Apr 30, 2008

Hot Trends to Cool Sustainability, California Gift Show Defines Trends

White Plains, NY – As a leading West Coast trendsetter – from the pop culture of Southern California to the universal health of the planet – the summer edition of the California Gift Show will launch exciting new resource areas including a Sustainable Furniture Council Pavilion, The Vintage Collection division, a ‘Launch’ section for companies new to the market and a ‘Food Focus’ neighborhood. A Green/Sustainable Trend Panel led by actor and environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr., and a new product-centered stageshow – “Postcards from L.A.” – will bump up the market’s cutting-edge ambiance. The Show will take place July 18-21, 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“A full spectrum of opportunities – literally ‘everything under the sun’ – will be available at the California Gift Show this summer,” said Angelia Singleton, show manager. “An exciting array of new products, new features and new sections will be launched, meeting the needs of Show participants on both sides of the aisle. As the resources of more than 300 first-time exhibitors are unveiled, retailers will witness trends in the making at the upcoming market.”

MARKET HIGHLIGHTS
Sustainable Furniture Council Pavilion

In line with its commitment to eco-friendly initiatives, the California Gift Show and the Sustainable Furniture Council will partner to present a Sustainable Furniture Council Pavilion within the At Home division of the Show, presenting manufacturing members of the Council. The Sustainable Furniture Council is a non-profit coalition created to promote sustainable practices among manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

Vintage Collection

The Show’s new Vintage Collection division will feature an impressive gathering of period, antique and one-of-a-kind items appropriate for display as well as resale, offering buyers a unique selection of retro resources from some 20 companies, available for immediate delivery.

‘Launch’ and Boutique Division

‘Launch’ – an area for companies that are new to the market, will round out the Show’s newly redefined Boutique division, bringing together innovative, design-driven products from across the gift spectrum. Designed to showcase innovative artisans in their first appearance at a wholesale market, ‘Launch’ will be a source of fresh concepts and creative designs.

The revitalized Boutique division will feature a stylized gallery of juried companies, creating a new lifestyle section at the Show. This upscale division will be an exciting destination where buyers will find trend-forward, innovative, design-driven products across all categories. Boutique will spotlight fun and funky fashion accessories, including jewelry, watches, handbags and belts, as well as home decorative accessories, tabletop and housewares, stationery and personal care products.

‘Food Focus’

Presenting specialty and gourmet food products, a new ‘Food Focus’ neighborhood also will launch within the Gifts Etc. division, showcasing the offerings of some 30 participating exhibitors.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Green/Sustainable Trend Panel
Leading the Show’s program line-up will be a cutting-edge Green/Sustainable Trend Panel led by actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. Begley, who serves on the boards of numerous environmental organizations and has earned awards from many others, currently lives near Los Angeles in a self-sufficient home powered by solar energy. He will be joined by a panel of four leading proponents of green retailing and manufacturing practices, including Susan Inglis, executive director, Sustainable Furniture Council.

Flaunt – “Postcards from California”
Reigniting ‘The Platform’ venue at the summer Show will be an all-new edition of Flaunt – “Postcards from California” – an action-packed, fashion-driven stage event bringing product to life and inspiring retailers throughout the Show. “Postcards from California” will consist of four vignettes “framed to create a living postcard from sunny California,” including: ‘Class,’ oozing with high-class elegance, spotlighting more formal, posh furnishings and accessories; ‘Free Spirit,’ an earthy vignette showcasing natural, handmade and eco-friendly product; ‘Urban,’ with a truly funky vibe and L.A. street-style theme, featuring hip, contemporary and edgy fashion; and ‘Chic,’ a glamorous, high-fashion moment showing off the sparkle of L.A.’s nightlife style.

Seminars
Additional informational sessions will address website development, gift baskets and visual merchandising. All programs will be presented at ‘The Platform’ and offered on a complimentary basis to show participants.

RESOURCES

ECO – Earth Conscious Options
ECO – Earth Conscious Options will continue as a category for identifying eco-friendly and fair trade product, as well as the offerings of companies that donate a portion of their proceeds to humanitarian or sustainable causes. ECO exhibitors will be acknowledged in the Show’s directories and onsite booth signage.

‘Handmade in the U.S.A.’
Handcrafted pieces from accomplished makers and artisans will be found throughout the Show, from ceramics to textiles, décor to jewelry and apparel. ‘Handmade in the U.S.A.’ exhibitors also will be acknowledged in the Show’s directories and onsite booth signage.

International
The summer Show will have representation from some 30 countries and nearly 300 first-time participants. Handcrafted and fair-trade items will again be a trademark of the market and in particular the Show’s signature World Style division. Participating countries will include Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, China, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

‘New Product Showcase’
An expanded ‘New Product Showcase’ – launched successfully at the winter market – will feature a comprehensive display of innovative products being introduced at the Show.

Buyer Amenities
An Internet Lounge and a Buyer Lounge also will be located on the showfloor for the convenience of buyers.

The semi-annual California Gift Show is managed by GLM, a dmg world media business. The 147th edition will take place Friday, July 18 – Monday, July 21, 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, attracting 22,000 attendees. Some 1,100 exhibitors will participate throughout nine divisions: At Home; Boutique; EX•TRACTS; Fashion Accessories; Gifts, Etc.; Jewelry (Cash & Carry); Resort, Souvenir & Licensing; Stationery & More, The Vintage Collection and World Style.
For exhibitor information, contact Angelia Singleton, show manager, at (213) 430-2356, or at angelia_singleton@glmshows.com. For attendee information, please contact GLM Customer Relations at (800) 272-SHOW (7469) or (603) 665-7524. Additional information and registration are available online at www.californiagiftshow.com.