Apr 1, 2013

Make a Splash: Fort Lauderdale Gift Show Returns August 24-27, 2013

Returning August 24-27, 2013 for its sixth edition at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, the Fort Lauderdale Gift Show is making a splash among South Florida and Caribbean retailers because of its cost-effective, easily accessible all category product selection.

“The Fort Lauderdale Gift Show continues to make a positive impression as an affordable fly-in or drive-in tradeshow destination for South Florida and Caribbean retailers,” says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “The show’s timing, growing exhibitor base and reputation as a solid product resource make it a great opportunity to shop, restock and truly liven up their merchandise assortment before the busy season.”

Featuring hundreds of lines of gift products, the Fort Lauderdale Gift Show will showcase new lines and popular best-sellers in virtually every category, including: general giftware; greeting cards, paper goods and social stationery; destination, resort and tourist merchandise; shell items; jewelry and fashion accessories; toys and games; decorative accessories; tabletop; logo products; gourmet products; garden gifts and much more. The show will also feature a special section of jewelry and fashion accessories available for immediate delivery to the trade.

In addition to product, retailers attending the August 2013 Fort Lauderdale Gift Show will also be able to take advantage of free seminars, as well as a number of special buyer incentives.

Show Highlights include:

BUYER EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS
The August edition will feature a top notch educational program where retailers can learn low budget, high impact ideas to boost their profits. All registered buyers are invited to attend these free sessions. Programs include:

Saturday, August 24, 2013
Falling in Love with Brands – Branding 101
1:00 – 2:00 pm | Presented By: Kerry Szymanski, President, Fashion Expertise

Learn techniques in retail that will help you attract new customers while retaining your existing customers depending upon their relationship with your brand. This seminar looks at the correlation between time and loyalty – what works in romantic relationships will work in building loyalty among your customers. Learn how to attract new customers with “Love at First Sight” strategies, how to keep your customers “Engaged” and “Married” to your company as well as ways to avoid customers having an “Affair” and “Divorcing” your brand.

Social Media Marketing – The Basics
3:00 – 4:00 pm | Presented By: Kerry Szymanski, President, Fashion Expertise

Learn about the fundamentals of Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Pinterest and how they can help improve your business. Understand how consistent and engaging messages can increase your customer’s loyalty to your brand. We’ll provide you with a basic understanding of each of these platforms and give you tips about how to effectively promote your business.

Sunday, August 25, 2013
Supercharge Your Email Marketing Campaign for Maximum Sales Impact
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Presented by Patricia Norins, publisher, Gift Shop Magazine and Green Retailer

Patricia Norins of GIFT SHOP Magazine will share powerful email strategies to help you drive more traffic and sales to your website and store. In this fast-paced session, you will learn the secrets to building a robust email list, determine best practices for how often to email your customers, learn how to design your email to improve click through rates and sales, and much more!

SUPER SUNDAY SPECIALS
Many exhibitors will be offering additional savings on show orders placed on Sunday, August 25.

FREE FREIGHT MONDAY
A number of exhibitors will also be offering free freight on orders placed during the show on Monday, August 26.

SHOW HOURS:
Saturday, August 24: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday, August 25: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Monday, August 26: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday, August 27: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Buy More. Spend Less. Stay Local.
Urban Expositions has negotiated discounted hotel rates in the Fort Lauderdale area for added attendee convenience. Retailers can take advantage of these low rates by contacting Urban Expositions Official Housing Company, Connections at 855.246.URBAN (8722) or by visiting the travel section of the show site, www.ftlauderdalegiftshow.com

BUYER INFORMATION
For buyer information or to pre-register, visit www.ftlauderdalegiftshow.com or call Buyer Relations Representative Cece Lee at 678.370.0332 or toll free 1.800.318.2238 x 0332 or email: clee@urban-expo.com

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION:
For exhibitor information on the Fort Lauderdale Gift Show, contact Urban Expositions show director Erica Davidson at 678.370.0347 or edavidson@urban-expo.com.

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS
Urban Expositions is the largest gift, airport and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of—I think we’re going with 28 now – check with Bonnie/Jennifer shows each year. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional gift events in the nation. Since then, the company has continued to grow through acquisitions and new show development. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Urban Expositions offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/ attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management. For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com or call 800.318.2238