Nov 13, 2007

California Gift Show Creates High-Energy Market With Dynamic Programming

White Plains, NY – A full roster of trend-driven, business-building programs and a fun new networking event – “Hollywood Red Carpet” – will inject energy and excitement into the upcoming California Gift Show. With live presentations and an event “aglitter” with LA’s movie culture, the winter line-up will reinvent the conference component of the California Gift Show, January 18-21, 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

An all-new showfloor presentation space, “The Platform” will provide an open format for the Show’s live programs, allowing attendees to come and go at will. Located in the South Hall at the rear of the 2600 aisle, the non-traditional venue is designed for an audience on-the-go, encouraging a free flow of participants.

One of the innovative programs debuting on “The Platform” will be “LA Trend Report,” a cutting-edge trend panel with Liezel Munez-Gunn, West Coast contributing editor of O, The Oprah Magazine, and five of LA’s leading retailers. In addition, “Flaunt” – a twice-daily live ‘Product Theater’ event will complement informational sessions on boosting sales, finding and retaining staff, gift baskets and visual merchandising. For the first time, all onsite programs will be offered on a complimentary basis to all show participants.

On Saturday evening, an onsite party – “Hollywood Red Carpet” – will provide a fun ‘wrap’ to the day. The festivities start at 6:00pm, immediately following the Show.

EVENTS

Live Onstage: “LA Trend Report”

Saturday, January 19, 2008, 1:30pm

A live discussion moderated by Liezel Munez-Gunn, the West Coast contributing editor of “O” The Oprah Magazine, and a panel of five of LA’s leading retail experts including: Elizabeth Cashour and Steve Saden of “Zipper” home decor and gift store (Los Angeles, CA); Jaye Hersh of “Shop Intuition” clothing and accessories store (Los Angeles, CA); Lisa Kline of “Lisa Kline” men’s and women’s clothing and accessories (Los Angeles, CA); Nicole Cardi of “Fred Segal Beauty” personal care and beauty products (Santa Monica, CA); and Diane Merrick of “Diane Merrick’s” apparel, accessories and jewelry boutique (Los Angeles, CA). Find out what’s hot, what’s coming and how trends start.

“Hollywood Red Carpet” Party

Saturday, January 19, 2008, 6:00pm

Lobby: Los Angeles Convention Center

With the buzz and glitter of Hollywood as backdrop, participants will gather for a cocktail party immediately following the Show on Saturday evening. Both exhibitors and attendees are invited to join their colleagues “on the red carpet” to toast the market and the movies! Enjoy complimentary cocktails, music and surprise guests while mingling with friends and making new ones – Hollywood style!

Product Theater: “FLAUNT” choreographed by Danny Teeson

Friday, January 18, 2008, 12:00pm and 3:00pm

Saturday, January 19, 2008, 12:00pm and 3:00pm

Sunday, January 20, 2008, 12:00pm and 3:00pm

Monday: January 21, 2008, 12:00pm only

Fashion, dance and products from around the world will be showcased in this live, interactive production. Live vignettes will put the focus on products in this onstage experience – taking participants on a journey through everything Hollywood!

Danny Teeson, of Bravo TV’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Girl,” also has choreographed artists such as Kylie Minogue, Geri Halliwell, Diana Ross, Gloria Estefan, Usher, Carrie Underwood and Tom Jones.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Find ‘Em, Hire ‘Em and Keep ‘Em

Friday, January 18, 2008, 10:00am

This offbeat, shirtsleeves program will present creative ideas for finding the right staff and non-traditional strategies for creating the kind of environment that will retain them. Led by retail expert Rick Segel, topics to be covered include harnessing the “fun factor” and nurturing loyalty to make your business a place that attracts and keeps good employees.

Rick Segel is an exceptional speaker and also the author of such books as Retail Business Kit for Dummies, the No. 1 selling retail how-to book in the US, and The Essential Online Solution: A Five Step Formula for Small Business Success. He has authored retail assessment surveys for Microsoft, and is the marketing expert for Staples.com.

The Why of the Buy – Why we buy what we buy

Friday, January 18, 2008, 1:30pm

If retailers think that every piece of merchandise has to sell out in two days in order to be a winner, they are mistaken. Every item bought has a purpose; it might improve image, create higher margins or simply be an item that a store must have in stock in order to keep customers from heading to the competition. This program – led by Rick Segal of Rick Segel & Associates – will reveal secrets of how to look at purchases in ways they never have before.

Visual Merchandising for the Artistically Challenged and Financially Deprived

Saturday, January 19, 2008, 10:00am

Visual merchandising is an art form unto itself that can make or break any business, but what do retailers do when they have no talent and less money? This program will help participants improve their visual merchandising capabilities with simple tricks and tactics that aren’t expensive. Rick Segel will show aesthetically-challenged retailers 10 easy-to-execute window designs and 10 reusable props, and help them create an action plan to take away.

Spring Into Summer Gift Baskets

Sunday, January 20, 2008, 10:00am

Knowing how to create gorgeous gift baskets is just one ingredient – storeowners must also know how to promote and price them. Retailers can join Shirley Frazier, author of The Gift Basket Design Book, as she shares tips and techniques on how to design, market and sell gift baskets all year long. Attendees will observe a variety of gift baskets and learn how easy it is to create them.

Barnes & Noble, Hallmark stores, and Macy’s have one thing in common – they call Shirley Frazier to create gift basket displays, train their staff, and conduct special events to raise their market share. Shirley is an award-winning designer and dynamic speaker who’s been featured on CNBC, The Food Network and The Discovery Channel.

Wrapping Up Higher Sales in Your Store

Sunday, January 20, 2008, 1:30pm

Tote bags, cellophane, tissue and ribbon are all retailers need to create dynamic gifts that sell fast and keep consumers returning for more. Gift and gourmet expert Shirley Frazier (Sweet Survival) will present packaging techniques that dazzle customers while saving them time and money.

PRE-SHOW WEBINAR

New Buyer Webinar

Thursday, January 10, 2008, 10:00-11:00am Pacific Time, 1:00-2:00pm Eastern Time

Deadline to Register: January 3, 2008

This New Buyer Orientation webinar for newcomers will provide the retailer with valuable information in advance of the Show. The panel, consisting of a GLM Show manager, a veteran retailer and an experienced exhibitor, will help buyers prepare, learn how to shop the show efficiently and effectively, place orders and follow-up with exhibitors. Participants will use their telephone and computer to partake in this worthwhile workshop and Q&A session. Online registration will be available at californiagiftshow.com/content/showinfo/programs.html, after November 16. Cost: $20.00.

Additional program and event information is available online at californiagiftshow.com. The semi-annual California Gift Show is managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM), a dmg world media company. 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 californiagiftshow.com.