April Fools!

April Fool’s Day is one of those holidays that I’ve always hated. Blaming it on my shy personality and lack of creativity, it’s a day that I annually spend dodging my brothers, ignoring my friends and finding tranquility in my calm, prank-free home. What about you? Are you the top prankster in your company or the shy girl hiding in the corner? Either way, I will admit that it’s a fun holiday. Check out some April Fool’s worldwide history I found on Wikipedia.com!


• In 1962 the Swedish national television did a 5-minute special on how one could get color TV by placing a nylon stocking in front of the TV. A rather in-depth description on the physics behind the phenomena was included.

• In 1980, the BBC reported a proposed change to the famous clock tower known as Big Ben. The reporters stated that the clock would go digital.

• In 1996, Taco Bell took out a full-page advertisement in The New York Times announcing that they had purchased the Liberty Bell to "reduce the country's debt" and renamed it the "Taco Liberty Bell." When asked about the sale, White House press secretary Mike McCurry replied tongue-in-cheek that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold and would henceforth be known as the Lincoln Mercury Memorial.

• In 1998, Burger King ran an ad in USA Today, saying that people could get a Whopper for left-handed people whose condiments were designed to drip out of the right side. Not only did customers order the new burgers, but some specifically requested the "old", right-handed burger.

• In 2008, all featured videos on YouTube's front page hyperlinked to the Rickroll. The prank began with international YouTube portals before appearing on the main site. In 2009 the videos, links and most text (using Unicode substitution) were turned upside down and there was also a link to help users view the new site layout with hints such as hanging the monitor upside-down or moving to Australia.

• Expedia ran a prank on 1 April 2009, offering flights to Mars. This was internally known as Project Dawnstar.


Pretty funny stuff! I can’t help you with any good pranks but I can tell you something that’s going on this April Fool’s Day here at NSS Headquarters that is true…some of our seminars are close to being sold out, our sales team surpassed their sales goal for March way before yesterday and the National Stationery Show is only a month and a half away… Now that’s no joking matter!

Until next time,
Jess

Busy!

What, too busy to blog – who me? Here I sit at 5:01 pm on Thursday realizing that I haven’t had a moment to myself today to write and “publish” this week’s blog. And it’s my turn. Hmmm… What to share…

We have been so busy here on the NSS team that we hardly have time to say hello to each other! The phones have been ringing non-stop with vendors looking to book exhibit space - lots of exciting new companies coming to the Show this year. We’re psyched – the Show is going to be great!

Our exhibitors new and experienced have an excellent opportunity (FREE) to reach out to the Show’s buyers this year. Exhibitors, please check into the “marketing opportunities” section of the website next month to learn more. We know that buyers love to receive information about who’s exhibiting ahead of time. Don’t miss this great opportunity to tell them about your company’s participation!

We already have 3,500 new buyers registered for the Show. That’s a lot! Of course, this number doesn’t even include the thousands and thousands of buyers about to receive their badges in the mail. Exciting! And we know there will be more buyers registering in the next several weeks leading up to the Show. We really are looking forward to a busy Show with bustling aisles.

I can’t wait for this year’s Opening Night Party! The new venue, Battery Park Gardens, boasts a great view of the Statue of Liberty. It’s always fun to get together on the after the first day of the Show is done. The energy is always high and palpable. – Funny, just as I was writing this an exhibitor called me to ask about this party! (We’re looking forward to seeing you at the party, Stamps.com folks!)

Another question I get asked often enough is about hotels in the City. Please know that I have not stayed at every single one of them. (Though it would be fun to attempt to do so – I just think it would take years!) We have a great variety on “the block” that Travel Planners puts forward – and most are on the shuttle bus route to the Javits Center. Check out photos and shuttle bus info on our website, and book your accommodations soon, if you haven’t already! Rooms are filling up fast.

One more thing - as I was about to conclude this blog, I received an email from an exhibitor who asked about getting help with in-booth sales. Help is available! If you have reps, of course ask them to spend some time with you in your booth meeting customers and taking orders. If you don’t – or you just need to staff up, let us know – we’ve got resources for this, and can recommend you to companies that provide exactly this kind of service.

So, that’s it for now from me. Big hellos to the entire NSS team – you’ll probably read this before you see me, we’re all so busy!

Until next time -

Kelly

Students: The Force Behind the NSS New Product Display

Seems like it was not so long ago that I was a college student searching for internships and volunteer work to boost up my rather meek PR & journalism resume. Obituary writer for the local weekly newspaper…coffee runner for a local PR firm…intern for my college PR office...and the list goes on.

They all sucked the life out of me, but I graduated college with a respectable resume and great references that helped me land my first job. Never mind the salary, which was even more humble than my resume was just one year earlier.

For the 2009 National Stationery Show, and again this year, I have been privileged to work with a select group of visual merchandising students and faculty from Manhattan-based LIM College to design and merchandise the NSS New Product Display. From the ground up, this display is all them. This special focus area is the first glimpse buyers get of the hundreds of new products launching at NSS, immediately after they walk through registration. To these students, it’s a highlight for their resume…a feather in their cap.

The social stationery industry is no different than any other. Current students are our future. They are our future designers, artists, retailers, manufacturers and more. So stop by the New Product Display and give these students the kudos and encouragement they deserve. You will like what you see, so don’t hesitate to snag one of them up for an internship or volunteer project before it’s too late. They are at the NSS to build credentials and network – just like you and me back in the day.

See you soon,
Melissa

PS – If you’re an exhibitor and haven’t submitted your new product(s) yet for the Best New Product competition and display, you have only until April 12 to do so. Enter today by clicking here (scroll to bottom of page).

One Person’s Perception is Another’s Reality

The days are getting longer as the show is getting closer. So many pieces are coming together both here at GLM and within our exhibitors’ businesses. New product releases, new booth displays, celebrity appearances, artist signings and other in–booth events in the making – these are just a few of the things that will make the Show so exciting for retailers.

But what retailers want most when they put in time and money to visit a show is to see vendors in booths that are filled with products and warm sales people ready to serve them!

This brings me to what is most on my mind after looking through the non-exhibiting manufacturer badge requests last evening. As an industry event – and one that takes place only once a year – surely everyone wants to be there. But, attending the Show in a way that best represents your business and best serves your customer is a very tactical decision.

Attendee and exhibitor badges are different colors, so at a glance the difference is clear. All badges include business type, job function and company name: Retailer, Owner, The Paper Place; Retailer, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Target; Manufacturer’s Rep, Owner, Roadrunners; Exhibitor, President, Design Design, Exhibitor, Owner, Smock Letterpress.

Non-exhibiting manufacturer (NEM) badges are denoted the same way: Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer, President, ABC Company. Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer, Creative Director, DEF Company. When established companies that should exhibit don’t, and instead attend, it sends a peculiar message to the retail customer walking the show: Why isn’t company ABC exhibiting? Is the business in trouble? Isn’t my business important enough to invest in presenting the lines to me in a booth? And, to the industry peer who has spent real time and money to exhibit and in front of whose booth the NEM stands talking to the retailer that the exhibitor has paid to see, the mindset is one of real frustration: How in the world does the NEM feel right conducting business in front of my booth? Why the heck aren’t they exhibiting? I’m going to talk to Patti about how wrong this is!

The bottom line in my head and heart is that no matter on which side of the business we sit, all of us want the social stationery industry to have a thriving future. There is one industry show – the National Stationery Show. This is where you see or you’re seen, you buy, you sell, you learn and you network. And a healthy show is one that reflects its industry at its best and most diverse, serving its customers – exhibitors and buyers - in the most productive and fair way.

I hope that if you are one of the people that have requested a NEM badge, you will call me to request a booth instead, sharing the stage with 900 of your industry peers who have fully committed the continued health of the social stationery industry.

-Patti

Planning a Wedding: How One Man Is Doing It

Everyone tells you that planning a wedding is a lot of work and can almost become a second job. As I was growing up I heard this and kind of shrugged it off. Ever since I was a little boy, I knew that I wanted to get married someday; commitment-phobic I am not. But, I always assumed that the woman I would marry would plan the wedding. Actually, I thought that she would have the wedding already planed, long before we even met.

So I guess it only makes sense that my fiancé grew up not wanting to get married at all. There was nothing planned or thought out, no dress that she wanted to get married in or song she wanted to dance to. She was actually kind of anti-marriage.

Now we’re getting married this fall and it seems that the lion’s share of the planning is falling (no pun intended) to me. To be fair she is definitely helping out and is more than willing to give her opinion on anything put before her, but I am the driving force behind our committee of two.

So, what do we have so far? I don’t think that we are doing too badly. We have a venue, my mom and step-dads patio in central Virginia; we have a guest list; we have a “theme”, harvest time with an extremely casual dress code (shorts and tee shirts will be allowed). What we have the most of, though, is ideas. We want letterpress invitations (our colors are those of the fall) and we will probably want a tree incorporated into them somehow. We want a string quartet for the ceremony, but do we want a live band or a DJ for the reception? I don’t know and neither does she. We want a buffet style meal, but what kind of food?

I know that it will all come together in the end - my fiancé works best with a tight deadline - but for now, having this hanging over our head is stressful. I would definitely welcome any ideas, advice or cool harvest-type options. I know that I will have the opportunity to view a huge selection at the National Stationery Show, but let me know if you have any.

Oh, I guess we do have one more thing, just last night we ordered our “Save The Date” magnet. Here it is:



- Aaron

Big Blur

I’m taking advantage of the “work at home” day to write this blog – on Wednesday, instead of Thursday. The snowstorm that is keeping me at home in my pjs and sipping my home-brewed coffee gives me a visual analogy of what January was for me - one BIG BLUR!

Only one week after New Year’s Day, I was on the road visiting with vendors and reps who were hard at work at other trade shows. My “road work” didn’t really end until last week – Thursday, February 4th, to be exact! Whew.

This first “show season” of the year was truly exhilarating. Buyers were out in full force – evidenced by the over-stocked coat check areas in all venues. Speaking as a show management person, this is a great sign of a robust show in a cold climate!

These buyers who crowded the showrooms, escalators, elevators, hallways and aisles weren’t just looking at “what’s new,” they were placing orders! The reps and vendors I spoke with were reporting that their sales were up over the same time as last year, and often in a double digit percentage increase. This portends the end of a bad economy, I’m thinking. Hurray for that!

A number of companies I met with will be exhibiting in the National Stationery Show for the first time this year. In Atlanta I got to spend a nice amount of time with Jennifer Carroll of Jennifer Carroll Designs. Jennifer is already very accomplished – she’s a sought-after event designer with a new book on events in the works, and now she’s designing fabulous stationery. I can’t wait for you to meet her at the NSS!

While in Atlanta, I attended the Greeting Card Association’s reception – that was a great event. There, I got to speak with Bob and Melinda Blanchard from Live What You Love (don’t know them? Check ‘em out before the Show – they have authored a few inspiring non-fiction books, including “Live What You Love” and that’s not all they’ve done.) You’ll love their story and seeing their line at the Show this May. I also got to wave hello to Alan Friedman and Lisa Samar of Great Arrow Graphics. Regrettably, I didn’t get to spend much time with them, but I’m lucky enough to see them a few times each year. I think you know that Great Arrow will be back at the NSS this May!

In Dallas, I was glad for the opportunity to meet Sarah-Allen Preston, of Preston Paper – many thanks to rep Tosha Pearson of Erik Hahn & Associates for putting us together. We just happened to be in the same place at the same time. Isn’t that what trade shows are all about, after all? (Same place, same time). When we met, Sarah-Allen had already signed on for the National Stationery Show, but it was great to meet her (and her mom) in person. She had lots of questions about exhibiting, marketing opportunities, retailers, etc. I was happy we had a chance to scratch the surface on these broad topics and a few specifics. Sarah-Allen told me that she is planning on “attending” our exhibitor webinars offered to NSS exhibitors (and of special interest to exhibitors new to the industry, or new to the show). These webinars start tomorrow (Friday the 12th). Click here to learn more.

In New York, I bumped into (same place, same time) several key reps in the stationery industry who were walking the aisles. Each one of them had a few companies they told me wanted to exhibit in the May NSS. Many thanks to you all, Dan, Kris, and Mario to name a few. I’m in touch with all you suggested.

I also had dinner with a few NSS buyers - each a member of our Delegates program. I was honored to be asked to join the group. They are from disparate parts of the country, and traditionally get together at least once during a show to compare notes about what new things they’ve seen at the show, and what they’ve already ordered. I loved watching them pull brochures, catalogs and sell sheets out of their bags to share information with each other. These ladies also gave me the 4-1-1 on their current top-selling lines, as well as companies they want to see in the National Stationery Show this May. This kind of collaboration with buyers such as Hannah, Edie, Shara and Jean (bet you know them all) and the reps is part of how we work to ensure that the NSS delivers for you – vendors and buyers alike!

Our show floor is filling up fast, and we’re excited for a great NSS to come. Buyers, please make sure you walk every aisle – there are new resources to be found on each one, and many vendors you know have taken new locations. Make sure you register to attend on our website. One buyer emailed me today asking if she could bring an employee with her – the answer is a resounding YES! You don’t have to go it alone – just register your employee online when you click through to get your badge.

Those of you considering exhibiting – now is really the time to jump in and claim your space so that you can get your great line in front of the passionate, dedicated buyers who will be at the Show in full force this May! Drop me a line or apply online.

Until next time -
Kelly

Valentine’s Day - To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate?

Santa Claus. The Easter Bunny. The Tooth Fairy. I believed in them all as a child, until that dark day when my older brother ruined the magic for me.

However, Cupid was not one I ever believed in. Not because I never fell in love or thought that boys were “icky” growing up – more so because I found it silly that people had to set aside one day each year to remember to express love to their sweetheart. Should that not happen every day?

So Valentine’s Day comes and goes each year with my husband and me paying little or no attention. He considers this one of my greatest attributes. So it should have come as no surprise the other night, when I said “So about Valentine’s Day…,” that my husband looked up with a scared expression, as if the month of February as he knew it was crumbling down around him. “Maybe we should recognize the day as a way of teaching Brianna about love,” I continued. His response was typical…and correct. “You are just looking for an excuse to buy her a present.” He knows me too well, as I already had this card and gift picked out for our precious 1-year-old little girl.

Pink with red glitter hearts, the Giraffe card by Papyrus will make her smile. The giraffe is her favorite animal (for the moment, at least).



A lover of chocolate already, “Lilly’s Chocolate Heart” from HarperCollins/GreenWillow Books is sure to be her new favorite book.



And for my husband? Well, he will continue to receive the gift of not worrying about Valentine’s Day. Although he will ask – as he does every year – “Am I going to be in trouble the day after Valentine’s Day?”

Melissa

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