On Your Mark, Get Set...Winter Markets

From Atlanta to LA, the gift markets are rolling out the red carpet for buyers looking for fresh merchandise to restock.

Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 12/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Atlanta

ATLANTA INTL. GIFT & HOME FURNISHINGS MARKET

January 6–13: showrooms

January 8–12: temporaries

ATLANTA INTL. AREA RUG MARKET

January 7–10: showrooms

January 8–10: temporaries

AmericasMart Atlanta

(800) ATL-MART

www.americasmart.com

Show Producer: AMC Inc.

Show Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Travel Arrangements: Call Ambassadors at (800) 241-6405 for hotel reservations or book online at https://rms.ambassadors.com/show/americasmart/. Click on AmericasMart.com/Travel/Air_Travel to earn up to 10% off select coach fares or call Delta at (800) 328-1111 and refer to code NM4JV. For AirTran, call (866) 683-8368 and refer to Event Code: AmericasMart10 for a 10% discount.

Market Highlights:

• Tabletop floors 8 and 9 of AM2 are redefined as Living and Entertaining Gifts, Tabletop and Accessories.

• Home product center expands to include the re-launch of fine linens floors 9 and 10 in AM1.

• Museum of Introductions (MOI) gallery, featuring design-driven area rugs and carpets.

Special Events

• Scheduled appearances by celebrities Kathryn M. Ireland, Brad Ford and Tom Filicia. Showrooms have artist signings, demos, parties and promotions. Visit www.americasmart.com for listings.

• Market Gala at the High Museum of Art celebrating the John Portman: Art and Architecture exhibition.

• Gourmet Demonstration Kitchen featuring Alton Brown, Tyler Florence, Virginia Willis and more.

• America's Magnificent Carpets Awards 2009, sponsored by Architectural Digest. January 9. Acroatique, featuring The Peking Acrobats. Atlanta Marriot Marquis, Atrium Ballroom. 6–8 p.m.

• Wedding Reception in Living. Outdoor/Indoor. The Gardens. 5–7 p.m. AM2 WW, floors 9 and 10, around Waterfall.

• Tailgate Party. Watch the NFL playoffs on Sunday on AM2, floor 6.

AmericasMart University

Unless otherwise noted, courses will take place in AM2 WW.

Thursday, January 7

• Gift Basket Seminar. 1:30–2:30 p.m.

• Bon Appetit! A Tribute to Julia Child. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Presenter: Virginia Willis.

• From the Farm to the Table. 3–4 p.m. Presenter: Shaun Doty.

• Exhibitor Seminar: Learn How to Think Like a Retailer. 3–4 p.m. Presenter: Albert Maslia. AM3, floor 3, Conference Ctr., Chastain Room.

Friday, January 8

• WITHit Seminar: Social Media Success: Low Cost and No Cost Marketing Tools. 9–10 a.m. Presenter: Melissa Galt. AM1, room 14-D-9.

• Productive & Profitable: A Smarter Way to Shop AmericasMart. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Presenter: Albert Maslia. AM3, floor 3, Conference Center, Chastain Room.

• The Accidental Blogger. 10–11 a.m. Presenter: Brad Ford. AM1, room 14-D-9.

• Fresh on the Menu with South Carolina. 10–11 a.m.

• Tyler's Ultimate: Brilliant Simple Food to Make Anytime. 11 a.m. Presenter: Tyler Florence

• Kathryn M. Ireland: Living and Entertaining At Home. 2–3 p.m. Presenter: Kathryn M. Ireland

• In the Kitchen with Zwilling J.A. Henckels. 3 p.m.

• Turning the Ordinary into Holiday Extraordinary. 4–5 p.m. AM1, room 19-A-23

• Creating Exquisite Holiday Decor 11 a.m.–noon. Presenter: Bill Murphy. AM1, room 19-A-23

• Creating a Perfect Garden Party. 4–5 p.m. Presenter: John Grady Burns.

• Chillin' and Grillin': Entertaining with Outset 4–6 p.m.

Saturday, January 9

• The Art of Shopping and Good Customer Service. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Presenter: Albert Maslia. AM3, floor 3, Conference Ctr., Chastain Room.

• The Hive is Hot. 10–11 a.m.

• Keynote: Socialnomics: It's a People Driven Economy, Stupid! 11 a.m.– noon. Presenter: Erik Qualman. AM1, floor 10, room 1004.

• Williamsburg for the Home, Christmas and Year Round 11 a.m.–noon. AM1, room 19-A-23.

• Unwrap the Possibilities. 11 a.m.–noon. AM1, room 19-A-23.

• Science: It's What's for Dinner. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Presenter: Alton Brown.

• Crazy About Cupcakes! 2–3 p.m.

• Thom Filicia's Design Philosophy and Inspirations. 2–3 p.m. Presenter: Thom Filicia. AM1, room 14-D-9.

• Kathryn M. Ireland: Creating a Home. 3:30–4:30 p.m. Presenter: Kathryn M. Ireland. AM1, room 14-D-9.

• Creating Comfortable Spaces for Indoor/Outdoor Living. 4–5 p.m. Presenter: John Grady Burns.

• The Nose Knows! Wine Aroma Seminar. 4–5 p.m. Presenter: Sebastien Gavillet.

Sunday, January 10

• "Brand New" Hospital Gift Shop Seminar. 9–10 a.m.

• Demonstration Pairing with Teas and Chocolates. 12:30–1:30 p.m.

• Demonstration by Grilling Expert Elizabeth Karmel. 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Dallas

TOTAL GIFT & HOME MARKET, HOLIDAY & HOME EXPO

January 13–19

INTL. LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES MARKET

January 14–18

F!NDS; HOLIDAY & HOME EXPO TEMPORARIES

January 15–18

Dallas Market Center

(800) DAL-MKTS

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Show Producer: Dallas Market Center

Show Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Hours may be extended for special events.

Travel Arrangements: Market Travel, (800) DAL-MKTS or www.dallasmarketcenter.com/travel/index.aspx

Market Highlights

For a complete list of special events and seminar programs, visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com.

• Market Orientation, Product Discovery Merchandising and Display Discovery and Color/Trendspotting Discovery Tours.

• The 21st Annual ARTS Awards Gala. Saturday, January 16. 6:30 p.m. The Grand Pavilion at the Trade Mart. For tickets visit http://www.dallasmarketcenter.com/documents/0110_webform_arts_tkts.pdf. Ticket prices are $125 for ART members and $150 for non-members.

Seminars

Seminars are held in WTC Seminar Suite unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, January 14

• Home Trends and Design Style. Presenter: Susanna Salk. Noon.

• How is Your Social Media? Presenter: Chris Hite. 1 p.m.

• Get Connected at our Fab Techno Lab. Presenter: J Schwanke 5 p.m.

Friday, January 15

• Electronic Marketing in 2010. Presenter: Bob Negen. One Coast Café. WTC 2. 8:15 a.m.

• What's Happening Now: Gift Trends 2010. Presenter: Mary Liz Curtin. 9 a.m.

• COLORPULSE 2011. Presenter: Fran Mooney. Noon.

• Holiday Inspirations: A New European Perspective. Presenter: Rene van Rems. 1 p.m.

• How to Develop a WhizBang! Staff. Presenter: Bob Negen. One Coast Café. WTC 2. 3 p.m.

• Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Sales and Profits. Presenter: Patricia Norins. Trade Mart. 2nd floor. 4 p.m.

Saturday, January 16

• Crystallized – Swarovski Elements Workshop: Tabletop and Giftware 12–13, WTC 12. 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

• The Internet is for the Dough, Not Just for the Show! Presenter: Tom Shay. Noon.

• Big Events in Small Spaces. 1 p.m.

Sunday, January 17

• Strategies to Win in 2010. Presenter: Tom Shay. 10 a.m.

• SELLINGreen: 10 Things Every Seller Needs to Know. Presenter: Jeff Hiller 11 a.m.

Los Angeles

CALIFORNIA GIFT SHOW

January 15–18

Shop Early at the L.A. Mart

January 12–15

Los Angeles Convention Ctr.

L.A. Mart

(800) 677-6278

www.californiagiftshow.com

Show Producer: Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI)

Show Hours: L.A. Mart: 9 a.m.–6 p.m., January 12–14 and 16–18; January 15, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Convention Center: 9 a.m.–6 p.m., January 15–17; 9 a.m.–4 p.m., January 18.

Travel Arrangements: MMPI Travel, (800) 221-3531 or www.californiagiftshow.com/travel/hotel-transportation/.

Market Highlights

• Beckman's Handcrafted Gift Show returns to L.A., where it originated in 1975, as Beckman's West. January 15–18.

• Set Decorators Society of America-created seasonal product display on the Convention Center show floor.

• Introduction To Fair Trade. Presenter: Carmen K. Iezzi. All day in the Convention Center's Fair Trade Pavilion

• Interactive Twitter Workshop. Presenter: Lynn Switanowski-Barrett January 15–17. All day, Convention Center, South Hall

• PACE Business Development Center for complimentary business counseling. January 15–17, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Convention Center.

• Artisan's Gallery Showcase features musicians, artists, authors, dancers and craftsman. Convention Center, Kentia Hall, all day.

Seminars

Friday, January 15

• Greenleaders, Certified Sustainability Training. All Day. L.A. Mart.

Saturday, January 16

• Marketing in the New Media Era. Presenter: Caroline Kennedy, editor-in-chief of Gifts & Decorative Accessories. 11:30 a.m. L.A. Mart

Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA GIFT SHOW

January 16–19

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA

(678) 285 3976.

www.urban-expo.com

Show Producer: Urban Expositions

Show Hours: January 16–18, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; January 19, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Travel Arrangements: For discounted hotels call (800) 262-9974 or visit www.giftshowhotels.com.

Market Highlights

• New Candy, Gourmet, Specialty Foods and Confections resources.

• Handcrafted resources featuring fine and fashion jewelry, wood, metal, ceramic and glass designs, home furnishings and accessories.

• Expanded Resort selection in a new section between aisles 1900–2200, featuring approximately 60 companies.

Seminars

Saturday, January 16

• Today's Retailing Survival Secret?— K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid) 9:30–10:30 a.m. Presenter: Marilyn Nason.

• Retail Trends for 2010. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Presenter: John Saxton.

Sunday, January 17

• What is Social Media & How Can You Use It To Increase Business? Presenter: Brian Linton.

• Advanced Social Media: Strategies for Using Facebook, Twitter and Blogging For Your Retail Business. 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Chicago

THE CHICAGO MARKET: LIVING & GIVING

January 21–27

BECKMAN'S HANDCRAFTED GIFT SHOW; MARKET SUITES TEMPORARIES

January 23–26

Chicago Merchandise Mart

(312) 527-4141

www.shopchicagomarket.com

Show Producer: Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI)

Show Hours: Floors 13–14, January 21–22 and 24–26, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; January 23, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; January 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Floor 8, January 23–25, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; January 26, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Travel Arrangements: MMPI Travel, (800) 528-8700 or email MMPItravel@ttgonline.com.

Market Highlights

• Beckman's Handcrafted Gift Show — features artists/designers and handcrafters who work in all media

• Lake Living — the lifestyle-inspired product focus defined by fresh-water living is highlighted

• Living and Giving: Green — Offers earth-friendly ideas, trends and products

Seminars

Unless otherwise noted, seminars take place from noon– 1p.m. in Temporary Suites, floor 8, room 8A.

Saturday, January 23

• Think and Grow Big: Strategies for Business Growth. Presenter: Elizabeth Gardner. 8–9 a.m.

• Great Products, Tremendous Impact: Introduction to Fair Trade and the Fair Trade Federation for Buyers and Retailers. Presenter: Carmen K. Iezzi.

Sunday, January 24

• Speed Networking with New To Market Products to Capture the Latest in Trend Setting Products for the Market.

Monday, January 25

• The Subtle Art of Managing Your Customers With New Marketing Strategies. Presenter: Jo Anne Stone-Geier

• Keynote: It All Begins With the Merchandise. 4–5p.m. Presenter: Gordon Segal. Merchandise Mart Conference Center, 2nd floor across the Pedestrian Bridge on the west side of the building. RSVP required:events@shopchicagomarket.com. Please include the event title in the subject line.