Dec 17, 2025

Great Lakes Gift Show to host industry professional and retail expert Bob Negen

Great Lakes Promotions is set to launch its second Great Lakes Gift Show on March 3-5, 2026, at the Kalamazoo Convention Center located in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The show has grown nationally, and due to increased awareness and a large exhibitor waiting list, the shows owner’s and promoter Eric and Carmela Howard have added additional floor space giving the show a total of 175 exhibitor booths filled with artisans, first-time exhibitors, manufacturer reps and wholesalers showcasing local, regional and national brands and gift lines under one roof. Some of the few products on hand will include: apparel, bath and body, books and publications, cards and stationary, garden , gifts, holiday, home décor, jewelry, made in USA, resort, seasonal, souvenir and novelty, toys and much more.

On March 4, Bob Negen, co-founder of Whizbang! Retail Training, will have two one-hour seminars in the afternoon which will be free to attend for the buyers and guests. Negen is a passionate champion of independent retail. A retailer himself for 19 years, Negen turned his single kite store into an award-winning multi-million-dollar toy store chain. Now, he uses his four decades of retail experience to help store owners and managers learn the business skills they need to compete in today’s hyper-competitive retail world.

To sign up to attend, visit greatlakesgiftshow.com.