NY NOW acquired by Rockview Management Group
Rockview Management Group (RMG), a newly formed entity led by industry veterans Dorothy Belshaw, William Lacey and Karen Olson, announced the acquisition of NY NOW, the wholesale marketplace serving the gift, home, lifestyle and accessories industries, from Emerald Holding, Inc., (Emerald).
Founded more than 100 years ago, NY NOW has long been a cornerstone of the wholesale community, connecting brands and buyers in the heart of New York City. RMG will lead its next chapter, building on this strong foundation and positioning the brand for future growth.
NY NOW takes place twice annually at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, with the next event scheduled for Aug. 2-4
Experienced leadership with deep industry roots
RMG’s decades of industry expertise, modern brand strategy, and operational excellence create a powerful foundation for sustained growth.
- Dorothy Belshaw brings 33 years of experience in the gift and trade show industry, including eight years as show director for NY NOW (formerly the New York International Gift Fair). Her deep customer relationships, operational expertise and industry thought leadership uniquely position her to lead the show’s reinvention.
- William Lacey has more than 30 years of CFO experience, including extensive work in mergers and acquisitions, with a proven ability to rapidly align strategic vision with financial performance and process improvement.
- Karen Olson brings over 28 years of experience in the gift, home and trade show industries. She has led successful brand transformations and data-driven growth initiatives during pivotal transitions, including ownership changes and complex M&A environments.
A new chapter
NY NOW remains one of the most recognized names in the gift industry with a legacy built on discovery, connection and commerce. RMG’s clear vision for the future and focused commitment to customer partnership will strengthen the show’s position as a modern, commercially relevant wholesale marketplace experience that prioritizes quality connections and measurable business results.
“NY NOW has always held a special place in this industry,” said Dorothy Belshaw, co-owner and CEO of Rockview Management Group. “Having spent many years leading this show, I know firsthand the impact it can have when thoughtfully curated and deeply connected to the needs of the industry. We are incredibly excited to honor its legacy while growing it with a relentless focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for brands and buyers alike.”
Looking ahead
RMG’s transformation strategy is focused on strengthening community and buyer engagement while positioning NY NOW as the modern wholesale marketplace for lifestyle, gift and home, a “Must Attend” for the gift industry.
Immediate areas of focus include:
- Expanding the resource offering by adding more established brands
Strengthening exhibitor value by driving relevant and high-quality buyer attendance - Elevating customer experience through collaboration with the Javits Center and on-site service providers
- Reimagining the tradeshow floor to create an efficient and effective experience
- Leveraging data and modern marketing strategies to support growth and engagement
- Building long-term brand equity and industry trust
More details about the Aug. 2-4 event at the Javits Center can be found at nynow.com with exciting new updates to follow.
