Museums and More

NYIGF Summer 2010 Edition Largest Since Recession

According to show officials, strong order-writing by buyers and favorable reactions from exhibitors contributed to palpable energy at the summer 2010 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) - the largest edition since summer 2008 - with 2,800 exhibitors in 534,000 net square feet of exhibit space. More than 33,500 attendees visited the market, which ran Aug. 14-19at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal's Piers 92 & 94.

Of the Fair's 2,800 exhibitors, some 650 were new to NYIGF, with 400 participating for the first time and 250 returning after a hiatus from the New York market. In total, 46 countries were represented at the Fair, with a total of 20 international pavilions, including first-time participation by international government-sponsored delegations from Argentina, Egypt, South Korea and Thailand.

Retailer attendance grew 6.5 percent over last year, with more than 33,500 attendees representing all 50 states, with especially strong turnout from surrounding states (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) and the West Coast. International attendance also was strong, with Canada, Japan, Central and South America and the European Union best represented among the 85 countries visiting the summer 2010 market.

"NYIGF's timing as the last major market of the summer season was beneficial for buyers and exhibitors alike, with many retailers making their final purchasing decisions here in New York," said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. "Thanks to search.nyigf.com, the Fair's new product search platform, serious product sourcing and lead generation began before market officially opened, as some 18,000 unique buyers visited the site to view product, set appointments and submit orders with participating exhibitors. In the week leading up to NYIGF alone, the search engine facilitated 44,000 buyer referrals to more than 2,600 exhibitor websites."

Other notable market activities included the presentation of the 3rd semi-annual Eco Choice Awards, which recognize the most innovative and environmentally responsible products within NYIGF's SustainAbility: design for a better world exhibit. Product innovation was also recognized in other categories of the Fair, with trade and consumer editors selecting winners of the EX∙TRACTS Best New Product Awards and the Home Textiles Market Week Best New Product Awards; and representatives of leading design blogs selecting their top product picks in the Accent on Design "Bloggers' Choice Awards." Winners of these awards, are listed online at www.nyigf.com/TheShow/AwardsandPromotions.aspx.

The winter 2011 edition of the New York International Gift Fair will run Saturday, Jan. 29, through Thursday, Feb. 3, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal's Piers 92 & 94. For more information, visit www.nyigf.com.

Originally posted Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010