Feb 25, 2014

signature mix Pre-Show Report

It’s all in the mix! Three shows, One marketplace. The new branding platform –signature mix™ marketplace includes the National Stationery Show® (NSS), Creative & Lifestyle Arts® (C&LA) and Gift>it. – Distinctive Gifts. Fabulous Finds.™ This exciting new market will provide an estimated 12,000 attendees with a diverse and unique combination of lifestyle products timed in the spring when retailers need to refresh their merchandise. For four days, from May 18-21, 2014, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, exhibitors will welcome buyers to a wealth of greeting cards, custom invitations, gift wrap, specialty partyware, journals, frames, calendars, writing instruments and decorative desktop at the NSS, art materials, DIY kits, embellishments, floral supplies, jewelry-making implements, needlecrafts, scrapbooking supplies, stickers and more at C&LA and lifestyle gifts, specialty toys, decorative objects, candles, pillows and more at Gift>it.

THE MARKET

Unique and trend-forward social stationery, DIY and related lifestyle products will be presented by nearly 900 exhibiting companies, including both established brands and hundreds of industry newcomers, many of which will debut in #fresh, a juried section featuring new design-driven businesses. Featuring full product collections not seen at other markets, signature mix marketplace will present the most comprehensive array of synergistic merchandise in many cases presented by either the designer-makers themselves or the creative team behind the product development.

The 2014 market has been designed for an easy and fulfilling show experience for both the exhibitor and the buyer attendee. NSS, C&LA and Gift>it. offers a focused, quality atmosphere in which to engage in meaningful business discussion, with color coded carpeting and aerial signage to make it simple to navigate between the 3 shows.

“We developed the marketplace to address the expanded needs of both buyers and manufacturers in the stationery, creative DIY and lifestyle gift communities. The National Stationery Show is the core event, and the return of Creative & Lifestyle Arts coupled with the addition of Gift>it, will add new flavor and energy to the total event. signature mix marketplace will bring like-minded people together in an atmosphere that is easy to shop and conducive to nurturing solid, meaningful business relationships with both business executives and owners, and the designer-makers whose stories make for a distinctive, personal experience.”

Patti Stracher, GLM Vice President, signature mix marketplace Show Director

MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

NEW! #fresh New.Authentic.Trending

#fresh, the new and successful juried section of signature mix marketplace will feature approximately 90, trend-driven young businesses. This special section was created to showcase products from young emerging designers and provide a resource for those buyers hunting for the next big thing. In addition, #fresh will be a helpful tool for press looking to uncover trend forecasting opportunities.

NEW! Etsy Wholesale and signature mix marketplace Partnership

Etsy Wholesale and signature mix marketplace have partnered to bring new and unique businesses to the marketplace, creating an even more dynamic atmosphere to connect the buyer with the innovative designer or creative team together to facilitate new and successful business relationships. Etsy wholesale sellers are exhibiting not just within #fresh but throughout the three marketplace shows. One can easily spot an Etsy Wholesale seller’s booth onsite by a uniform image within the booth and in the directory with a logo next to their listing.

NEW! Gift>it. – Distinctive Gifts. Fabulous Finds.

This new show is a key feature of signature mix that will present an assortment of complementary lifestyle products. Complementing the NSS and C&LA audiences, this curated and boutique component will offer a mix of design driven gifts to suit every taste and occasion – from decorative objects and specialty toys to kitchen chic, jewelry and more.

The Supply Side Division

The Supply Side returns this year with more than 40 industry suppliers, including finishing specialists, die-cutting, die-making, foil/hot stamping, embossing, holography, lamination, packaging/box specialists, converters, paper manufacturers, specialty printing/thermography, production machinery, envelope manufacturers, custom displays/fixturing systems and others. The division will be located in Hall 3B in the middle of the 3200 – 3400 aisles. To apply for exhibit space, or to register as an attendee, visit www.nationalstationeryshow.com.

Trend Walkway

Ascending to the Show entrances on both sides of the Crystal Palace, the Trend Walkway reveals current predictions seen through the eyes of leading editors from both trade and consumer publications. Review these signs on your way into the Show and be on the lookout for the trends identified, or take a look on your way out and test your trend-spotting skills!

New Product Display and Best New Product Awards

Without question the most popular destination before buyers hit the Show floor, the New Product Display will showcase hundreds of product launches from nearly 900 exhibiting companies. Located in the Crystal Palace Lobby, product categories are All Things Wedding, Celebrations, Eco-Chic, Lifestyle, Luxury, Paper Love, The Desktop and Do-It-Yourself. The New Product Display also serves as the judging arena for the coveted Best New Product Awards, which will be determined by an esteemed group of editors. Winners will be announced on Sunday, May 18.

26th Anniversary LOUIE Awards Display

Celebrating its 26th year, the display of LOUIE Finalists and Winners will be featured prominently in the Crystal Palace Lobby of the signature mix marketplace. Designed and fabricated by Universal Presentation Concepts in Madison, WI, the display will bring to life the theme of “EYE CANDY: THE BEST CARDS OF THE YEAR” with elegance and excitement.

PROGRAMS

NEW! Lunch with Holly

Join us for the Lunch & Learn with Holly Workshop Series, entitled 3 Changes in Altitude to Take Your Business to New Heights of Success. This workshop will be valuable for small business owners — retailers, designers, exhibitors, bloggers and consultants – who are ready to move out of striving and into thriving in their business.

Led by Holly Bretschneider, President and Founder of Boutique Profits, the series will include three informative and inspiring workshops: 1. Rise Above Fingers-Crossed Promotions and Soar with Magnetic Marketing, 2. Rise Above the Blocks to Your Wealth and Soar with an Abundance Mindset and 3. Rise Above Chaotic Firefighting and Soar with Systems of Success.

The series will take place from Sunday-Tuesday, 12:00pm – 1:30pm, and will include 30 minutes for you to network and eat your lunch before the presentation, plus time for Q&A at the end.

signature mix marketplace Buyer Education

The 2014 seminar program is lined-up and ready to go with dynamic sessions led by notable experts in their fields. The topics will cover everything from color to product and consumer trends, marketing to women, social media integration, and experiential retailing. In addition the program will include a highly acclaimed trend presentation by an Etsy merchandising executive. Meet the presenters and review complete session descriptions online, at www.signaturemixny.com. Seminar purchase is available through signature mix attendee registration for just $20 each. For those who have already registered to attend, sessions may be added through the Registration Resource Center.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Greeting Card Association 26th Anniversary LOUIE Awards Gala

Sunday, May 18, 6:30 – 10:30 pm

Celebrating its 26th Anniversary, the LOUIE Awards gala returns, to celebrate the greatest greeting cards and invitations of the year. Themed “Eye Candy: The Best Cards of the Year,” the 2014 Gala will spotlight the artists behind the cards and the tradition of sending and receiving greetings and invitations. Tickets may be purchased through the GCA website at www.greetingcard.org beginning in late March. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided by show management.

Show Party on the Battery

Monday, May 19, 2014, 6:30-9:30 pm

Battery Gardens, New York City

Dubbed “the best ticket in town,” signature mix marketplace will host Party on the Battery. A fun atmosphere at the end of Day 2, (Monday, May 19), the event sells out to exhibitors and buyers. Party on the Battery is an ideal place to entertain staff and customers. Tickets are $65 per person. Attendees can purchase tickets throughwww.signaturemixny.com. Exhibitors should visit the Exhibitor Center to purchase tickets. Onsite tickets: $75. Complimentary shuttle service from the Javits Center will be provided.

CONNECTED

NEW! signature mix 365

signature mix 365 is the official online product directory for the market, connecting retailers with signature mix marketplace exhibitors year-round. This Pinterest-style website features nearly 10,000 products exclusively from exhibiting companies, searchable by show, product category, and keyword. Show attendees may follow products and/or companies of interest, create boards of must-have products, and build a Walking List of their favorite suppliers and products for an efficient onsite experience. In addition, find the complete exhibitor listing on signaturemix365.com. This service is an ideal platform for connecting with exhibitors to reorder products discovered during the market and to stay on top of new product launches.

During the show, signature mix marketplace attendees will be able to utilize the product directory to lookup exhibitors and/or products.

Show Daily

Start each show day with Signature Mix Today, the official signature mix marketplacedaily. Published by Great American Publishing – publishers of Stationery Trends, Party & Paper Retailer and Museums & More, Signature Mix Today will feature breaking exhibitor news, the latest product launches, Show news and more. To advertise, contact Brian Virgona 570-223-9190 or email sales@stationerytrendsmag.com.

Paper Clips

With more than 29,000 subscribers, the always improving, official enewsletter ofsignature mix marketplace offers unique perspectives from industry professionals, trend insights, breaking Show news and more. To subscribe, or access past issues, visitwww.nationalstationeryshow.com. Advertising opportunities are available for a nominal fee by contacting Stephanie Leon-Santiago at ssantiago@glmmarkets.com.

signature mix marketplace Directory

The official printed directory of all showswill help attendees to navigate the shows more efficiently. In addition, the online version provides year-round visibility for exhibitors. Visit www.signaturemix365.com to access the online directory, or for information regarding print advertising contact Michelle Daniels at mdaniels@glmmarkets.com.

Social Media

Stay in touch with thousands of signature mix marketplace participants through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Become a fan atwww.facebook.com/NationalStationeryShow and follow us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/stationeryshow, Instagram atwww.instagram.com/stationeryshow and Pintererst atwww.pinterest.com/stationeryshow/. In addition, a complete library of NSS videos is available on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/stationeryshow. Join in the fun by tagging your relevant social media posts with #stationeryshow, #creativelifestylearts and #giftitny.

CROSS MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to the 3 shows under the signature mix umbrella (NSS, C&LA and Gift>it.), the marketplace will be co-located with SURTEX®, the only B2B marketplace in North America for selling and licensing original art and design, taking place in Hall 3A, and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair® (ICFF®), North America’s singular showcase for contemporary design, taking place on Level 1. A signature mix attendee badge will provide access to these shows. Additional information for these collocated markets is available online, at www.surtex.com and www.icff.com.

IRCE FOCUS: Brands & B2B makes its debut

Scheduled to coincide with signature mix, GLM’s IR Events Group makes its debut May 18-20 in Hall 1E of the Javits Center. IRCE Focus: Brands & B2B is a conference and exposition providing excellent learning opportunities and some 50 exhibits providing services and solutions to address businesses of all sizes.

Learn more about IRCE at www.irce.com.

PRODUCTS REPRESENTED

The products showcased at signature mix marketplace include greeting cards, invitations, imprintables, giftwrap/ribbons, social stationery, specialty party supplies and paper tableware, bridal accessories, customized/personalized products, in-store printing equipment, decorative home office products, luxury leather goods, writing instruments, DIY and papercrafting supplies, craft kits, frames, journals, calendars, lifestyle giftware, scrapbooking, back-to-school, personal care, decorative objects, specialty toys, kitchen chic and jewelry.

And, in The Supply Side division, finishing specialists, including die-cutting, die-making, foil/hot stamping, embossing, holography, lamination, packaging/box specialists, converters, paper manufacturers, specialty printing/thermography, production machinery, envelope manufacturers and custom displays/fixturing systems will exhibit.

PROFILE OF ATTENDEES

Retail

The signature mix marketplace attracts a diverse global attendance of 12,000 buyers and other industry personnel from stationery, card, gift and lifestyle stores; bookstores; fashion boutiques; bridal shops; hospital gift shops; pharmacies, spas, party stores; department, chain and specialty stores; museum and gallery shops, large chains and “big box” mass retailers; online retailers and mail order catalogs.

Non-Retail

Manufacturers, Distributors, Suppliers, Manufacturers’ representatives, Licensing agents, Artists, Designers, Consumer and Trade Press

WEBSITE

www.signaturemixny.com

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

Kelly P. Bristol, Sales Director

GLM

Telephone: (914) 421-3250

E-mail: kbristol@glmmarkets.com

ATTENDEE INFORMATION

GLM Customer Relations

(800) 272-SHOW (7469)

Registration for the 2014 signature mix marketplace is open atwww.signaturemixny.com.

Registration is free for qualified buyers through May 13; onsite the registration fee increases to $60. Non-exhibiting manufacturers will be charged $275 in advance and $375 onsite.

BUYER SERVICES

Shuttle Buses

Complimentary shuttle buses will run on all Show days between the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and designated hotels. Exact schedules and routes will be posted daily at the Javits Center and are available online, at www.signaturemixny.com.

Travel & Housing Assistance

Travel Planners, Inc.

(800) 221-3531 or (212) 532-1660

webres@tphousing.com

www.myGLMtravel.com

ENJOY THE BIG APPLE

NYC & Company – the Convention and Visitors Bureau – and GLM have teamed-up to offer discounts on dining, entertainment, transportation and services throughout New York City. General tourist information is available through NYC & Company at 800-NYC-VISIT (800-692-8474) or (212) 397-8222. A complete list of discounts will be available online at www.signaturemixny.com in advance of the Show, and through the Special Events desk in the Javits Centers’ Crystal Palace lobby during all Show days.

SHOW DATES AND HOURS: NEW OPENING HOUR! *

Sunday, May 18 10:00am – 6:00pm

Monday, May 19 10:00am – 6:00pm

Tuesday, May 20 10:00am – 6:00pm

Wednesday, May 21 10:00am – 1:00pm (new closing hour)

*changed to facilitate pre-show meetings, educational events and networking

Issued: White Plains, NY, February 25, 2014.

Show logos available upon request.