Philadelphia Gift Show Announces Show Schedule of Events

By Caroline Burns

The Philadelphia Gift Show and the Philadelphia Souvenir & Resort Expo have announced their combined schedule of events that will be taking place onsite when the show comes to Philadelphia, Pa., January 25 through January 28, 2020.

One of the show’s newest events that will be highlighted is the Tour of Philly. St. Louis Zoo’s Tommy Brown will be hosting a guided tour of Philadelphia’s best custom-tailored products that promise to differentiate exhibitors who sign-up to be featured on the tour.

The Philadelphia Gift Show is also encouraging their exhibitors to continue offering some of their featured “Stay for the Last Day” campaigns to entice buyers to attend the final day of the show. These show specials are always a draw for buyers and owners looking to build on new and existing relationships, and to extend some savings from exhibitors looking to stand out from the crowd.

April Holinek, the show’s director, understands the value of being able to stand out from the crowd and said, “We believe that exhibitors are looking for ways to get noticed in a growing list of vendors on the show floor. In year’s past, we have found that by offering these price-based incentives, the exhibitors tend to have a better overall show and leave with better results than they expected.”

Along with show specials and specialized tours, the show will continue with its popular and well-received Muffins & Mimosa Happy Hours, Hot Chocolate & Popcorn Socials and will be bringing back the Philly Cheesesteak Lunch program to much fanfare. These events allow for attendees to meet on a personal level and discuss industry trends, personal business and other topics of interest while enjoying complimentary beverages and snacks with colleagues and friends.

Lisa Glosson, the vice president of Clarion Events Gift & Souvenir Portfolio, shared that the show is continuing to bring in new vendors, partners and visitors and is excited about this year’s event. “As we continue to grow our relationship with groups like the Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group (ZAG) and build on a show that connects the right buyers to innovative and industry-moving exhibitors, we are excited about the relationships we are helping to foster between retailers and manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers.”

Responding to customer demand for even more unique artisan gifts, the show is also bringing back the popular Artisan Alley section which debuted last year to an enormous amount of positive feedback. The newly expanded showcase will be available for retailers to find the newest handcrafted gifts and wares at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

The show is expected to attract more than 3000 buyers and a versatile audience of retailers who are increasingly looking to regional markets to save on travel and stay closer to home.

January 2020 Highlights Include:

Philadlephia Souvenir & Resort Expo Expands, Relocates

Now entering its second year, the Philadelphia Souvenir & Resort Expo is also anticipating significant growth – offering a one-stop resource for regional retailers seeking a convenient resource for tourism merchandise, custom-tailored to the region. The segment will also move to the front of the show, across from the main entrance registration. This preferred location will improve the experience for buyers looking to make a statement in the tourism-based marketplace

Artisan Alley Grows

With plans to continue to grow its popular Artisan Alley showcase with even more handmade vendors offering unique designs in a range of media and styles, the show is expected to create buzz within the industry. While many of these artisans are unique to the region, their designs are considered a perfect mix for enhancing the store shelves of boutique and souvenir shops alike.

Philadelphia Gift Show Buyers Concierge Club

Also entering its second year, the newly refined Philadelphia Buyers Concierge Club appointment-setting app gives pre-registered buyers and exhibitors the ideal opportunity to set appointments ahead of show opening based on mutual interests. This exciting feature continues to attract veterans of the show, while also attracting newer attendees with its time-saving capacity and benefits.

“We’re constantly working on new initiatives designed to enhance the exhibitor ROI and the retailer’s show experience,” said April Holinek. “Buyers and exhibitors alike can look for even more interactive events on the show floor, ranging from networking events to industry socials, all designed to enhance networking and relationship-building experiences for those looking to enhance their on-site experience”

Show Fast Facts:

Dates: January 25 – January 28, 2020

Hours: Saturday, January 25, 9 a.m. 6 p.m.; Sunday, January 26, 9 a.m. 6 p.m.; Monday, January 27, 9 a.m. 6 p.m.; Tuesday, January 28, 9 a.m. 2 p.m.

Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456

For general show information, visit www.philadelphiagiftshow.com or call 800-318-2238.