taste, buyers supported the Wounded Warrior Project by donating $1 for a tasty Margarita poured by the director herself, at “Margaritaville” Happy Hour, Friday and Saturday. The donated profits totaled a $770 contribution. Buyers were also offered a free tasty lunch from the Denver Mart on Friday the 26th for the opening day of temporary exhibits in a new tradition known as “Free Lunch Fridays”.

Finally, the Saturday night appreciation dinner, which is held for all buyers and exhibitors, put on by the Denver Apparel and Accessory Market was an absolute success. Over 600 guests gathered for a delicious dinner and contemporary fashion show. Donated centerpieces were given to a few select lucky winners and all guests engaged in more casual, entertained engagement.

As always, the continuity and cohesive success of the Rocky Mountain Gift Show would not exist without the outstanding efforts of both the staff and exhibitors, and the seamless dedication of the buyers. The Denver Mart is proud to produce such a convenient, cohesive event for the Rocky Mountain region, and looks forward to serving exhibitors and buyers at the Rocky Mountain Gift Show & Apparel Market August 26^th-29^th, Expo Temps 26^th-28^th 2016.