Nov 8, 2013

NY NOW Offers Full Slate of Seminars, Special Events, Displays & Awards In February

Six days of educational seminars, special events, displays and product awards will be offered in connection with the winter 2014 NY NOW™, the Market for Home + Lifestyle, February 1-6, 2014, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal’s Pier 94.

The programming includes expert-led sessions on timely topics such as design and color trends, online retailing and social media, emerging consumer preferences and importing. Industry events and “Only in New York” experiences include the Gift For Life’s Party for Life fundraiser, the 2014 Housewares Design Awards and a “Night on Broadway” featuring Motown: The Musical. Two unique displays – SustainAbility: design for a better world® and Made in USA – will showcase best products in these popular categories, and superlative product design and innovation will be recognized with a series of product awards in ten categories. (NOTE: A full seminar and event schedule is available online at www.nynow.com/programs.)

“NY NOW is more than a shopping destination; it’s a comprehensive experience which includes a vast array of product resources, as well as educational offerings and networking opportunities,” said Christian Falkenberg, NY NOW director and GLM senior vice president. “Over six days this February, market participants will have access to multiple programs presented by thought leaders in home and lifestyle trends, display and design and digital marketing and social media.”

The NY NOW seminar series complements the show’s four new product collections, HANDMADE, HOME, LIFESTYLE and NEW. Details about all winter 2014 NY NOW seminars and special events are available online at www.nynow.com/programs, and advance pricing discounts are in effect through January 28.

The HANDMADE track includes several “Power Hour” retailer sessions offered by CRAFT (Craft Retailers’ Association for Tomorrow) covering social media and content marketing, marketing and advertising. Additionally, as part of GLM’s Artisan Resource™ tradeshow, which runs concurrently with NY NOW, daily “Importing 101” sessions will be presented at Pier 94, February 1-4.

For the HOME track, Tom Mirabile, contributing editor for Pantone View and SVP, Global Trend & Design for Lifetime Brands, will present two trend-focused sessions: “Home + Lifestyle Forecast: Styles + Trends for 2014 + Beyond” on February 2, and “Consumer Preference Forecast: Myths & Realities About Today’s Shoppers” on February 3. A two-part visual merchandising series with display and design expert Paul Thompson also will be hosted by ART (The Creative Home Furnishings Network) on February 1 (store interiors) and February 2 (windows and exterior signage). New York City’s International Furnishings & Design Association (IFDA) presents “What Color Is Your Future? Trends in Color & Design,” on February 3.

In the LIFESTYLE track, the Day Spa Association will present “Opening Doors to the Spa & Wellness Market – Expand Your Revenue!” on February 1 to give vendor tips – from process to price points – on successful spa market sales.

The NEW track presents trends and new ideas in retail technology, online marketing and social media. On February 4, “The Future of Retail – What’s Now? What’s Next?” previews new technologies that are changing buyer behaviors. IR Focus will present two sessions on online retail: “Ready, Set, Grow: 5 Steps to Start Selling Online” on February 3, and “E-Commerce Strategy – From Launch to Long-Term Growth” on February 4. In addition, two first-of-their kind workshops, “Facebook: Live from NY,” will offer hands-on tutorials for crafting a presence in this social media stream.

Market newcomer familiarization sessions will be offered every day, at both NY NOW venues, and at various times. Hosted by Baby & Kids and Giftware News, “NY NOW Orientations” will be held every morning from Saturday through Tuesday, and “NY NOW Newcomers’ Lunch” will be offered on Saturday and Monday. Attendee hospitality functions also include daily “Fresh Start” breakfasts and “Happy Hour” receptions in the NY NOW NEW! collection at Pier 94.

Additional winter market highlights include the Gift For Life 22nd Anniversary “Party for Life” Fundraiser on February 3; the 2014 Housewares Design Awards Gala & Ceremony on February 4; and NY NOW’s popular Night on Broadway, featuring Motown: The Musical, on February 4. NY Market participants are also eligible for complimentary admission to MAD (Museum of Arts and Design) and a 20% shopping discount (on full priced items) at The Store at MAD during Market Week with a winter 2014 badge.

NY NOW will feature three special products displays, including the “Made in USA” display of both handmade and factory-produced American-made products, and the SustainAbility: design for a better world display featuring eco-friendly and socially-responsible gift and home products. A special exhibit previewing products at Pier 94 also will be installed at the Javits Center.

Superlative product design and innovation will be recognized throughout NY NOW with a series of product awards. These include “Best New Product Awards” in several categories: Baby + Child, Personal Care + Wellness, Home Textiles, and Gourmet Products. Once again, popular voting will determine “Best of Home” and “Best of Lifestyle” Awards, as well as Eco Choice Awards. In addition, the Accent on Design® Awards and the Accent on Design Bloggers’ Choice Awards also will return, as will the ASID’s NY Metro Chapter’s “Best of the Best” Awards.

The winter 2014 edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home + Lifestyle, will run Saturday, February 1, through Thursday, February 6, 2014, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Pier 94. NY NOW’s four comprehensive collections – HOME, LIFESTYLE, HANDMADE and NEW! – will encompass 100,000 products in 400+ product categories. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nynow.com.