An Inside Look at Programs & Events

As the Conference Manager for the National Stationery Show I enjoy seeing the buyer education program come together from start to finish. It’s exciting to learn about the topics being considered, and who the best speakers are to deliver a particular program. Over the past few months the show manager and marketing team have worked hard to put together a comprehensive line-up that will benefit both attendees and exhibitors. Make sure to take a look at the programs & events page for details on each seminar.

The speakers are true professionals – from Darcy Miller, editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings to Peggy Post from the Emily Post Institute to industry editors – Caroline Kennedy, Patricia Norins, and Sarah Schwartz. There are also some great demos planned presented by exhibitors and other outside experts. These are always lively and in high demand.

Now that the schedule is secure, all I need to do is plan the logistics and all you need to do is register!

Our exhibitors are now registering for the pre-show webinars. We hold sessions to help them learn tips on marketing, operations, visual merchandising & in-booth sales. The marketing communications webinar is fast approaching on Friday February 12th . Want the inside scoop? It’ll cover insight into what makes a great press kit, social media advice, affordable marketing ideas and much more. It’s really perfect for new exhibitors and experienced exhibitors that need some fresh, new ideas. The best part is the opportunity exhibitors have to ask questions and get immediate answers from the trade show marketing experts!

Keep reading our blog for more inside information on the 2010 National Stationery Show!

Until next time,
Jess

The Game Change

Wow things feel really good. The fun is coming back, the attitude is great, retailers and vendors are excited, motivated, and open for business!

And, here at “NSS Headquarters” the buzz is shaking the ground. Exhibit sales and buyer registration hit record highs for the month and we scored some very big and exciting news that we’ll release closer to the Show. I really can’t tell you now.

But, I should mention how incredibly pleased we are to welcome back Recycled Paper Greetings and Papyrus to the Show floor! Great Arrow Graphics, Penny Laine, Odd Balls, Stevie Streck, too! And, how fortunate we are to be partnering with Martha Stewart Weddings on groundbreaking research that we’ll release at the Show. Maybe I should talk about some of the celebrity appearances that we’re working on. And, maybe I should tell you about the fabulous new companies that are launching in 2010. On second thought, I’ll keep those a secret for now.

The next 15 weeks are going to fly by, as we shape the exhibit floor, fine tune all of the educational sessions, special events, hospitality programs, promotions, pr, demos, media tours and so forth. But the fun is back, and we are loving the game change!

-Patti

Where Do I Go Now?

"If you don't know where you are going, then it doesn't matter which road you take, does it?" These words of wisdom are from the Cheshire Cat in “Alice in Wonderland.” And it sums up the way that some people we talk to do business – those people who have expressed interest in the National Stationery Show(NSS) for years but when asked if they want to exhibit this year, the reply is “no, I don’t think I’m ready.”

When is someone finally ready to exhibit at the Show? How can the Show be of help to you? What can you learn to motivate and inspire? Is this not THE gathering of social stationery and wouldn’t it be the most educational atmosphere to develop your business and move it forward?

The NSS offers a wealth of information about the industry and for the industry. At other tradeshows, there is no one industry that is so heartily represented by all sides of the business. The experience you gain by merely exhibiting alongside someone who’s been selling greeting cards for forty years is phenomenal. The webinars to help new exhibitors prepare to exhibit are so worthwhile. And, our website offers simple how-tos -- examples of booths and how people actually put together their special look. My favorite, The Mentor Program, is such an advantage for newcomers. Our Operations Department has taken a new hands-on approach to ensure that you’ll have a good show. And there’s so much more…

It’s not all about buying and selling but making connections, seeing how it’s done, networking, working together and getting the guidance and know-how. And it’s all there for the taking. Come join a group of very committed people and companies that make up a very strong industry. Learn and grow at the National Stationery Show. Then you’ll most certainly know which way you’re going!


-Alyson