Sep 1, 2015

Seattle Gift Show wraps up summer show, announces dates for 2016

From local artisans and regional specialties to 67-plus first-time exhibitors, retailers from throughout the Pacific Northwest region found a wide range of new resources to explore during the Aug. 15-18, 2015 Seattle Gift Show at the Washington State Convention Center. New resources were joined by new initiatives, including a special keynote address by Hall-of-Fame quarterback Warren Moon, product spotlights and educational programming around the show’s fair trade and handmade offerings and more.

During the show, Urban Expositions also announced the 2016 Seattle Gift Show schedule at the Washington State Convention Center, including the Jan. 22-25, 2016 Winter edition (new Friday-Monday date pattern) running concurrently with the Pacific Market Center’s Winter Gift and Home Accessories Show, Jan. 20-26, and the summer edition, slated for Aug. 13-16, 2016.

Among the show highlights, Warren Moon, Hall-of-Fame quarterback and current color analyst for the Seattle Seahawks, delivered the keynote address on Sat., Aug. 15. Calling upon his experiences on the football field and in the business world, Moon provided Seattle Gift Show attendees with tips for building a business, establishing a brand, standing out from the competition and overcoming challenges.

Moon’s keynote address complemented a full educational roster filled with business-building seminars covering topics ranging from social media and marketing tips to handmade and Fair Trade marketing strategies.

The Seattle Gift Show also highlighted new and first time exhibitors with a number of special marketing programs and on-site promotions. Buyers were invited to vote on the show’s Best New Product from the selection of new resources and the winning exhibitor was Westwerks.

Retailers were also given the opportunity to vote for their favorite product on display in the Maker’s Market section, choosing Zootility Tools as “Best Maker.”

In addition to product, the show also featured new events and special promotions, including retailer prizes and daily $50 cash giveaways where buyers had the chance to enter daily drawings for $50 in cash. Krista Sheppard from The Clock Gallery was the $50 Grand Prize winner, receiving a complimentary hotel stay at the Winter 2016 edition of the Seattle Gift Show.