Sep 23, 2014
2014 Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show Breaks Attendance Record, Receives Enthusiastic Reviews

The sold-out September 17-20, 2014 Las Vegas Souvenir and Resort Gift Show recorded an increase in attendance over the 2013 edition, previously the largest in its nine-year history. Featuring 1200+ booths showcasing thousands of lines at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show attracted the nation’s top retailers from all 50 states, as well as 29 foreign countries, with marked increases from Canada and Mexico. The overwhelmingly positive response to the selection — and steady order-writing — from these buyers contributed to an upbeat atmosphere on the show floor.

“As the national event for the industry, this show is the perfect place to take the pulse of the souvenir and resort sector,” explains Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “Based on the growing list of vendors seeking entry, expanding buyer attendance and the amount of business being done here, the industry is clearly optimistic about retail growth opportunities for 2015.”

“It’s exciting to experience the buzz of this amazing show,” agreed Terry and Jodi Smoke, Troutdale General Store, Troutdale, OR. “The retail resort souvenir industry is back in full swing.”

As the largest edition to date, the 2014 show gave retailers a one-stop resource for best-selling lines and new introductions across every souvenir and resort category – from apparel and beach items to destination merchandise, jewelry, custom, Made in America and more.

“This is the show to attend to cover all our souvenir needs as every major resource is available. It’s our favorite show because we always come away with key items that will drive sales for the next year. And, the entertainment and food in Vegas at night are beyond compare to other shows,” said Shannon Sparks, buyer, Paradies.

“I was surprised to see how large the show has grown over the past couple of years. It was even better this year as there were quite a few new vendors with exciting items,” added Mary Nickelson, merchandise buyer, Mall of America.

In addition to exploring product resources, retailers participated in a range of educational, networking and promotional events scheduled throughout the show. An expanded educational line-up featured programs from the National Association of Retail Buyers (NARB) and the new Urban Retail Marketing Bootcamp series sponsored by SnapRetail. The Living Legends Association hosted a reception on September 17 to present its Golden Lily Award to Matt Tobin, president of Bostch Souvenirs and former president of the SWDA. The Zoo & Aquarium Buyers Group held a member reception on September 18, presenting the Urban Expositions team with a special award for its ongoing support of the organization. A new 50/50 Giveaway invited buyers to present show orders for chances to win daily drawings for cash and merchandise credits. Grand prize winner, Edith Mercado of Palm Springs General Store, received a complimentary 2-night hotel stay for the 2015 edition.

Exhibitors also responded favorably to floor traffic, steady order-writing and the quality of buyers they saw.

“This has been the best Vegas show in memory. Our attendance is up, buyers all seem to have a very positive attitude and are open to new products and ideas,” said Bryan Gage, Cromer Company.

“Representatives from every imaginable tourist attraction type come here from throughout the US mainland, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and they aren’t disappointed,” adds Doug Miller, vice president of sales, Charles Products, Inc. “There’s no question that bringing this enormous volume and variety of products together with a wide range of buyers, including some of the most important and powerful in the trade – in Americas’ most entertaining city — results in the single most important souvenir and gift trade show in the country. “

The next edition of the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show will be held September 29 – October 2, 2015. For more information, call 800.318.2238 or visit www.lvsouvenirshow.com.

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS

Urban Expositions is the largest gift, airport and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 34 shows each. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show. 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. www.urban-expo.com | 800.318.2238.




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