For many people, fall signals the return of cool temps and pumpkin spice lattes, but for those in the gift and souvenir retail industry autumn beacons the start of trade show season.
From Oct. 4-7, many of you will be in Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show. Then, from Oct. 22-24, coastal retailers will gather in Orlando for the Coastal Connections Conference. After that, it’s time to head to the Ocean City Resort Gift Expo, Oct. 29-31.
November rings in Thanksgiving, but if you are a gift and souvenir retailer, it is also time to make your annual mecca to the mountains of Tennessee for the Smoky Mountain Gift Show (Nov. 8-11) and IGES (Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 8-11). Both events feature a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs that extend beyond the mountains.
As we get closer to winter, the Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show kicks off Dec. 3-6. And let’s not forget all the other regional shows in between. I bet your feet are aching just thinking about all the travel in your future, but I bet you are also looking forward to meeting with vendors and exploring new product offerings.
This time of year is critical to your business, and Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties is here to be a resource as you enter into this busy buying season. For example, you can find out more about the Zoo, Aquarium and Garden Buyers Group on page 42. You can learn about what upcoming shows should be on your radar on the Trade Show Calendar on page 24, and you can read about the latest trade shows news on page 26.
Throughout the issue, you’ll see advertisers promoting their booths at the upcoming trade shows. You can also check out the Smoky Mountain Gift Show 2023 Show Preview on page 36.
No matter where your travels take you this fall, I wish you the utmost success. Seeking out the best products for your store is no easy feat, but I have no doubt you’ll find exactly what you are looking for with so many wonderful exhibitors at these shows across the country.
