New Programs And Buyer Rewards Create A Buzz And Increase New Store Attendance At The August 16-20, 2003 Seattle Gift Show®

Furniture World Magazine

The 146th semi-annual Seattle Gift Showx, the Northwest’s largest gift and accessories market, experienced an increase in new buyer/store attendance due in part by instituting new educational programs in a “make-it-and-take-it” format—specifically geared toward the hobbyist market—and rewarding buyers with valuable prizes. Nearly 13,000 attendees shopped 1,399 booths filled with merchandise in every category. “In an effort to reach out to specialized markets and build the importance of our event, The Seattle Gift Show instituted new educational programming for the hobbyists. Modeled after successful workshops conducted at HIA, these sessions targeted retailers in the paper, gift basket and floral industries,” stated Mike Dean, President and Show Manager, Western Exhibitors, LLC. “We are pleased to report that our new store attendance increased over two percent from the 2002 market,” continued Dean. “Branding has become and essential marketing tool for the trade show and gift industry—your brand is what drives attendees to a specific market and keeps them loyal to you,” added Wendy Tonkin, Executive Vice President and Show Manager, Western Exhibitors, LLC. “We have made concerted efforts to ensure The Seattle Gift Show makes its mark in the Northwest by continually developing programs that appeal to the niche retailer,” said Tonkin. Post Show Statistics Number of Exhibiting Companies: 862 • Number of Booths: 1,399 • Net Square Footage: 131,815 • Retail Stores: 7,118 • Buyer Attendance: 12,983