Jan 16, 2012

Urban Expositions Blazes New Trail for March 2012 Portland Gift & Accessories Show

Now owned and managed by Urban Expositions, the Portland Gift & Accessories Show will return to the Oregon Convention Center March 3-5, 2012 with an earlier spring date pattern offering retailers the ideal opportunity to get a jump start on the busy Easter, Mother’s Day and summer buying seasons. The latest acquisition is part of the continued western region growth strategy for the Atlanta-based company, Urban Expositions, which purchased the Portland Gift & Accessories Show from Western Exhibitors in late 2011.

“We look forward to building upon the selection and services of this popular event, while holding true to the customer friendly, boutique feel buyers have come to expect in Portland,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions.

Show highlights include:

Expanded Product Selection:
Urban Expositions plans to build upon the solid exhibitor base to bring even more new resources for retailers to explore. Retailers can find a wide range of top-name lines and innovative newcomers featured in six distinct product divisions on the show floor, including Artisans Avenue, Fashion Accessories, Food Focus, Gifts & Collectibles, Jewelry Vault & Cash & Carry and Vintage Collection.

Free Seminar Program:
Buyers are invited to attend the free seminar, How to Fall in Love with the Gift Industry and Our Customers All Over Again on Sunday, March 4 from 10 am – 11:30 am. During this inspiring program, speaker Sue Kirby will invite, delight, and ignite, with tips on effective product displays, customer service, successful event planning, getting free press and community involvement. For complete programming details visit www.portlandgift.com.

Buyer Reception:
During this popular show event, retailers and exhibitors can relax and unwind after the busy show day while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks.

Discounted Hotel Rates:
Buyers can take advantage of hotel savings by contacting Group Travel Associates toll free at 800.821.0339 or visit www.gtameetings.com/pgs_show.shtml for a full roster of hotels and rates.

Buyer Parking Rebate:
Buyers are eligible to receive up to $6.00 in cash reimbursement for show parking when they pre-register. A special parking rebate coupon will be sent by mail along with buyer badges. To receive the rebate, buyers need to present the coupon with show badge, dated parking ticket/receipt and proof of $250.00 in show orders to the show office. Valid one half hour prior to show close– Saturday & Sunday by 4:30 pm and Monday by 3:30 pm.

Show Specials:
Many exhibitors will offer money-saving discounts and specials during the show. A copy of these show specials will be at registration, just inside the entrance to the exhibit hall.

Show Facts:

LOCATION
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland, OR 97232

Getting to the Oregon Convention Center couldn’t be easier. Its central location in the heart of downtown Portland’s Rose Quarter/Lloyd District affords numerous and speedy transportation options– whether traveling by car or taxi, riding the city’s airport-connected TriMet MAX light rail, or often by simply strolling a short distance from your hotel.

SHOW HOURS
Saturday, March 3 – Sunday, March 4 | 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, March 5 | 9 am – 4 pm

MORE INFORMATION
For exhibitor information, contact Kelly McLoughlin at 800.318.2238 or kmcloughlin@urban-expo.com or Jim Walker at 678.370.0360 or jwalker@urban-expo.com or Elisabeth Sherrer at 678.370.0324 or esherrer@urban-expo.com. For buyer information or to pre-register, contact Amanda Berry at 678.370.0329 or aberry@urban-expo.com.

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS
Urban Expositions is the largest gift and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 21 shows each year. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional gift events in the nation. Since then, the company has continued to grow through acquisitions and new show development. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Urban Expositions offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management. For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com.