Apr 15, 2014

Make a Splash: Fort Lauderdale Gift Show Returns August 23-26, 2014 With New Product Resources, Expanded Educational Opportunities

Returning August 23-26, 2014 for its seventh edition at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, the Fort Lauderdale Gift Show is making a splash among South Florida and Caribbean retailers because of its cost-effective, easily accessible, all-category product selection. Further strengthening the show’s selection, the 2014 edition will also welcome the new Urban Retail Marketing Bootcamp educational series for retailers.

“The Fort Lauderdale Gift Show continues build its reputation as an affordable fly-in or drive-in tradeshow destination for South Florida and Caribbean retailers,” says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “The show’s timing, growing exhibitor base and reputation as a solid product resource make it a great opportunity for retailers to shop, restock and truly liven up their merchandise assortment before the busy season. To help our retailers strengthen their sales and marketing strategies, we’re significantly expanding the educational opportunities by teaming up with SnapRetail to offer a new, free ‘bootcamp’ series.

Featuring hundreds of lines of gift products, the Fort Lauderdale Gift Show will showcase new resources and popular best-sellers in virtually every category, including: general giftware; greeting cards, paper goods and social stationery; destination, resort and tourist merchandise; shell items; jewelry and fashion accessories; toys and games; decorative accessories; tabletop; logo products; gourmet products; garden gifts and much more. The show will also feature a special section of jewelry and fashion accessories available for immediate delivery to the trade.

In addition to product, retailers attending the August 2014 Fort Lauderdale Gift Show will also be able to take advantage of free seminars, as well as a number of special buyer incentives.

Show Highlights include:

NEW — Urban Retail Marketing Bootcamp

Urban Expositions is teaming up with SnapRetail to offer Fort Lauderdale Gift Show attendees an exclusive series of educational seminars covering the latest social media and email marketing techniques. These programs will join others offering attendees an unrivaled opportunity to pick up new ideas they can take back to their stores. Programs include:

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Drive Store Traffic with Social Media

10:00 am – 11:00 am | Presented By SnapRetail

Facebook? Twitter? Instagram? Vine? The number of social media networks continues to grow. Gain the latest insight on which are best for your store and customers, and see real examples of how other retailers have used social media to build awareness, find new customers, and increase store traffic.

60 Creative Store Promotions in 60 Minutes

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by Patricia Norins, Vice President of Specialty Programs at ICSC & Publisher of Specialty Retail Report

Store promotions and events are a creative and effective marketing tool to help you drive more traffic and sales. In this lively and dynamic session, retail expert and publisher of Specialty Retail Report, Patricia Norins, will reveal exciting new strategies aimed at giving your customers fun and interesting reasons to frequent your store and spend more money. Norins will also discuss effective and powerful marketing strategies to successfully promote your events so you will achieve blockbuster sales results!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Should You Pin?

10:00 am – 11:00 am | Presented by SnapRetail

Pinterest is the fastest growing social network ever, with more than 80 million people pinning and repinning daily. Learn the basics and best practices for using Pinterest to inspire your customers and drive store sales. Actual retailer examples will be shared.

The 5 Key Elements of a Great Retail Display

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Presented by Patti Biro, Patti Biro & Associates

If you can count to 5 you can create an engaging retail display in store, front window or feature area-every time. This visually rich and dynamic presentation doesn’t just tell you the elements-actual demonstrations of how to use them in innovative and easy ways to attract customers are presented! These ideas and demonstrations utilize props that you probably have already in your store. Online retailers remember that your website and shopping cart is your front window and this works for you too!

Unlocking the Power of the Purse

3:15 pm – 4:15 pm | Presented by Patti Biro, Patti Biro & Associates

Today’s female shopper controls over 80% of the purchasing decisions-but it is not business as usual for these shoppers. This session will explore consumer research that highlights the “purse-i-nality” traits of today’s female shopper and WHY she buys is more important than WHERE. Strategies, tips and ideas are shared that you can use with women across all demographic categories.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Making the Most of Email Marketing icon

10:00 am – 11:00 am | Presented by SnapRetail

Email remains the single most effective way to drive store sales, but only if you do it right. Learn best practices for list management, email design and sending strategies to maximize your email marketing campaigns.

SnapRetail Customer Forum

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Hosted by SnapRetail

All SnapRetail customers and those interested in learning more are invited to join the customer forum where SnapRetail experts will provide information on the latest features and best practices to make the most of a SnapRetail subscription. Meet other retailers and bring your questions and ideas – refreshments provided!

SUPER SUNDAY SPECIALS

Many exhibitors will be offering additional savings on show orders placed on Sunday, August 24.

FREE FREIGHT MONDAY

A number of exhibitors will also be offering free freight on orders placed during the show on Monday, August 25.

Buy More. Spend Less. Stay Local.

Urban Expositions has negotiated discounted hotel rates in the Fort Lauderdale area for added attendee convenience. Retailers can take advantage of these low rates by contacting Urban Expositions Official Housing Company Connections at 855.246.URBAN (8722) or by visiting the travel section of the show site, www.ftlauderdalegiftshow.com

BUYER INFORMATION

For buyer information or to pre-register, visit www.ftlauderdalegiftshow.com or call Buyer Relations Representative Cece Lee at 678.370.0332 or toll free 1.800.318.2238 x 0332 or email: clee@urban-expo.com

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION:

For exhibitor information on the Fort Lauderdale Gift Show, contact Urban Expositions show director Erica Davidson at 678.370.0347 or edavidson@urban-expo.com or show manager Christina Bell at 678.370.0335 or cbell@urban-expo.com.

FORT LAUDERDALE GIFT SHOW FAST FACTS

WHEN: Saturday, August 23 – Tuesday, August 26, 2014

WHERE: Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center – Hall A

1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

HOURS: 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday – Monday; 10 am – 2 pm, Tuesday

MORE INFO: www.ftlauderdalegiftshow.com | 678.285.3976 (EXPO) or 800.318.2238

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS

Urban Expositions is the largest gift, airport retail and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 34 shows each year. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional gift events in the nation. Since then, the company has continued to grow through acquisitions and new show development. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Urban Expositions offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/ attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management. For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com or call 800.318.2238.