Are you thinking about doing a trade show in 2010?
Before you commit to doing any trade show, its a good idea to preview the show. Many shows occur twice a year, so if you were hoping to do a trade show in 2010, there’s still time to check out the winter/spring edition of a show to decide if you want to go for it in summer/fall. Here’s a list of some upcoming shows to add to your calendar for January and February:
Accessories the Show – January 5-7, New York City
Designers & Agents – January 5-7. New York City
Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market – January 8-12, Atlanta
New York International Gift Fair – January 30-February 4, New York City
San Francisco International Gift Fair – February 6-9, San Francisco
Buyers Market of American Craft – February 12-15, Philadelphia
Pool Trade Show – February 16-18, Las Vegas
Accessories the Show – February 16-18, Las Vegas
American Craft Council Show – February 23-24, Baltimore (this is a once a year show)
These shows aren’t open to the public, so if you’d like to attend, contact the show organizer and let them know you are thinking about exhibiting in the future. They will typically give you a free pass as a guest of sales.
I’ll also be attending some of these shows (mostly to check them out, but I’ll be exhibiting at New York Gift), and I’ll share my thoughts here for those that can’t make the show. (I’m off to the city on Tuesday to check out Accessories and D&A.) I’d also love to here about your experiences visiting or exhibiting in any of these shows (or any others you think should be on the list). Feel free to comment, or send me an email at megan(at)craftMBA.com