ATLANTA–Last month’s California Gift Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center generated “overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers and exhibitors alike,” according to Urban Expositions, the new organizer of the show.
“When we took ownership in August of 2012, we launched a significant rebuilding process and, as our marketing campaign said, ‘a fresh start’ for the California Gift Show,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “Based on the feedback we received on the tangible improvements people saw on the show floor and in our service offerings, I feel that we not only met but exceeded our goals and expectations for this first show. I know this momentum will continue to build and it puts us squarely on the path of revitalizing the trade show marketplace for retailers throughout southern California and the surrounding areas.”
On the product side, the January 2013 edition was nearly 30 percent larger than the summer 2012 edition, the company said. The selection included vendors who had decided to return to the show after a long absence and many first-time exhibitors.
In addition to product, retailers were offered “significant” travel savings subsidized by Urban Expositions. To kick off the first show under its management, Urban offered free parking to pre-registered buyers at the Convention Center. Urban Expositions also bought down the rates of already discounted hotels to offer retailers “unprecedented” room rates in the downtown L.A. area. In addition, the show featured a significantly expanded buyer education program; goody bag giveaways; special product spotlights on handmade and eco-friendly products; a full range of exhibitor-sponsored show specials; a new “Launching Pad” product preview merchandise display in the lobby to help buyers plan their buying schedule and more.