Gift Basket Business Blog

Gourmet Food Buyers: Why Attend a Gift Show?

May 22nd, 2011 at 05:04pm Lorie Obernauer

There’s always a gift show to attend! Throughout the United States, gift shows are scheduled almost every month of the year. Some shows attract regional manufacturers and buyers; others pull in international buyers and suppliers. So why should a gourmet food basket designer attend a gift show?

First, most of the major gift shows include a gourmet marketplace: an area devoted to showcasing gourmet food products that you can use in your baskets. You’ll have an opportunity to see new products and talk with suppliers of those products you already include in your designs.

If you’re not already including gift items in your gourmet designs, you’ll see 1000’s of innovative products from premier manufacturers. Think about how you might add these products to your designs:

• Candles
• Photo frames
• Cookbooks
• Tableware such as napkins, coasters, & placemats
• Small cookware items including  decorative and practical utensils
• Plush
• Stationary
• Mugs & Small Ceramics

Most shows include educational events that offer “best practices” for any type of business. You could learn about internet marketing: building web sites, social media marketing blogging. You can get new ideas for merchandising, branding, and more. You’ll have opportunities to talk with others and share ideas.

This summer and fall, you can attend a gift in cities across the country. Some of the largest shows include:

• Dallas Gift Show, June 21 – 28
• Atlanta Gift Show, July 13 – 20
• Philadelphia Gift Show, July 24 – 27
• Las Vegas Gift Show, August 1 – 5
• San Francisco International Gift Show, August 6 – 9
• Seattle Gift Show, August 13 – 16
• New York International Gift Fair, August 13 – 18

You can also find regional shows on-line web sites:

• Great Rep
• Sullivan’s Gift Shows & Showrooms

Entry Filed under: Basket Enhancements, Business Tips, Gift Basket Supplies, Gourmet Gift Foods, Industry News, Marketing, New Products & Trends