Artisan Resource Show Deemed A Success At NYIGF: Exhibitors participating in the launch of George Little Management (GLM)’s new Artisan Resource™ trade show were pleased with the inaugural event and eager to return to future editions. Artisanal craft producers representing 17 countries from around the world participated in this new tradeshow for U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers, and wholesalers, which ran concurrently with the summer edition of the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), August 19-21, at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal 92. The companies cited success at meeting new contacts, fostering new partnerships, and writing orders. The businesses were selected to exhibit in Artisan Resource based on their products and production capabilities, experience in meeting export demands, plus commitment to design innovation, cultural preservation, social enterprise, and sustainability. Artisanal craft was sourced from Afghanistan, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Swaziland, and South Africa. “Artisan Resource gave these artisan enterprises exposure to both a quantity and quality of new buyers in the U.S.,” says Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. “What’s more, it provided volume import buyers access to a world of new artisanal products and production resources right here in New York City.” As the first trade show of its kind, Artisan Resource was met with satisfaction from participating companies looking for new business. “There was a need for this type of show,” explains Silvia Moreira of Asociacion Guatemalteca De Exportadores – Agexport. “We were able to write some small orders that our producers can start to work on as soon as we get back. We then have three big orders that will keep us busy.” Renee Ryan of Haiti Projects, adds, “We wrote a lot of custom work. It’s a great networking show and it was very successful for us.” She also credits Artisan Resource with delivering a valuable new connection with the U.S. retailer Home Goods. As an extension to exhibit floor activities, value-added events included a series of exhibitor education sessions on topics ranging from product development to show etiquette, as well as sessions on design trends and tips on marketing development for handmade products. Daily “Importing 101” primers offered essential information for buyers new to overseas sourcing. The second semi-annual edition of Artisan Resource will run Sunday, January 27, through Tuesday, January 29 2013, at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 92. Some 100 companies from more than 20 countries are expected to exhibit. Artisan Resource is managed by GLM and organized with the assistance of ByHand Consulting. For information, contact Allison Rober, sales manager, at GLM, by phone (914)421-3212 or email arober@glmshows.com. Attendee information is available by calling 1-800-272-SHOW or 212-204-1060. Additional information and registration is available online at http://www.artisanresourceny.com.
Artisan Resource™ Show A Success At NYIGF
