Opening Day!

Notebook? Check.
Comfy shoes? Check.
STATUS Directory? Check.

Buyers were ready and eager to hit the Show floor running today…OPENING DAY! So what’s the buzz from Day 1? Two words are circulating among the crowd... “new” and “fun!”.

Prompting the “new” comments…the New Product Display was a first glimpse at more than 300 new products launching at NSS this week. Located in the Crystal Palace just beyond registration, it was literally the first stop for everyone.


And it’s no surprise that attendees are noticing early on that NSS has a few “fun” enhancements this year. Those participating in Passport to Discovery are vying for one of these 15 fabulous designer tote bags overflowing with more than $400 in goodies.


Also on the “fun” radar – Get Married. Check out these incredible wedding vignettes drawing attention to the 1400 aisle. They speak for themselves!


And for those who remember my previous NSS blog post – aka, the girl with the extra large ladle at the Get Married chocolate fountains – my “fun” find at NSS was brought to my attention from our own Kelly Bristol. This product speaks to me…my picture on a chocolate lollipop. Here is Kelly with hers…and I NEED to get to the 1200 aisle for mine!


We’re in full swing in NYC…and looking forward to what the next few days have in store!

Melissa

Just Horsin' Around

The Preakness runs today and as I walked around the Javits, I noticed that animal themes are always in vogue. People love big, fluffy cats or man’s best friend, as well as many other wilder creatures, depicted on magnets and posters and whatever. As I considered Mine That Bird or Rachel Alexander, touted to win today’s big race, I spotted lots of wonderful horse-related products.

Shaena from Paper House Productions(booth 2762) showed me two of their new launches for the show.


Karen from Mead (booth 1320) picked out another card with a horse that looks it might be a future contender.


And Westerman Manufacturing (booth 3341) has an assortment of wonderful animal padblocks.


The National Stationery Show is likewise coming up to the starting gate. It’s almost show time, the floor is looking great, and in no time we’ll be off and running. There’s no “show” or “place” here – it’s a sure bet, the National Stationery Show is the winning event to see the newest and most creative products, as well as your all-time favorites!

We’re here on site in NYC and doors open at 9:00am Sunday morning. We hope you’ll race on down to see us!!

We'll be back tomorrow!

- Alyson

It's starting to look like a show

Things are picking up today, and there are a ton of exhibitors here at the Javits Center setting up their booths. Alyson and I were talking with Hank Bereson of William Arthur this morning. Hank is the VP of sales for the company, but today, he's in a t-shirt, because setting up a booth as big as theirs is a bit of a "dirty job" shall we say. There's crates and boxes to unpack, displays to be assembled and so forth. When the buyers get here, they will be wowed by the products in this great booth. William Arthur has a terrific location at one of the entrances to the Show - booth 2220. But, buyers, by the time you get here, Hank will greet you in his suit and tie!

Dave Phipps of Avanti has been here for a couple of days already, and some fun things will be happening in Avanti's booth this year. I look forward to seeing what the Avanti team designs each year. Avanti is in booth 2502. Here's a little preview of Dave with one of his displays:


The ladies at Prints Charming are here working hard on their display, as well! I caught Sharon, who was sweet enough to let me take her photo in the midst of her assembly! The booth is looking cute! Find Prints Charming in booth 2911.


I am really excited that NYC Photobooth is at the Show this year. This company sells photo booths (you know, the kind you go into with a friend or boyfried and take silly photos...) Well, the idea is the same, but the technology is much improved! The folks at this company tell me these photo booths are a hit at bar & bat mitvahs, parties and weddings! Stop by booth 1217 to get your own free photos. Liz Beauregard, who is floor managing the 1100 - 1600 aisles of the Show and I stepped into the booth this morning. Here's our results:


We're looking forward to welcoming more exhibitors at the Javits Center tomorrow, and to Opening Day on Sunday.

One of us on the team will be back here tomorrow, so until then!

- Kelly

nss set-up day 2 - getting busy

Hello from day 2 of set-up at the National Stationery Show! It's been so busy here on-site! More exhibitors have shown up to set-up their booths, and many of those who are here are also dropping off their products for the Best New Product Display which will be in the "Crystal Palace Lobby" near the entrance of the Show. It's exciting to see all the submissions - sorry I can't share pics with you! You will have to be at the Show to see these!

What I can share is more photos from on-site as the Show builds up around us!

Here's Patti Stracher "the boss" - a.k.a. National Stationery Show Manager with Mike Ruberry, GLM's vice president of operations. This picture was taken in the Show Office located on the 4B Terrace. Note the walkie-talkie in Patti's hand. Even in though we all have cell phones, we mostly use our "radios" to communicate with each other here at Javits.


Display Designs creates fabulous booths for so many exhibitors in the Show. But before the booths get set, they get delivered in these distinctive crates! I'm not quite sure which exhibitor's booth was inside, but it could have been for MomAgenda, Anna Griffin, Olivia Reigel or Maude Asbury, to name a few!


This shot is overlooking the Show floor from the office Patti and I are sharing here on-site. It's a view of the Notes & Queries booth.


Manny Stone Decorators has been here since yesterday installing colorful foam board walls and bright white masonite flooring for a large number of exhibitors. The Show is going to look great! Here's Lloyd Stone (right) with one of his terrific colleagues.


Denise is one the security guards who will be scanning attendee badges at the Show. She's friendly! Make sure to say hi to her as you enter the Show floor.


Exhibitors at the Show are so incredible. Not only are they talented - producing drool-worthy products, but they really spend a lot of time creating great looking booths to welcome their customers once the Show is open. It's hard work, but it can be an enjoyable experience! I was so happy to come across the team of fun-loving folks at Dabney Lee's booth. As you can see, they are painting their booth a bright green, and they've gotten into the spirit of the day, and have their "war paint" on their cheeks! Here's Dabney and Courtney - looking forward to a great Show, ladies!


It has been so great to walk the Show floor and chat with exhibitors new and "old." Everyone keeps remarking on how happy they are to be here, and how much they are looking forward to seeing the buyers. The excitement is building, and I think it's going to be a great Show!

Until tomorrow - Kelly

on-site fun

Here we are again, back at the Javits Center in New York, setting-up for the National Stationery Show. I love the energy of move-in. Many exhibitors are already here, as are the service contractors who are building some of the largest booths. Freight is being moved in on forklifts, the place is noisy with men yelling, and equipment being used - it is a construction zone, to be sure, and the excitment is in the air.

Here are some pics I took walking around the Javits today:

Patti was excited to see our "ad" on the new digital display sign outside of the Javits Center. I think it looks great!


Like I said: a construction zone with forklifts! Hardhats not required, but be careful!


Here's John, one of the head electricians. If you're an exhibitor in the 2400-3000 aisles you surely know him, and should stop here to be sure your order is in!


Doug Duncan of Motel Deluxe, getting a nice head start.


Vera Bradley's and Knock Knock's freight has arrived!


Here's Randy from InScribe - he was waiting for his freight when I came across him, but it magically appeared when I showed up! (o;


Here's Constance Kay, checking in with the electrician in her area (Mattie, not John).


And here's my cab! Aaron and I are headed out to dinner in the City with a group from work tonight. Should be fun!


- Until tomorrow!

Kelly

Keeping Up With Trends

I’ve been thinking a lot about trends as I prepare for NSS. I truly believe that consumers count seeing trends in their favorite stores. They want to know what’s new, what’s now, what’s fresh, what’s fantastic in the market. Today’s trends are turning over faster, and more than ever are tied to current events, lifestyle demands, and most importantly, fashion. What’s hot in fashion – from polka dots and embroidery, to retro-60’s mod, from eco-chic green fabrics to affordable luxe and bling on a budget – will be reflected, interpreted and designed for products to please the current crop of fashion-savvy consumers.

The National Stationery Show (NSS) is a treasure trove of information and products that showcase the latest fashion and lifestyle trends. Paper products are relatively inexpensive to produce, attracting some of the most talented designers, who are on the cutting edge, to get into the business. Many of the trends that have dominated fashion and home décor over the past few seasons –such as oversized black & white damask designs – were first reflected in paper. The social stationery industry was offering recycled and environmentally responsible products long before “Green” appeared on everyone’s radar. NSS was the first show to blend fashion with function for today’s expanding home office product demands, and its exhibitors were earlier innovators in the lucrative, ever-changing ‘tween market.

Stationery has become so important to the lifestyle market I recently learned that internationally acclaimed designers Vera Wang, Lilly Pulitzer, Martha Stewart and Kate Spade are debuting social stationery collections at the Show!


Here’s what I’ll be looking for this year:

 The evolution of “green” products which combine great design with cause-related consciousness

 Humorous or caring cards which uplift the spirits and cause a chuckle in these challenging times

 Executive accessories and leather goods which dazzle with vibrant colors and on-trend animal prints

 Designs which interpret world-style motifs in a fresh and exciting style


As a veteran trend-tracker, I’m so excited about the upcoming NSS. See you on the aisles!!!

- Deb Gold

A Man's View on Stationery

Masculine Stationery

These two words are rarely said together. I don’t understand why it is that most stationery products are created for a primarily female market, but they are. Now don’t get me wrong, I find all kinds of designs, color combinations and artistic styles beautiful. You’re just never going to see me walking the show floor with a bright pink and baby blue notebook. Instead, I’ll be carrying a yellow legal pad or plain spiral notebook; that seems to be my only other option.

That is why I am really excited to see that there are a few new companies out there that are in some way catering to me and my half of the species. “Big Fat Black Cat” is a brand new exhibitor at the Show and I am really looking forward to stopping by their booth to check them out. They registered to exhibit in my first week of working for GLM and I was drawn in by their vibrant colors and fringe style. I think that it also gave me a nostalgic feeling for the CD cover artwork of the Swing revival of the late ‘90s.

Coffin Skull Print from “Big Fat Black Cat”

“ManCards for the Thoughtful Gent” is another company that will be exhibiting at The National Stationery Show. Their products have a decidedly masculine bent. Their basic and elegant style appeals to a desire for simplicity inherent in most men. With mellow, cool colors their note cards lend a feeling of serenity and peace to an occasion. It’s the kind of card that I wouldn’t feel weird displaying on my bookshelf. And, they are packaged in a really cool metal tin.

Green Note Card from “ManCards for the Thoughtful Gent”

So here’s the insider information about how most men shop for greeting cards. We wait until the last second. I consider myself to be a very thoughtful guy and generally I plan ahead, but I will freely admit that I almost always buy greeting cards on my way home from work, on the day of the event.

Since we buy so last minute, we tend not to buy cards online (we don’t plan that far ahead when it comes to these situations). Most of us buy them either at a store in or near our office building, or wherever it is most convenient; the grocery store, drug store, hardware store, etc.

I believe that there is a huge untapped market out there. I know that the common belief is that men do not buy social stationery, but like the famous line from a movie the man in your life is sure to have seen, “If you design it, they will come.” I know I would.

- Aaron

A New Experience!

Okay so I wear a lot of grey… and black and tan and brown… well, you get the picture. I’ve worked at GLM for 18 years but at a very different industry. The Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show is a fabulous show but it’s so different from NSS. It’s very corporate and everything is more….. tailored!

This will be my first Stationery Show and thus far it’s been a great new experience! I’ve been meeting Stationery exhibitors and their enthusiasm runs wild. It’s an infusion of art and creativity by a group of people well able to express themselves – artists interpreting feelings, poets penning appropriate sentiments. And then there are those colors - a fearless array of hot pinks, vibrant greens, bold yellows - flowing freely from exhibitor booths, creating very emotional and happy feelings. I’ll have to get used to that!

What a wonderful industry that celebrates every day life! While emailing friends is fast, there’s nothing like receiving an envelope with greetings in the mail. This, in itself, has become a special event. It’s good to know that the tradition of being socially connected continues. And where better than the National Stationery Show.

As a newcomer myself, I’m especially impressed with some of the programs developed to support new exhibitors. There are mentoring programs that take the fear out of a first-time experience by pairing the new with the seasoned exhibitor. Free attendees labels that allow a first-timer to reach a legitimate number of potential clients. For small businesses and owners who wear too many hats, it’s a welcoming gesture from an industry that embodies thoughtfulness.

I’m looking forward to my first show. So if you see me in the aisles, stop me and say hello. Normally I’d say I’ll be wearing a charcoal grey skirt and white shirt but this year it might be different… I might be flaunting turquoise slacks or a violet shirt, maybe a pink skirt and a yellow scarf, no it could be an orange suit or a …..

**Alyson**

Weddings and Chocolate and Prizes, Oh My!

I’m the typical woman – I admit it. I gush at all-things wedding...I could survive on chocolate alone…and top-of-the-line stationery freebies are the greatest thing ever. So I’m sure you can imagine, the upcoming National Stationery Show is turning out to be a little slice of heaven for yours truly. If you haven’t connected the dots already, let me fill you in...

Get Married (www.getmarried.com) is back, and bigger than ever. This year, the Get Married booth (1214) and surrounding area will showcase a collection of the hottest wedding-related products found on the Show floor through four table vignettes. A MUST see Show floor feature!
For those of you who can relate to my pesky sweet tooth problem, this is where that chocolate comes into play! From 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 17 – Tuesday, May 19, Get Married will offer attendees a mid-afternoon pick-me-up with two chocolate fountains. If you would like to meet me, I’ll be the one dipping the extra large ladle into the fountain.

Another feature that returns this year is Passport to Discovery. If you’re looking for a great way to shop the Show – or a change of pace from your regular aisle-to-aisle routine – this is the program for you. And it’s simple, which will make you love it that much more. Just pick up your Passport in the lobby bins where you grab your badge holder, visit the six key booth locations to have it stamped, and drop it off at the Gifts & Decorative Accessories booth (2500). One of the booths you’ll stop by is Get Married, where you’ll pick up a free bag packed with goodies from NSS exhibitors! And it doesn’t stop there…attendees completing the program will be eligible to win one of 15 designer tote bags overflowing with stationery products from exhibitors.

So much to see and do at this year’s NSS…and these two programs are just the beginning! So put Get Married and Passport to Discovery on the top of your “NSS To Do” list, dig out those comfy trade show shoes that you haven’t seen since last May, and pack that extra large ladle you’ve been thinking about since you read the part about the chocolate fountains.

We’ll see you soon…

Melissa
NSS Marketing Manager

New Role, New Excitement!

I just passed my 3 year anniversary at GLM and thinking back, a lot has happened these past 3 years. I remember the days when I didn’t know what a directory looked like and S-T-A-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y was the way I spelled the cute paper that I write my notes on (admit it, most of us have made the mistake!) I also remember the first time I saw a concrete, open space transform into an exciting trade show, danced at my first opening night party and attended my first seminar.

My first trade show was the National Stationery Show.
My first opening night party was the NSS Rainbow Room Party.
My first seminar was about successful and effective visual merchandising.

This May I’m excited to continue this annual tradition of working the National Stationery Show. With all of the bright colors, new products and people from all over the world, I would be crazy not to be excited. I love talking to new people and learning about our exhibiting companies. No matter how many trade shows I’ve been to, there are always great people to meet and things to learn.

Speaking of new, I have a new role at the Show this year as Conference Manager. I’ll be spending most of my days on Level 1 of Javits coordinating the seminars and meetings. Although I’m not an exhibitor or an attendee, I try to attend the seminars to better understand various aspects of the business. This year’s topics are very interesting and the speakers are well-known experts in their field. My hope is that all will run smoothly, so that I’ll be able to learn from the pro’s!

Then, after an expectedly chaotic opening day, I’m excited to celebrate at our annual Opening Night Party at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. Let’s face it, it’s not every day I get to watch the sunset over the New York City skyline while eating amazing food and chatting with exhibitors and attendees of the Show. Then after the sun has set I love watching people smile and laugh while dancing on the rotating dance floor. And okay, once and a while I join them too!


Well the Show isn’t here yet, so I must get back to work. I hope some of you faithful readers will be joining me at these exciting events (make sure to say hi)!

Check out our website for information on the show, seminars and party. Or send me an email and I’ll help as best as I can: jreiche@glmshows.com.

*Jess*