PHASE ONE OF 3-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN UNVEILED AT SUMMER NYIGF Expansion & Refinement of Categories; Debut of New Venue
Three key components of a three-year “Focus Forward NYIGF 2013” strategic plan will be implemented in time for the August 2010 New York International Gift Fair®(NYIGF®), with the introduction of a new Baby & Child division, the return of New York’s Newest, the reorganization of Handmade into two distinct categories – Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade® Global Design and first-time use of the new Javits Center North exhibit hall. NYIGF will present some 2,800 exhibitors – from August 14 through 19 – at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 & 94 – as well as a full complement of market week seminars, events, displays and promotions for participants.
“These exciting changes mark the start of NYIGF’s evolution into the defining marketplace for fashion-forward and design-driven home, gift and lifestyle resources,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “As part of our three year strategic plan, buyers can more easily source and shop a depth and breadth of complementary categories.”
Baby & Child, a new jury-selected specialty products division, will debut at the summer 2010 NYIGF, with a comprehensive collection of well-designed, sophisticated and purpose-driven products for children 0-10. The division includes a strong assortment of quality suppliers, including leading brands relocating into Baby & Child from other NYIGF divisions, an influx of companies returning to the market to be part of this focused presentation and first-time participation by exciting new lines. The category mix features wearables, accessories, toys, books, games, gear and furnishings.
New York’s Newest will return to the Fair this summer at Pier 92, presenting some 200 exhibiting companies – across all product categories. Participants include established resources participating for the first-time in NYIGF, as well as young companies making their gift market debut. Among the trend-focused lines expected are eco-friendly products, fair-trade products, pet products and personal accessories such as jewelry and bags.
Handmade, an extensive, juried selection of cross-category handcrafted items, celebrates its 25th anniversary this summer with a notable increase in the quality and quantity of participating artisans. The creation of two separate collections, Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design, classifies artisans by process and provenance with renewed focus on superior design and craftsmanship. Global Design features 200 international resources that combine sophisticated design with traditional artisanal techniques; and Designer Maker showcases 360 limited-production makers – across all categories and in all media – from around the world. Handmade Designer Maker will make its debut in the new Javits Center North, a purpose-built 40,000-square foot exhibit space, with a ribbon-cutting and cocktail reception on Saturday, August 14.
Among highlights of NYIGF’s other seven division are: expansion of Accent on Tabletop showcase area within Tabletop & Housewares; continued refinement of “neighborhoods” and expansion of the German and Japanese pavilions within General Gift; the return of leading design resources (such as Alessi, ASA and Stelton) and the expansion of “Accent on Japan” in Accent on Design®, as well as first-time participation by JOIN Seattle in A+™: The Young Designers’ Platform; expansion of hard lines for home within At Home at Pier 94 and further consolidation of soft goods within At Home featuring Home Textiles at the Javits Center; and an increased number of personal care, beauty and cosmetics suppliers within EX∙TRACTS®.
Beyond exhibits, a comprehensive schedule of educational seminars and industry events will add value to the summer market experience. The program includes nearly 20 instructive sessions, addressing topics as varied as social media, trends in gift, home and color, sustainability and retail strategies. (NOTE: A schedule of events/seminars follows, and is available to press at www.nyigf.com/programs.)
Onsite and after-hours networking functions include the Handmade 25th Anniversary Celebration, the 59th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards and “A Night on Broadway,” featuring specially-priced ticket to the THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Additionally, through the cooperation of NYIGF and New York City’s permanent showrooms, New York Market participants can visit the Brooklyn Museum for free at any time from Friday, August 13, through Thursday, August 20. For complete information and registration, visit www.nyigf.com/programs.
NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better world® display will return in 2010 to feature hundreds of “green” gift and home products. Through a careful vetting process, the display exclusively showcases eco-friendly products or production processes and socially responsible business practices, with “Zero Tolerance” for VOC; lead (for baby, children and food-related products); PVC, without recommendation for use and disposal, and unless repurposed; and aniline dyes, formaldehyde, chlorine (for textiles).
NYIGF will spotlight product innovation through several award presentations during the market – with top honors bestowed by trade and consumer editors, bloggers and industry experts, as well as open voting by all NYIGF participants. For the first time this summer, NYIGF also will bestow a “People’s Choice” and “Designer Distinction Award” to participants in the Gift For Life Product Design Competition benefiting DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.
NYIGF is the nation’s premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace, with 2,800 exhibiting companies featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 85 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com.
The summer 2010 NYIGF runs Saturday, August 14, through Thursday, August 19, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 & 94. Pier exhibits (New York’s Newest at Pier 92 and At Home at Pier 94) as well as select divisions at the Javits Center (Baby & Child, Handmade® Designer Maker and Handmade® Global Design), run Saturday, August 14, through Wednesday, August 18. All other divisions (Accent on Design® featuring A+™: The Young Designers’ Platform, At Home featuring Home Textiles, EX•TRACTS®, General Gift featuring Floral & Garden Accessories andThe Museum Source®, Personal Accessories featuring Details®, Studio and Tabletop & Housewares featuring Accent on Tabletop) run Sunday, August 15, through Thursday, August 19, at the Javits Center.
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR® August 2010
SEMINAR, EVENT & PROMOTION SCHEDULE
For information and registration, visit www.nyigf.com/programs
SEMINARS
Saturday, August 14
NYIGF Orientation, sponsored by Giftware News and Baby & Kids
8:30AM – 9:30AM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1E04
Free daily NYIGF Orientation sessions will help first-time attendees navigate the Fair, use the directory and make the most of their time at market. Orientation sessions will be presented by GLM’s Buyer Services Representative Helen Overly. Ashley Trent of Giftware News and Baby & Kids will answer industry-specific questions and provide information on how to shop the show. Also offered on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Advance registration is required.
Get Growing! Easy Ways to Expand Your Customer Base
3:30PM – 4:30PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Joe Jones, president of Jones Publishing, and Ryan Jones, publisher of The Crafts Report, offer retailers inexpensive ideas and useful tools to help retain current customers and develop new customers. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite.
Sunday, August 15
Gift Trends: 2010 and Beyond with Gift & Home Interactive
8:30AM – 9:30AM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
John Saxtan, editor and publisher of Gift & Home Interactive, presents a practical and fun-filled look at the leading trends of today and tomorrow. Retailers will learn what’s hot in gift and home, key categories to watch, changes in consumer buying habits, and how to profit from the trends. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite.
ART Retailer Roundtables
9:00AM – 11:00AM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1E04
Home accent retailers are invited to share business, personnel and buying issues in a confidential, invitation-only session facilitated by ART (Accessories Resource Team). Comments and discussion points will be published anonymously as part of Home Accents Today’s “Retail Unplugged” column. To volunteer, contact Sharon Davis, Executive Director, ART, at sharonjdavisnc@earthlink.net, or 704-376-4278. Free, with advance registration and acceptance required.
Home Trends – What’s Now? What’s Next? presented by The Trend Curve
12:00 NOON – 1:00PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Michelle Lamb, internationally known trend forecaster and publisher of The Trend Curve, presents an overview of trends – both on the rise and headed into decline – impacting the home industry today. This image-rich presentation (with real-time examples taken from the summer 2010 NYIGF), will provide key insights into home trends from colors and materials to and styles and patterns. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite.
CRAFT Table Topics – Lunch & Learn!
12:30PM – 2:00PM
Javits Center
Veteran retailers and supporters of Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow (CRAFT) will moderate small groups to share information and answer questions on the following topics:
- Making a retail blog work for you.
- Public relations strategies for craft galleries/shops.
- How to use Facebook and Twitter to build your business.
- Selling designer jewelry in a tough economy.
- Doing E-newsletters using constant contact can save your business.
- How to create and use a good standard operating procedure manual.
- Not getting the maximum out of your website?
Emarketing 1.0 – Untangle the Web: Website Basics
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Patricia Norins, publisher of Gift Shop and GREENRetailer, presents a review of five must-have website elements, as well as tips on setting-up a website, managing its content and understanding SEO. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite; or $30 in advance and $45 onsite for both social media sessions.
Emarketing 2.0 – Business-Boosting E-marketing Strategies
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Patricia Norins, publisher of Gift Shop and GREENRetailer, will address how to make email a more effective marketing tool, use blogs, social media and video to drive website traffic, improve website SEO and develop e-commerce capabilities. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite; or $30 in advance and $45 onsite for both social media sessions.
Monday, August 16
The Influence of Color, presented by IFDA
9:00AM – 10:30AM, with continental breakfast and networking starting at 8:30AM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
The New York Chapter of The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) leads an in-depth exploration of color and its impact on buying trends. Patti Carpenter will discuss color and global influences of emerging markets and Stacy Garcia, a member of Color Marketing Group who has extensive licenses of home products, will discuss the use of color in the home.
$30 for IFDA members and $45 for guests in advance. $40 and $55 onsite. For information, visit www.ifda.com, or to register, call 212-686-6020, or email ifdanyny@verizon.net.
It’s Easy Being Green – Just Ask the Experts!
12:00 NOON – 1:30PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Members of NYIGF’s SustainAbility Task Force – all experts in “green” retail, design, manufacturing and fair trade – lead an informal and open-forum exploration of environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible best practices. Susan Szenasy, editor-in-chief of Metropolis Magazine, will moderate a panel including Amy Chender of ABC Home; Mark Caserta of 3r Living; Jaime Salm of MIO; and Jessica Pope of Working Class Studio, SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design).
Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite.
Social Media 1.0 – A Beginner’s Guide to Social Media
3:00PM – 4:00 PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
This introduction to social media will provide basic details about technologies such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and You Tube. Jenny Heinzen York, editor in chief, Home Accents Today, and Caroline Kennedy, editor in chief, Gifts & Decorative Accessories will explain who is using them, how to start sending and receiving communications and how to identify tools used to monitor the chatter. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite; or $30 in advance and $45 onsite for both social media sessions.
Social Media 2.0 – Using Online Technologies to Build Your Business
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Retailers will learn how to use social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube to find and communicate with customers, and how to use these technologies to generate sales, develop content that builds customer involvement and loyalty, and generate a viral buzz for products and services. Jenny Heinzen York, editor in chief of Home Accents Today, and Caroline Kennedy, editor in chief, Gifts & Decorative Accessories lead the discussion, with panelists including social media savvy members of the gift and home industries. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite; or $30 in advance and $45 onsite for both social media sessions.
Tuesday, August 17
The 1, 2, 3’s of Successful Buying & Inventory Control, presented by Earnshaw’s
8:30AM – 10:00AM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Retailers will learn essential business basics with formulas and common sense tools from Vincent G. Quan, industry consultant and assistant professor in the Fashion Merchandising Management Department of the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). He will demonstrate how to calculate open to buy; determine markups; estimate net profit; and figure out markdowns. Quan will be available for Q&A afterwards. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite.
Four Basic Strategies that Drive Retail Sales, sponsored by RetailerForum.biz
12:00 Noon – 1:30PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Retail business coach Barbara Crowhurst will outline four basic strategies to increase retail sales and build business: Marketing to capture new customers and grow repeat business; hiring, training and managing employees for best results; using store design and product placement to spark sales; and developing an in-store sales focus that increases revenue. One seminar attendee will be randomly selected for a complimentary “Power Hour” Retail Makeover by Crowhurst.
Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite.
Innovative Merchandising Strategies to Elevate Your Sales, sponsored by The Day Spa Association
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
Retail consultant and spa business expert Dori Soukup of inSPAration Management will provide information on how to use merchandising to boost retail sales. Topics include merchandise display, effective space plans, discovery stations and touch points, signage and lighting, and Point of Purchase (P.O.P.). The Day Spa Association will host an “ice cream social” for members and non-members for networking.
Tickets are $25 for Day Spa Association members/$40 for guests, with ice cream social starting at 4:00pm
Wednesday, August 18
Exhibitor Seminar: Ask the Experts – Business Strategies for Gift & Home Suppliers
8:00AM – 9:00AM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1A02-03
NYIGF exhibitors are invited to bring their business-specific questions to this informal and open-forum exploration of business challenges and untapped opportunities – and leave with actionable answers and informed advice. The expert panel includes: Stu Teller and Laura Blunt of Right Angle Strategies, Adam Schrier of Whereoware and Michael Lamarti of CRAFT Marketing. Advance registrants can schedule a free 15 minute in-booth consultation by Right Angle Strategies. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 onsite.
EVENTS
Saturday, August 14
New York’s Newest Welcome Reception
8:30AM – 10:00AM
Pier 92
Retailers and New York’s Newest exhibitors are invited to enjoy complimentary coffee and bagels and pre-show networking on opening morning, compliments of NYIGF. New York’s Newest features a comprehensive collection of gift, home and lifestyle merchandise from some 200 newcomers to the New York Market.
Javits Center North Grand Opening
8:45AM – 9:00AM
Javits Center North
NYIGF participants, Handmade® Designer Maker exhibitors, will celebrate the opening of the new Javits Center North with a festive ribbon cutting and champagne toast. Free for NY market participants.
Baby & Child Afternoon Snack
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Hall 1E
Retailers are invited to the launch of NYIGF’s new Baby & Child division, and enjoy kid-friendly snacks and drinks while browsing and buying Baby & Child’s juried collection of well-designed, sophisticated and purpose-driven products for babies, toddlers and kids (through age 10) and their families. Free for all market participants.
Handmade® 25th Anniversary Celebration
5:00PM – 6:00PM
Javits Center North and Javits Center Hall 1D
The 25th year of Handmade at NYIGF will be celebrated on opening day. Retailers are invited to enjoy cocktails, hosted by NYIGF, while browsing and buying Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design. Free for all market participants.
At Home Welcome Reception
5:00PM – 6:00PM
Pier 94
Retailers are invited to join other market participants for an opening day At Home welcome reception, hosted by NYIGF. Complimentary wine will be offered while retailers browse and buy At Home’s comprehensive collection of hard lines for the home – from contemporary to traditional and indoor to outdoor.
Sunday, August 15
59th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards, sponsored by NYIGF
6:00PM – 10:00PM
NYIGF is a proud sponsor of the Retailer Excellence Awards, which recognizes excellence in retailing and individual achievement. During this festive industry gathering, 2010 finalists will be recognized, retail category winners will be announced and special recognition awards will be presented. Categories include Gift Store Design/Redesign; Marketing Achievement; Visual Merchandising/Display; and Internet Gift Retailing; as well as two categories for individual achievement: Rep of the Year and Industry Rising Star. Gift For Life, the gift and home industry’s only charitable organization, will present its annual Industry Achievement Award to Randy Eller. Co-sponsored by Dallas Market Center. Nominate retailers, reps and rising stars for the 2010 REA’s, or purchase tickets, which cost $150 each including cocktails and dinner, at www.giftsanddec.com.
Monday, August 16
Museum Buyer Networking Breakfast
8:30AM – 10:00AM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 1E04
Museum, gallery, and library store retailers are invited to join their colleagues for a complimentary breakfast. One guest will be selected at random to win $500 in merchandise credits from breakfast co-sponsors: Artobjects Unlimited, AfricaNow!, and Carolyn Forsman Conversation Piece Jewelry. Free with advance registration.
Tuesday, August 17
A Night on Broadway, featuring THE ADDAMS FAMILY
7:00PM – 10:00PM
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street
Market participants are invited to join their colleagues at this new Broadway musical based on the offbeat family created by New Yorker cartoonist Charles Addams. This magnificently macabre new musical stars two-time Tony Award® winners Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth.
Tickets, normally priced at $126.50, are specially priced at $85 for NY Market participants, with the difference being absorbed by NYIGF.
AWARDS
Accent on Design® Awards
Select Accent on Design exhibitors will be recognized for design excellence in categories including individual product, complete collection and booth design. Winners are selected by the Accent on Design Selection Committee based on creativity, ingenuity, innovation, function, originality and design. Winners will be announced on Monday, August 16.
EX·TRACTS® “Best New Products” Awards
Select exhibitors will be recognized for excellence in five categories – Bath & Body, Beauty Accessory, Cosmetic & Fragrance, Natural/Organic and Packaging – along with one overall “Best of Show” distinction. Winners and finalists are selected by a panel of editors based on innovative product concept, industry need, aesthetic appeal, creative use of materials/technology and creative packaging. Winners and finalists will be announced on Tuesday, August 17.
New York Home Textiles Market Week® “Best New Products” Awards
Select exhibitors will be recognized for excellence in four categories – Bath, Bed, Dining and Home Accessories – along with one overall “Best of Market distinction. Winners and finalists are selected by a panel of editors based on innovative design, product solution, aesthetic appeal, creativity and new material or technology. Winners and finalists will be announced on Tuesday Tuesday, August 17.
Accent on Design “Bloggers’ Choice” Awards
Editors from alternative and emerging media channels will present “Bloggers’ Choice Awards” to top home, gift and lifestyle products within Accent on Design. Winners will be announced on Thursday, August 19.
Eco Choice Awards
Retailers are given the opportunity to visit NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better living® display and cast their ballot for the best in “green” home, gift and lifestyle merchandise. The Eco Choice Awards, co-sponsored by GREENRetailer and NYIGF, will recognize retailers’ top picks in three categories: Most Innovative; Most Sellable; and Most Sensitive Use of Materials. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the summer 2010 NYIGF.
DISPLAY
SustainAbility: design for a better world®
Saturday, August 14 – Thursday, August 19
North Concourse
Environmentally-conscious and socially-responsible products and producers from around the world will be showcased in a special display, curated and installed by Ilene Shaw of Shaw & Co! Productions. The exhibit will spotlight global gift and home industry suppliers whose products or production processes are eco-friendly, as well as companies whose business practices are socially responsible or fair-trade oriented.
Gift For Life Design Competition: Make Change
Saturday, August 14 – Thursday, August 19
Javits Center
The Gift For Life Product Design Competition, themed “Making Change,” will showcase unique and innovative reinventions of the iconic piggy bank in this special display. Market participants are invited to cast votes for their favorite among the top 20 finalists. Proceeds from the competition entry fees will benefit the charitable efforts of Gift For Life and its sole beneficiary, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S. www.giftforlife.com
PROMOTIONS
NY Market On The Town: Free Market Week admission to the Brooklyn Museum
Saturday, August 14 – Thursday, August 19
200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY
NY market participants are invited to visit the Brooklyn Museum at no charge during Market Week. Admission is free from August 14 through August 19 with a show badge, compliments of NYIGF, 7 West New York, 41 Madison and 230 Fifth Avenue. Current exhibitions include Andy Warhol: The Last Decade; the first museum exhibition in the U.S. of the works of American artist Andy Warhol (1928–1987); To Live Forever: Art and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt; and more. www.brooklynmuseum.org
Take a Bigger Bite of the Big Apple!
This promotion gives NYIGF participants free access to ZAGAT.com, allowing them to search Zagat Ratings & Reviews – by cuisine, location or special features such as service, décor or “best buys” in New York City and around the globe. The free 30-day trial can be redeemed by visiting www.zagat.com/redeem and entering promotion code: NYIGF. Offer expires 8/25/2010.
