Apr 1, 2013

See What’s Trending in Seattle August 17-20, 2013

As the Pacific Northwest’s launching pad for breaking trends and product introductions, the August 17-20, 2013 Seattle Gift Show returns to its traditional Saturday-Tuesday date pattern with a new Made In the USA pavilion and a growing exhibitor roster. Held at the Washington State Convention Center, the summer edition will bring even more top name lines and emerging companies together with a host of time and money-saving buyer services to help retailers create a trend-driven merchandise assortment custom-tailored to the needs and interests of the region’s consumer audience.

“The Seattle Gift Show has always been a resource for creative, unique, American-made items. Now, we are taking the selection to the next level by creating and promoting a special section dedicated exclusively to this important category,” explains Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “And with a wide range of buyer services available- from discounted hotels, free seminars, exhibitor show specials and more, retailers will find everything they need in a cost-effective, comprehensive environment.”

The new Made In the USA Pavilion is designed to offer retailers a convenient resource for discovering the quality, American-made gifts and accessories consumers are increasingly looking for today. According to Federal Trade Commission regulations, a product has to be “all or virtually all” produced in the United States to use the “Made in America” qualification on its packaging or advertising. To qualify for the Seattle Gift Show Made in America pavilion, products must be constructed in the US from a minimum 70 percent or more domestically produced product. The all-category selection will include Tableware, Jewelry/Fashion Accessories, Folk Art, Pottery, Candles, Furniture, Garden Décor, Textiles, Gourmet Foods, Stationery, Personal accessories and much more

Other summer show highlights include:

MORE ECO FRIENDLY | GREEN BY DESIGN RESOURCES – The Pacific Northwest has long been a leader in the effort to increase awareness of environmental issues, with the city of Seattle leading this charge. Like the city itself, the Seattle Gift Show continues to focus on bringing together green and eco-friendly products and resources and the August edition will welcome even more green companies to its growing ranks. Exhibitors with products that fall under the green, sustainable, organic and recycled category will be listed in a special ECO listing on the website and in the official show directory to help retailers quickly and easily identify these companies.

EXPANDED SELECTION
Retailers can explore more resources than ever before from hundreds of companies representing more than 3,000 plus top name lines and innovative newcomers in a range of categories. In addition to Eco-Friendly resources, buyers can explore the latest designs all conveniently categorized into the following sectors on the show floor: Food Focus, Gifts & Collectibles, Handcrafted, Made in the USA, Home & Garden, Northwest Directions, Personal Style, Treasures To Go (Cash & Carry), Vintage Collection and Village Arts.

REE BUYER SEMINARS
All registered buyers are invited to attend free educational seminars offering a wealth of ideas and tips. Programs will range from social media and customer recognition to marketing and more.

Saturday, August 17

Get in with the Pin-Crowd! Using Pinterest to Grow Your Business and Connect With Your Customers
Presenter: Patti Brio, principal, Patti Brio and Associates
1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Are your customers” pinning”? If your customers are primarily female, shop at stores like West Elm, Whole Foods and Nordstrom, they are probably part of Pinterest’s 11.6 million registered participants. Pinterest drives more traffic than Google+, LinkedIn and MySpace combined. So can you use it for marketing? You bet! The visual nature of retail products, displays and shoppers makes Pinterest the perfect vehicle to connect with your customers. This class will take you through the basics of using Pinterest for marketing and will have you connecting with your customers in a visual and social conversation that produces benefits. Brand identity, customer loyalty and retention? It’s all possible with Pinterest!

Real Americana: How to Build, Market and Sell Your Made in the USA Assortment
Presenter: Chris Lake, Retail Director, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Learn how to not only build a winning collection of Made in the USA product, but also how to market, display and sell those products to your customers. Learn how classification and interpretive messaging can help sell even more!

Sunday, August 18

Retail Store Design: Creating An Inviting Space That Drives More Sales
Speaker: Christopher Gaona, Principal, Christopher Gaona Design Studio
1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Want to create a retail space that draws customers in and enhances their experience while shopping at your store? Then join Christopher Gaona of Christopher Gaona Design Studio as he details the design process including innovative store lighting and space planning to make your store stand out among the competition.

Visual Merchandising and Trendspotting: Telling Your Story Through Merchandising.
Speaker: Christopher Gaona, Principal, Christopher Gaona Design Studio
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Learn how to create a narrative with your product that draws customer’s attention and increases your sales. Plus, hear Christopher’s take on keeping your creative sensors attuned to trends so you can keep both your product and displays current and fresh!

Monday, August 19

Top Ways To Improve Your Sales & Customer Service Techniques To Make Your Register Ring!
Speaker: Bruce Baker
1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

The best thing any business can do to increase sales is to teach the front line staff top-notch sales and customer service skills. From body language and an effective greeting, to creating loyal buyers through customer service, learn proven tips and techniques to get your customers to buy now and come back again and again.

Low-Cost, Easy Promotional Tools To Boost Your Business
Speaker, Bruce Baker
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Want to learn how to drive more traffic to your store without spending a small fortune on marketing and advertising? Then attend this informative seminar focusing on quick and easy promotions that you can start doing today! Hear success stories on what has worked for others to boost their sales, including utilizing the latest technology advances from apps, QR codes and more.

ADDITIONAL ON-SITE BUYER SERVICES
In addition to the educational series and the tremendous product selection buyers will find in the booths, a number of striking product displays and other programs will be featured throughout the show, including:

Product Preview Area- Many exhibitors will showcase their newest, trend-setting products in the special Product Preview Area, allowing buyers to preview the “must have” items for 2013. Take note of the special “green” displayed products as well.

Free Show Specials- Many exhibitors will be offering unique specials or discounts designed specially for the Seattle Gift Show attendees only.

Parking Rebates – Retailers who pre- register are eligible for a parking rebate of up to $6. When they pre-register, they will receive a special rebate coupon along with their badges and pre-show information in the mail in advance of the show to help cut costs and make shopping the show even more affordable.

Monday Madness: Many exhibitors will also be offering discounts and specials available for Monday, August 19 only.

Popcorn Social, Coffee and Pastries: Retailers can once again count on taking a moment for a few treats from the Seattle Gift Show, including a popcorn social during the show, as well as free coffee and pastries in the morning.

SHOW HOURS
Saturday, August 17 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Sunday, August 18 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Monday, August 19 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Tuesday, August 20 9:00 am- 3:00 pm

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS- DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES
For discounted hotel accommodations, buyers should call Connections at 855.246.8722 or visit www.giftshowhotels.com to take advantage of deeply discounted room rates.

BUYER INFORMATION
For attendee information or to pre-register, attendee can visit www.seattlegiftshow.com or contact Buyer Relations Representative Briana Mackey at 678.831.4573 or email bmackey@urban-expo.com.

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
For exhibitor information about the Seattle Gift Show, contact Lisa Glosson, show director, Urban Expositions, 1690 Roberts Blvd, Ste 111, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Phone: 678.370.0334 or 800.318.2238 x 334. Fax: 678.285.7469; Email: lgosson@urban-expo.com. Visit www.seattlegiftshow.com for more information.

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS
Urban Expositions is the largest gift, airport and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 28 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.