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Urban Acquires California Gift Show From MMPI

Urban Expositions has announced its acquisition of the California Gift Show from Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI). The management transition will take place following the July 2012 edition of the semi-annual show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The acquisition further solidifies Urban Expositions’ plans to revitalize the trade show marketplace for retailers throughout southern California and surrounding areas.

In an effort to unify the marketplace and minimize confusion, Urban will redirect its focus and resources from recently announced plans to launch a new gift show in Anaheim to expanding and enhancing the existing California Gift Show.

“We seized the opportunity to buy this show as we felt it could accelerate our efforts to rebuild the southern California gift market’s brand as a leading trend, product and style resource,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “Our original plans to launch a new event in Anaheim were grounded in our firm belief that the timing and market conditions were right to pour significant resources into bringing a fresh, vibrant show to the region’s substantial buyer base. We’ll be able to accomplish this goal much quicker and better serve the overall marketplace by using those same resources to build upon the foundation of the established California Gift Show and the synergistic opportunities that exist with neighboring permanent showroom buildings.”

Urban Expositions will assume all management duties from MMPI following completion of the July 27-30, 2012 edition. At that time, the company will take over all sales, marketing, operations and other day-to-day duties for the Jan. 25-28, 2013 California Gift Show and all future editions of the semi-annual show. Urban Expositions will work closely with MMPI leading up to the July 2012 event to ensure that a smooth transition of ownership takes place.

Urban plans to significantly expand the exhibitor base of the California Gift Show — targeting a Winter 2013 show opening with more than 2,000 domestic and international lines. As part of the effort to grow the show, Urban will feature nine well-balanced product categories ideally suited to the West Coast retail audience. 

The new acquisition is part of the continued western region growth strategy for Atlanta-based Urban Expositions, which purchased the Portland Gift Show and West Coast Cash & Carry Shows from Western Exhibitors last year; the San Francisco International Gift Fair and Seattle Gift Show from dmg world media in 2009 and launched the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show in 2007.

For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com.

Originally posted Wednesday, Jun. 20, 2012