Apr 14, 2015

Windy City Gift Show to offer returning, new exhibitors and educational seminars

Building on the momentum of the winter edition’s 35 percent attendance increase, the exhibit roster for the Summer 2015 Windy City Gift Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, is filling up with the leading sales representatives, top national manufacturers and new resources, including an expanded handcrafted offering. Heading into its fourth edition with a robust product offering, as well as a comprehensive lineup of buyer services, educational offerings and networking events, the Windy City Gift Show is stepping into its role as the must-attend event for the Midwest region.

Summer 2015 Market Highlights Include:

The show will feature an expanded product selection with top name brands, local artisans and unique designs categorized into distinct product sectors, including Gifts, Makers’ Market, and Live In Style. The exhibitor base will include leading regional sales agencies like Patti White, Kelly & Crew, White Ginger, Rep Factor, Modern Age and DNA SALES along with top name brands such as Roman Inc., Transpac, Ohio Wholesale, Oak Street Wholesale, Bearington Collection, Delton Products and Ty, Inc. The summer show will also include a growing roster of new, first-time exhibiting companies, including Eye Catching Jewelry LLC, Instant Snow To Go!, Kinaloon, Swahili Imports, Inc., The Nutman Co. USA, Inc., Jubilee Traders, NoMonet, Sailored, Sunlemon America, PolarX Ornament & Gift and Scentennials Products.

SHOW SPECIALS & GIVEAWAYS

Buyers can take advantage of a full roster of show amenities, including parking reimbursement, daily $50 cash giveaways and a grand prize drawing for a two-night hotel stay at the winter 2016 show. In addition, the first 100 stores to arrive on Saturday and Sunday will receive a special tote bag and a list of exhibitors to visit to receive a free gift. Plus, buyers who present their show badge at participating Rosemont-area restaurants will receive special dining offers.

FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

Buyers can choose from a number of idea-packed educational programs on a variety of topics, including social media and marketing to planning and purchasing. For the full seminar schedule and complete details, visit www.windycitygiftshow.com.

Saturday, July 25

Generation Y Not?: Engaging Millennials in Your Store’s Marketing Strategy — Presented By: Claire Johnson, Managing Editor, Giftware News | 11 a.m. to noon.

Tweet Talk: A Guide to Implementing Social Media in Your Store — Presented By: Claire Johnson, Managing Editor, Giftware News, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 26

Winds Blow Favorably for Fair Trade in Chicagoland: What Do We Need to Know and What Impact Does Fair Trade Have on our Retail Businesses? — Presented By: Elena Yearly, CEO, Nostalgia Baskets, 11 a.m. to noon.

Hospital Gift Shop Seminar: Power of Planning 101 — Presented By: Lilly Staments, Manager of Gift Shops, UCSF Medical Center; founder of Premier Retail Consulting, 2 to 3 p.m.

Monday, July 27

Retail Round Table: Handmade Industry Experts Gather to Share Their Expertise — Speakers: Moderator Elena Yearly, CEO, Nostalgia Baskets, will be joined by a panel of leading area retailers, 11 a.m. to noon.

WINDY CITY GIFT SHOW

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Monday, July 25-27; Tuesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 28.

WHERE: Stephens Convention Center, 9301 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, Illinois.

MORE INFO, INCLUDING HOTEL RATES: www.windycitygiftshow.com or call 800-318-2238