CRAFT BUSINESS|TRADE SHOW NEWS

9/27/05 - Forty One Madison will debut new showrooms for the Fall New York Tabletop Market, as well as newly expanded and remodeled showrooms. The show runs from October 29 to November 2. The Pfaltzgraff Studio, a combination of luxury tabletop and housewares dinnerware brands acquired by Lifetime Brands, will open a permanent showroom for the show. Lifetime Brands, which recently acquired certain tabletop assets from Salton, and purchased Pfaltzgraff earlier this year, will showcase several tabletop brands on the 8th floor.

The Pfaltzgraff Studio is divided into two groups. Under the Housewares Tabletop Collection umbrella is Pfaltzgraff, Farberware, Retroneu, Sabatier, Nautica, Joseph Abboud, Kathy Ireland and Joanne Weir. The Luxury Tabletop Collection includes Atlantis, Calvin Klein, Stiffel, Sasaki, Block China and Crystal and NapaStyle. Oneida Ltd. is reconfiguring its merchandise presentation by constructing a new showroom on the 4th floor for the Oneida and Sakura tabletop brands. According to Jeff Grinspan, vp/Oneida, the company will now be able to better cross merchandise flatware and dinnerware in a showroom that is significantly larger. Additionally, The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Co., one of the oldest names in English fine china, will open a showroom on the 3rd floor, and Bridget Dobson Studios will open a new space on the 9th floor. Bridget Dobson, an Emmy award-winning TV writer and artist, has launched a lifestyle company, and will introduce her first tableware collection including fine china, stemware and crystal, glassware and giftware.

9/21/05 - In full realization of the devastating impact that Hurricane Katrina has had on its customers across the southeast, Americasmart Atlanta, its vendors and employees have undertaken an aggressive outreach effort designed to aid and support those affected by Katrina.

Americasmart and its employees have contributed thousands of dollars to Red Cross relief, as well as truckloads of clothing and other essentials. Huge stores of food, donated from ARAMARK pantries, have been delivered to the Atlanta Food Bank and AMC, Inc. President Jeff Portman, as part of his Angel Flight commitment, has flown more than 3,000 pounds of emergency supplies to the Gulf Coast and more than 30 evacuees into Atlanta and other cities across the region.

Additional Americasmart commitments include: Creating a Hurricane Katrina Customer Support & Service page at AmericasMart.com to link buyers and manufacturers, who can access this service to communicate on the status of product orders, shipments and other factors concerning their business; Enhancing the Support & Service page with links to service agencies assisting evacuees, and refunding any deposits to exhibitors unable to attend the Atlanta Fall Gift & Home Furnishings Market featuring The Atlanta Gourmet Market because of hurricane impact. For more information on Americasmart's Hurricane Katrina customer service mission, please contact Keri Arroll at 404/220-2106.

9/20/2005 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - The Signatures Christmas Show featuring Handmade Gifts and Holiday Finds will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from November 19th to 27th.

The more than 50,000 visitors to the show will discover thousands of creations from 250 of Canada's newest and best artisans, artists and designers, all under one roof. They will see the passion and art of glassblowing in continuous demonstrations by Glen Williams Studios. "Then there are chocolate making demonstrations and tastings, along with our new decor feature area", says John Ladouceur, Signatures President. "We have a host of outstanding new exhibitors that are sure to excite our visitors as they prepare for the holiday season".

Signatures has brought the finest and latest Canadian handmade products to Toronto for 22 years. This year the event has expanded its scope of holiday features to include Christmas decor, cuisine and entertainment. Signatures Christmas Show North Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre 255 Front Street West Saturday, November 19th to Sunday the 27th Show Times Weekdays 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Admission Adults: $6.00, Seniors (65+): $4.00, Youths (13 - 17): $4.00 Children (12 and under): Free when accompanied by an adult. Visitors pay once and may return every day free of charge.

Unlike most consumer shows, the Signatures Christmas Show requires that all potential exhibitors be evaluated by a jury.The main criterion for acceptance is the quality of design and originality of the work to be displayed.Acceptance is also weighed by product category so no one handmade product medium takes precedence.All applicants must design, create and produce the work to be sold.

9/20/2005 - For the first time, an award for the most innovative retailer will be given at Paperworld, Messe Frankfurt's trade fair for office and paper products. The "Reseller of the Year Award" is organized by the International Stationery Press Association (ISPA) in cooperation with Messe Frankfurt's Exhibition GmbH and is open to retailers in 26 countries on four continents. Entries are invited from anyone in the sector who would like to propose a small to medium--sized paper, office supplies and stationery dealer or their extraordinary marketing measures for the award. Dealers may also nominate themselves for the award or be put forward by the participating ISPA members.

Proposals with a brief description of the concept or the business idea (in English) can be submitted to the ISPA president by December 1, 2005 (email: reseller2006@officeandpaper.de). After the closing date, a jury consisting of respresentatives of various ISPA media will choose the four finalists from the entries received. The finalists (together with an accompanying person) will then be invited to visit Paperworld in Frankfurt for two days, so they will be able to attend the presentation of the ISPA awards, which will take place at a gala event during the first evening of the fair.

Ruth Lorenz, vice president, Paperworld, is looking forward to the presentation of the ISPA award during the leading international trade fair for all parts of the office trade. "The ISPA award is an international symbol of quality and innovation in the paper, office supplies and stationery sector. Paperworld in Frankfurt provides the optimum setting for the presentation of this coveted award. Hence, we are delighted that this event is to be held at the Exhibition Centre - at the Congress Centre Messe Frankfurt - for the first time this year."

9/19/05 - Material World Cotton Inc. will present "A Collection of Colors and Fabrics for the Home in 2007" in conjunction with the new Home Furnishings Showcase at the Material World New York exhibition, Sept. 28-30, 2005, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 29 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., the program will be led by Color and Textile Trend Forecaster Dana Poor, who also heads up Cotton Incorporated's New York-based home trend forecasting team. Poor's presentation will consist of 26 colors, key fabric directions and constructions, and new concepts and themes that will impact the home market in the future. An extensive overview of lifestyle trends and consumer attitudes will also be included in her seasonal presentations. Admission is free to all registered Material World attendees. Seating is based on a first-come, first serve basis.

The 150th semi-annual Seattle Gift Show, the Northwest's largest gift and accessories market, experienced brisk fourth quarter buying on the exhibit floor during the August 27-31, 2005 market. Nearly 12,000 attendees shopped 1,326 booths and 95 permanent showrooms of the Seattle Gift Center to ramp up their inventory for the upcoming holiday season. Exhibitors reported strong buying patterns throughout the week and were encouraged by a recovering economy in this region. Buyers, in turn, were looking forward to a strong fourth quarter and ready to stock their shelves.

"We were encouraged by the comments we heard from our exhibitors about the buying patterns during the summer market - many stated that the quantity and size of the orders had increased. Buyers in general reported sales were up over summer 2004 in Oregon and Washington leading to a positive attitude and strong buying for the fourth quarter. It was also noted that there seemed to be more new stores opening in this region. These stores are owned and managed by a younger entrepreneur - they have a savvy sensibility to they way the conduct their business as well as the way they select their product," stated Mike Dean, President and Show Manager, Western Exhibitors, Inc.

Originally scheduled for November in New Orleans, The Helen Brett organization has announced a change of dates and venue for the show. The International Jewelry Fair/General Merchandise Show will be temporarily relocated to the Baton Rouge River Center on December 10-12, 2005. The Baton Rouge River Center is located at 275 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

Helen Brett's president, Richard Kolinek has established the Robert B. Kolinek Foundation, a not for profit organization established to help with fundraising. Donations are strictly earmarked for the tradeshow industry and the workers at events including guard personnel, cleaning crews, clerical staff and any of the other hard workers that have made the events successful. Donations can be sent to: The Robert B. Kolinek Foundation, c/o Brook Weiner LLC, 125 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60606; Attention: Gordon Johnson CPA.

Because of the damage to the Convention Center in Biloxi, Wholesale Markets Inc. is relocating the February 4-6, 2006 show to the Trademart in Jackson, Miss. President and CEO Jim Haskin vows the show will return to the Gulf Coast as soon as possible. "In this time of transition, we are dedicated to supplying our loyal retailers with the products they need and we also endeavor to do our part in the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast economy," Haskin said. "Wholesale Markets Inc., is committed to promoting business in the state of Mississippi and all of the Gulf Coast states. Most of our attendees are from Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida. They have helped build our show for the past 11 years and we are confident that our best days are ahead."

9/13/05 - Messe Frankfurt, the organizer of the Ambiente, Collectione and Tendence consumer goods shows, have announced that it has created a new event format centered on high end design, which will debut in Germany next May. Called "The Design Annual," the show will present the best of the best from the high-end design segment. Being held from May 6th to 10th, 2006, it will feature the very latest products from the world of interior design. As such, it will be of interest to the trade at large and consumers.

Categories such as indoor and outdoor furniture, bathroom and kitchen, textiles and floor coverings, accessories and lighting as well as fittings and electrical installation will be represented. The number of exhibitors is limited. Participants will be carefully selected in order to guarantee from the outset the exclusive nature of the new event format and thus leave no doubt about the show's positioning strategy and its specific demands.

"So The Design Annual is not an event in the traditional sense, but rather a 'showcase' of excellence in a specific place, in our [Messe Frankfurt's] Festhalle. We are evolving a whole new event format and are enhancing our competence in the field of design at the same time," said Dr. Michael Peters, member of Messe Frankfurt's Board of Management.

The organizers are planning on some 75 to 90 exhibitors for the year 2006, and approximately 200 exhibitors in the future.

9/13/2005 - The Los Angeles Gift and Home Market will take place at the California Market Center Sept. 24-26. More than 250 exhibitors will be represented. Contact the California Market Center at 213-630-3683

Intl. Casual Furniture & Accessories Market set for Sept. 14-17

Building on momentum from the first official premarket, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. will welcome the 2005 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, Sept. 14-17, at The Merchandise Mart, Chicago.The market, dedicated to indoor/outdoor casual furnishings and accessories, is the only show of its kind in the country and has expanded this year to include more furniture, home and outdoor accessory lines in categories such as garden, grills and decorative accessories.

The show is expected to attract more than 5,000 retailers from the specialty furniture, home furnishings, pool & spa, hearth & fireplace and gift & decorative accessories industries, as well as a mix of catalogers, hardware stores and mass merchandisers.

Highlights of the 2005 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market include:

* NEW: The first ever Merchandising Excellence Award competition, honoring the best in showroom/booth visual merchandising.

* PRODUCT: Attendees will find everything from grills and umbrellas to cast metal furniture and outdoor lighting on the newly renovated 7th- and 8th-floor Market Suites, featuring a combined 120,000 square feet of casual furniture and accessories.

* SEMINARS: Leading experts in the casual furniture industry will present a series of complimentary, informative seminars during the market. Focusing on a variety of topics from how consumers view their outdoor living spaces to tips on how to incorporate outdoor designs into business, these seminars will give retailers an edge and provide up-to-date industry information.

* EVENTS: Show attendees will have access to a variety of social and networking events including the Design Excellence Awards Breakfast, the 46th Annual Apollo Awards, the Casual Furniture Retailers Association Membership Breakfast and the annual Market Party.

* CHICAGO GIFT & HOME MARKET: Even more product offerings will be available as The Chicago Gift & Home Market will run concurrently with the Casual Market. The selection of products available from leading gift and home decor manufacturers represented on floors 12,13,14 and 15 expands buying options for retailers who want to cross-merchandise their stores or round out their selection of home and garden accessories.

The world's largest decorative art & framing tradeshow DECOR Expo Atlanta 2005 September 16-18 at the Georgia World Congress Center. DECOR Expo Atlanta 2005 showcases the latest products, services and technologies from the industry's largest suppliers, distributors and manufacturers. Plus, 57 dynamic art & framing seminars from the DECOR Art & Framing School, and networking opportunities at the special events and award programs. For more information call 888-608-5300.

9/09/05 - The National Network of Embroidery Professionals (NNEP) recently announced that its 10th anniversary convention, Network 2006--10th Anniversary, will be held March 9-11, 2006, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Independence, Ohio.

The NNEP's annual convention is the largest educational event for the commercial embroidery industry. Nearly 1,000 embroiderers are expected to attend the conference, tradeshow and garage sale. The NNEP provides education for commercial embroiderers, taught by commercial embroiderers. Participants have the opportunity to exchange ideas and information with fellow embroiderers.

Network 2006--10th Anniversary will include an industry tradeshow, featuring over 80 industry suppliers presenting the latest embroidery equipment, software, blank apparel, supplies, threads, backings, hooping aids and more. If they wish, embroiderers can attend just the trade show, picking up new catalogs, seeing the new equipment and blank goods and gaining a competitive edge at the trade show.

The garage sale is also an annual tradition at this event. Members of the NNEP can sell anything that relates to their embroidery businesses, including equipment, inventory, supplies and so on. Items sold at past garage sales include used embroidery equipment, digitizing systems, a custom-outfitted mobile embroidery trailer, telephone systems, software, thread inventory, nippers and cases of bobbins--all at garage sale prices!

For additional information about the NNEP's Embroidery Marts or the 10th Anniversary Convention, call the NNEP at 800-866-7396

9/01/05 - The Dallas Market Center (DMC) and the Accessories Resource Team (ART) have announced the finalists for the 17th Annual ARTS Awards. The winners will be announced Academy Awards-style at the next ARTS Awards gala during the Dallas International Gift and Home Accessories Market scheduled January 21, 2006, held in the Great Hall of 2300 Stemmons.

The finalists will submit a detailed portfolio to the panel of judges. The portfolios will consist of information such as company history, philosophy, product development, marketing, merchandising, and customer relations. In November, the panel of judges will convene in Dallas for two days to individually review each company's submission. Once judging is completed, a designated accounting firm will tabulate the sealed ballots.

Among the manufacturer finalists in the Decorative Accessories category: Austin of Ronkonkoma, N.Y.; CNI Design Products of Alpharetta, Ga; Clay Metal and Stone of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla; Global Views of Dallas, Texas; and The Phillips Collection of High Point, N.C.

Manufacturers in the Home Textiles category: Corona Decor Co., Seattle, Wash.; Davenport Home Furnishings of Woodland Hills, Calif.; English Home of San Antonio, Texas; Woburn, Mass.-based Mystic Valley Traders; and Sweet Dreams, Inc., in McAllen, Texas.

Tabletop category: Finalists included Arteriors Home of Dallas, Texas; Barbara Cosgrove Lamps, which is based in Kansas City, Mo.; Forney, Texas-based Gallery Designs; Old World Designs LLC of Dallas, Texas; and Willow Green of Dayton, Ky. Arte Italica of New York, N.Y.; Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based Franz Collection Inc.; Vietri, Inc., located in Hillsborough, N.C.; and Waterford of Wall, N.J.

Tickets to the ARTS Awards dinner are $125 per person and $95 for Accessories Resource Team members. For more information, contact Daniella Giglio at 214-672-8420