Apr 10, 2012

Seminars & Special Events Planned for Summer 2012 Debut of Artisan Resource at NYIGF

White Plains, NY — A series of free educational programs and special events will be among highlights of the summer 2012 debut of Artisan Resource™ at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®). Value-added activities, which include seminars for both exhibitors and attendees and onsite receptions, will be offered over four full days – Saturday, August 18, through Tuesday, August 21 – at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 92.

Artisan Resource is a first-of-its kind show offering U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to meet with international artisanal producers. It will run concurrently with NYIGF, offering a production-sourcing venue for overseas artisan enterprises to showcase their products and production capabilities – at export terms – from their country of origin.

“Artisan Resource programming will add real value for both exhibitors and attendees,” said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. “Exhibitor sessions will help to orient and prepare international artisans for successful business activities in the United States, and attendee sessions will provide an essential overview of volume importing basics.”

Two exhibitor education sessions will be presented on Saturday, August 18, the day before the market officially opens, with topics including U.S. tradeshow etiquette and the importance of a product’s “backstory”. During the show, additional sessions on U.S. design trends, U.S. product development and global handmade product marketing also will be offered for exhibitors.

On each morning of the three-day tradeshow, an “Importing 101” primer will be presented at Pier 92 for Artisan Resource attendees. Carol MacNulty, a specialist in handmade and artisanal production and handcraft importing, will address the logistics, vocabulary and the roles and responsibilities of both exporter and importer. Participants will learn how to build international business relationships, and to assess the risks and opportunities inherent in the international marketplace. The session is free, and pre-registration is required.

Two evening receptions will be hosted on the Artisan Resource exhibit floor. On Sunday, August 19, NYIGF will host a reception for all exhibitors and attendees. The preview reception on Saturday, August 18, is open by invitation-only.

Artisan Resource participants also may register for NYIGF’s extensive seminar series, which addresses color and design trends, social media, sustainability and retail strategies, as well as social events such as NYIGF’s popular “Night on Broadway,” which features specially-priced tickets to the Monday, August 20, performance of GHOST. Information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com/programs.

Artisan Resource, which will be managed by GLM and organized with the assistance of ByHand Consulting, will feature 50 exhibitors in the inaugural show. For exhibitor information, contact Allison Rober, sales manager, at GLM, by phone (914-421-3212) or email arober@glmshows.com. Attendee information is available by calling 1-800-272-SHOW (7469) or (212) 204-1060. Additional information and registration is available online at www.artisanresourceny.com.