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GENERAL NEWS
www.kitchenwarenews.com
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MAY 2012
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KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW
NY International Gift Fair Gearing Up With Educational Programs, Special Events A series of free educational programs and special events will be among highlights of the summer 2012 debut of Artisan Resource™ at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®). Value-added activities, which include seminars for both exhibitors and attendees and onsite receptions, will be offered over four full days—Aug. 18-21—at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 92. Artisan Resource is a first-of-its kind show offering U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to meet with international artisanal producers. It will run concurrently with NYIGF, offering a production-sourcing venue for overseas artisan enterprises to showcase their products and production capabilities – at export terms – from their country of origin. “Artisan Resource programming will add real value for both exhibitors and attendees,” said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. “Exhibitor sessions will help to orient and prepare international artisans for successful business activities in the United States, and attendee sessions will provide an essential overview
of volume importing basics.” Two exhibitor education sessions will be presented on Aug. 18, the day before the market officially opens, with topics including U.S. tradeshow etiquette and the importance of a product’s “backstory.” During the show, additional sessions on U.S. design trends, U.S. product development and global handmade product marketing also will be offered for exhibitors. On each morning of the three-day tradeshow, an “Importing 101” primer will be presented at Pier 92 for Artisan Resource attendees. Carol MacNulty, a specialist in handmade and artisanal production and handcraft importing, will address the logistics, vocabulary and the roles and responsibilities of both exporter and importer. Participants will learn how to build international business relationships, and to assess the risks and opportunities inherent in the international marketplace. Pre-registration is required for the free session. Two evening receptions will be hosted on the Artisan Resource exhibit floor. On Aug. 19, NYIGF will host a reception for all exhibitors and attendees. The
preview reception on Aug. 18 is open by invitation pnly. Artisan Resource participants also may register for NYIGF’s extensive seminar series, which addresses color and design trends, social media, sustainability and retail strategies, as well as social events such as NYIGF’s popular “Night on Broadway,” which features specially priced tickets to the Aug. 20, performance of “Ghost.” Information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com/programs. Artisan Resource, which will be managed by GLM and organized with ByHand Consulting, will feature 50 exhibitors in the inaugural show. In other NYIGF happenings: • 100 Days of Design, a community-based blog published by the NYIGF, will return for the summer 2012 edition, with a modified format highlighting the designdriven products at NYIGF, as well New York City attractions and entertainment. The blog, which is accessible at www.100DaysofDesign.com, will be published twice weekly beginning on May 1 through the summer NYIGF. • A monthly series of free “Market Readiness” webinars—addressing marketing and selling strategies, tradeshow operations and lead followup—is being offered to exhibitors. Produced jointly by NYIGF and Right Angle Strategies, the series includes four pre-show webinars, one
post-show webinar, and free, 15-minute business consultations during NYIGF. As an added benefit, Right Angle Strategies will offer all webinar participants a free, in-booth 15-minute business consultation upon request during NYIGF. Registration is available online at www.nyigf.com/Exhibitors/ExhibitorEduc ation.aspx#registration • A new “Open House” exhibit will showcase 2013 home furnishings trends— from materials and color to commerce and branding. Presented in partnership with One Kings Lane, Sandow Media and Pantone, the display will illustrate products in six key trend categories, followed by an online flash sale of featured merchandise to benefit Gift For Life, the home, gift and stationery industries’ sole charity partner. In connection with the display, a seminar titled “Open House— What’s Hot in Home Design?” will explore trends influencing home products, from materials and color to commerce and branding. The session is scheduled for Aug. 19, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. • New York’s Newest, one of 10 divisions, will move from Pier 92 to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for the summer 2012 market. This shift coincides with the repositioning of Artisan Resource. New York’s Newest will run Aug. 18-21, in the Javits Center’s Hall 1E. For exhibitor information, contact Allison Rober, sales manager, at GLM, at 914.421.3212) or arober@glmshows.com. Attendee information is available by calling 800.272.SHOW (7469) or 212.204.1060. Additional information and registration is available online at www.artisanresourceny.com.
Summer Fancy Food Show Features History of Specialty Food in America The Summer Fancy Food Show returns to Washington, D.C., with the latest in chocolate, cheese, olive oil, spices, snacks and natural and organic products from 2,400 food artisans and entrepreneurs from across the U.S. and around the world. The show, now in its 58th year, will take place June 17-19 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages in North America. Registration is at www.fancyfoodshows.com. Buyers representing the top names in retailing and restaurants from 125 countries from Argentina to Vietnam are expected to attend the show to spot trends, discover emerging flavors and connect with new food producers. “The specialty food industry is thriving, and so is the spirit of innovation from our exhibitors, whether industry veterans or emerging food entrepreneurs,” said Ann
Daw, President of the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Inc. (NASFT) the show’s owner. “We are seeing renewed energy and growing interest from suppliers and buyers alike.” The show takes place as the NASF T celebrates its 60th anniversary. A show highlight will be an interactive exhibit tracing the history of specialty food in America. This year’s best products will be in the spotlight at a red-carpet ceremony hosted by noted Chef José Andrés, who will present the NASF T’s 40th annual sofi™ Awards for the outstanding specialty foods and beverages of 2012. A sofi Award is the top honor in the specialty food industry. • The Summer Fancy Food Show relocated to Washington, D.C., last year from its longtime home at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York due to ongoing construction. It is slated to be held in New York again in 2013.