Las Vegas 2010 Post Show Report
Atlanta, GA – Drawn by a dramatically expanded exhibitor base, industry buzz and show-sponsored hotel rates starting as low as $15.99, buyers from around the country flocked to the September 22-24, 2010 edition of the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Recording a 64% attendance increase over the 2009 show, the fifth annual edition generated overwhelmingly positive feedback from retailers and exhibitors who were delighted with the show’s expanded product depth and breadth, steady booth traffic and brisk business.
“For the past two years, the show has experienced back-to-back 60-plus percent attendance increases. From our expanded exhibitor roster to the quality retailers who came ready to do business, there is little question that this is now the ‘must attend’ national event for the souvenir and resort gift industry,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “Based on feedback we received during the show from our retail advisory board members, as well as countless other retailers who told us they just didn’t have enough time to complete appointments and also explore the show floor for new resources, we will be expanding the show from three to four days for 2011.”
More than 50% larger that the 2009 show, the Fall 2010 edition brought together the newest introductions from 600-plus industry leaders showcasing destination, resort and tourist merchandise, souvenirs, t-shirts, beach items, coastal and nautical, lake, mountain and lodge, ski-themed products, destination, logo products, shell items, giftware, jewelry/fashion accessories, toys/games and more.
“We had a fabulous show. Virtually all of the national buyers we know and work with were here. This has become the nation’s souvenir show that no one can miss,” said Skip Smith, Smith Western. “Many of our major buyers told us they felt squeezed for time to cover the tremendous selection so we’re thrilled with the decision to add another day to the show.”
“The momentum is definitely building for this show. We saw even more quality buyers this year than last year, including more retailers from the Canadian market,” added Andy Storrs, A.T. Storrs Ltd. “Unlike broader gift events, this show is focused on our specific souvenir/resort industry -attracting the right retailers for our business. So every buyer who walks in our booth is a potential new customer.”
“We’re pleased with the way this show has grown,” adds Jake Schep, Dutch American Import Company. “The product mix is ideal and the key accounts were here.”
“A show needs four to five years to come into its own and this one has arrived,” noted Rob Helbig, Smith Novelty. “The timing is good, the location is perfect and this year was an exceptional event for us. Show management continues to listen to suggestions from exhibitors and buyers about enhancing the show offerings and I think it will continue to strengthen and grow.”
Retailers from around the country were delighted with the show’s offerings and services. Further strengthening the growing buyer base, Urban Expositions worked with leading industry associations like the National Association of Retailer Buyers (NARB), the Zoo & Aquarium Buyers Group (ZAG) the Museum Store Association (MSA) and the Souvenir Wholesale Distributors Association (SWDA) to host networking events for their members throughout the show.
“This was a surprisingly strong show,” said Cliff Harrison, St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, MO. “I found a number of brand new vendors to work with and that’s what a show is all about. I’m usually happy to find one new resource at a show, but I found three at this event. I was very impressed.”
“We will definitely be back next year,” said Jim Norris, Island Companies, Cayman Islands. “It was certainly worth the trip to come here. This is a phenomenal show that brings countless resources — including companies I haven’t found at other shows — together under one roof.”
“To our surprise, the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show was much more than its name implies,” added Stephanie Fridge, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC.
The next edition will be held September 20-23, 2011, in North Hall 3 & 4 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Urban Expositions management team is already working on programs and promotions to ensure the show’s continued growth and success. Urban will continue to invest a significant part of the show’s marketing budget to buy down hotel rates and quality properties to once again offer rates starting in the $15-$20 dollar range. In addition to the new four-day date pattern, Urban will also look to continue to expand the show’s product depth in a number of categories identified by retailers, including more hat/fashion accessory items, licensed collegiate products, handmade jewelry and other souvenir/resort niche items.
Exhibitor/Attendee Information
For exhibitor information, contact Lisa Glosson, Urban Expositions, 1690 Roberts Blvd, NW, Suite 111, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Phone -678.285.3976, fax – 678.285.7469, email: lglosson@urban-expo.com. For show information or to pre-register, attendees contact Cece Lee at clee@urban-expo.com or Jhana Jordan at jjordan@urban-expo.com or call 800.318.2238 or visit www.lvsouvenirshow.com.
