Dec 3, 2007

Artisan-Focused Seminar to Benefit Buyers at Beckman’s this January

Chicago – Buyers attending the Beckman’s Handcrafted Gift Show can take advantage of a Power Lunch seminar with a handcrafted and artisan focus on Monday, January 21, 2008 from noon to 1 p.m. The seminar, titled “How to Build Your Business through Handcrafted Product,” will be presented by Country Business editor Susan Wagner and will address the retailing needs of Beckman’s attendees.

“Retailers of handcrafted, artisan products have unique opportunities that they can take advantage of,” says Ann Fruland, director of marketing for The Chicago Market: Living and Giving. “This seminar will discuss techniques for making the most of these products, to help retailers achieve the biggest possible impact on their stores. Because handcrafted products will be top-of-mind for buyers at the Beckman’s Handcrafted Gift Show, it’s the perfect opportunity to attend an information-packed seminar on the topic.”

Following the seminar, Country Business will recognize the recipients of the Retailer and Vendor of The Year Awards with a champagne toast. Complimentary lunch will be served during the seminar.

In addition to the Retailer and Vendor of the Year Awards, The Chicago Market will also host the Next Generation Competition, as students from the Columbia College School of Art and Design create and display products for the market. Judges include ASID IL President-elect Hilary Sopata, Chicago Home magazine editor Jan Parr, Home Decor Buyer magazine editor Jim Carper and Chicago-based designer Mick Santiago.

Beckman’s Handcrafted Gift Show, the renowned brand of shows for handcrafted and artisan products, runs exclusively during The Chicago Market: Living and Giving from Saturday, January 19 through Tuesday, January 22.

For more information, please visit beckmans.com.

The Chicago Market: Living and Giving is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI).

Beckman’s Handcrafted Gift Show is a registered trademark of MMPI.

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.