Dec 8, 2008

National Stationery Show reveals pre-show report

(NEW YORK, NY) — As North America’s leading marketplace for discovery, education and networking for the social stationery industry, the 63rd annual National Stationery Show (NSS) will prove to be a business essential for more than 14,000 retailers and industry professionals and 1,100 key exhibitors, May 17-20, 2009, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

The social stationery industry’s most comprehensive showcase of new products and resources – with manufacturers presenting their full collections and new product releases – will connect like-minded professionals from all segments of trade seeking new business development, growth and opportunity.

THE MARKET
Trend-specific and business-building seminars, Daily Demos, Retail Roundtables, Best New Product Awards, Passport to Discovery, and the return of the Pen Pavilion will highlight the 63rd annual gathering of industry professionals. The latest designs from internationally-known companies – and an introduction to young entrepreneurs with fresh ideas – will inspire retailers around every corner.

With more than 300 first-time exhibitors, a dynamic Show floor featuring every product category for this niche market, education focused on the latest product and business trends and networking events designed to foster business opportunities, the 2009 NSS will fulfill address the diverse needs of participants. Product categories to be showcased include greeting cards and social stationery, custom invitations, specialty party decor and paper tableware, journals, calendars, bridal accessories, paper crafting and scrapbooking supplies, frames and desk accessories.

“‘Essential’… this is the defining statement of the 2009 National Stationery Show for anyone in the paper business. No other event this year will provide the combination of exciting new companies staging their debut and new product discovery with timely education and business exchange that this market affords, all under one roof. It’s the year’s premier gathering of the right people sharing ideas, seeking connections and conducting business.”
– Patti Stracher, Show Manager

“The National Stationery Show is the single and only venue that brings together all the components of the paper industry. The multitude of new products and ideas that spring from NSS is just one of the many reasons to attend. Not only is this a hotbed for new artists and companies, it is the one venue in our industry that can quickly link young entrepreneurs directly to the business sector.”
– Mike Oleskow, Industry Consultant [May/June 2008 issue of GREETINGS etc.]

MARKET HIGHLIGHTS
International Resources: As a leading marketplace for conducting business on both a domestic and international level, the National Stationery Show will feature the latest products and resources for the worldwide market. Countries represented on the Show floor will include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nepal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand.

The Pen Pavilion
The 4th annual Pen Pavilion will feature dozens of manufacturers of fine writing instruments. Complementing the resources found on the Show floor, the Pen Pavilion will reveal the latest designs and trends in mid market to luxury writing instruments from internationally-recognized brands.

Operation Caring Connection
Entering its third year, “Operation Caring Connection” will return to the National Stationery Show in support of United States soldiers and the United Service Organizations (USO). A program that helps facilitate handwritten communication between troops and their loved ones back home, “Operation Caring Connection” encourages exhibitors to donate greeting cards, stationery, note cards, journals, writing instruments and other stationery products at the close of the Show. Donated product is shipped to the USO, which then distributes the donated items through its Care Package Program to troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and other overseas locations. More than six tons of product has been donated since the program’s inception in 2007. To participate, contact Stephanie Leon-Santiago at stephanie_santiago@glmshows.com.

New Product Display and Awards
The latest products for the industry – including those launching at the 2009 NSS – will be featured in the New Product Display, located in the Crystal Palace lobby. This comprehensive display will offer a first look at products within the categories of desk accessories, lifestyle/specialty gift, luxury, paper craft/scrapbooking, party and social stationery. In addition, eco-friendly products within each of these categories will be featured. The New Product Display serves as the judging arena for the coveted Best New Product Awards, which will be determined by an esteemed group of editors from the leading trade and consumer magazines. The Delegates’ Choice Award, selected by a group of veteran retailers, also will be selected from among the products on display.

PROGRAMS
Trend-focused education in the areas of bridal, “green,” and party will highlight the seminar lineup, with separate demonstrations by seminar presenters and exhibitors complementing these topics. In addition, business-building programs will address promotions, visual merchandising, technology and more.

Back by popular demand, GREETINGS etc. magazine will return with Daily Demos – twice daily from Sunday, May 17, through Tuesday, May 19 – and pre-Show webinars for both new buyers and new exhibitors will answer questions for first-time participants. Daily Retail Roundtables will provide a person-to-person forum for buyers to exchange ideas, great products and other resources found on the exhibit floor.

SPECIAL EVENTS
As the top industry gathering of the year, the National Stationery Show will continue to present an exciting lineup of special events that will foster positive networking and business opportunities among attendees and exhibitors. Such events include the Opening Night Party and the 21st annual International Greeting Card Awards. Additional information and registration will be available online, at www.nationalstationeryshow.com, beginning February 1, 2009.

STAY CONNECTED
Returning after a successful debut in 2008, Stationery Today will once again serve as the official daily publication of the National Stationery Show. Presented by Great American Publishing, publishers of Stationery Trends, Party & Paper Retailer and Museums & More magazines, the Show Daily will feature breaking Show news, program and event details, new product launches, company profiles, trend information and more. To advertise, contact Matt McCallum, publisher, at mmccallum@greatamericanpublish.com.

ONLINE CATALOG GALLERY
The Online Catalog Gallery, which launched in partnership with Whereoware on November 1, 2008, enables buyers to browse exhibitor catalogs online at the product level before, during and after the National Stationery Show. The key benefit to NSS exhibitors is the lead-generating capability, which extends the longevity of their Show investment from four days to a full year.

CROSS MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Cross market opportunities will offer additional benefit to attendees, as the Show is collocated with The Supply Side, an annual exposition featuring suppliers to the social stationery, giftware and graphic arts industries; SURTEX, North America’s premier international trade show for selling and licensing art and design; and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), North America’s singular showcase for contemporary design. A combined 42,000 buyers and 2,800 exhibitors, manufacturers and distributors are anticipated.

PRODUCTS REPRESENTED ON SHOW FLOOR
Greeting cards, social stationery, custom invitations, imprintables, postcards, bridal accessories, personalized products, writing instruments, frames and albums, desk accessories and decorative desk top items, party supplies, paper tableware, gift wrapping and ribbon, journals, calendars, in-store printing equipment and software, computer accessories, small leather goods, stickers and craft supplies, scrapbooks, confections, holiday and seasonal items, retail services products.

PROFILE OF ATTENDEES