Jun 15, 2009

Local San Francisco businesses given economic boost with “Show Your Badge” Programs during San Francisco International Gift Fair

San Francisco, CA: Area businesses get a boost – and not just for those in banking, the auto industry or in real estate. Now America’s cities, both large and small, are getting in on the act. From August 8 – 11, The San Francisco International Gift Fair is partnering with the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) and local businesses to encourage market attendees to support local SF retailers and restaurateurs.

As part of the “Show Your Badge” initiative market attendees and exhibitors alike will receive substantial discounts at surrounding businesses, hotels, restaurants and bars just by showing their Show badge. A list of participating Bureau members taking part in the program will be posted online at www.OnlyInSanFrancisco.com. Additional participants will be added up until the Fair’s opening, with a complete list available onsite at SFIGF.

“The San Francisco International Gift Show has always been a boon to the local economy,” said Aubin Wilson, San Francisco International Gift Show® Manager. “Now, through the Show Your Badge program, we are able to expand our support of the city’s service providers and retailers. We encourage all our exhibitors and attendees to take time and enjoy the city that so graciously hosts us twice a year.”

The San Francisco International Gift Fair is known for its “above and beyond” networking opportunities for Fair attendees. Each year, SFIGF celebrates the unique and cosmopolitan offerings of San Francisco through special “post show floor” events such as receptions and parties that highlight the City’s cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, and even sports-lover nights out with the-famous San Francisco Giants baseball team.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve the ‘Only in San Francisco’ experience for our customers and their attendees,” said Leonard Hoops, executive vice president and chief customer officer of the SFCVB. “So we’re pleased to show our appreciation to The San Francisco International Gift Fair by providing their attendees with great offers through the Show Your Badge program.”

“The Show Your Badge Program is another incredible opportunity from one of our most generous partners, the San Francisco International Gift Fair,” said Steven Sagaser, development director, Under One Roof (UOR). UOR is the world’s first retail outlet that raises funds for AIDS/HIV services. “We look forward to SFIGF attendees discovering another San Francisco neighborhood, the Castro, while they are here and to offering them a during their visit to our shop.”

The SFIGF attracts some 11,000 retailers ranging from small specialty stores and boutiques to big box retailers including Pottery Barn and Cost Plus World Market; from museum stores to wineries and much more. The Show features more than 600 exhibitors who represent more than 3,000 lines. This Summer, the SFIGF will run concurrently with and adjacent to The Gourmet Housewares Show® – www.thegourmetshow.com which attracts some 300+ exhibitors and 4,000 attendees.

The Summer 2009 San Francisco International Gift Fair® will take place August 8 — 11at San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center. Exhibitors seeking information should contact show director Aubin Wilson at (213) 430-2310; awilson@glmshows.com. Attendee information may be obtained by contacting GLM Customer Relations at (800) 272-SHOW (7469) or (603) 665-7524.