The National Stationery Show

GLM Summer Outing

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:53:00 +0000

There is a proverb that says “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Well, we don’t have any Jacks on the NSS team but we sure have a lot of people who would enjoy a little play time! So twice a year GLM shuts its doors, turns off its phones and puts all trade show related work aside to have some much deserved fun. This year we took a trip to West Point a.k.a. the United States Military Academy located about an hour from our office here in New York. Our day began with a tour of the grounds:

We then returned to our army themed tent for a hot lunch, flight simulator games, a rock climbing wall and our annual GLM softball game. The NSS Marketing & Sales teams cheered on our co-workers who were adventurous enough to play – one of which being our Show Manager, Patti Stracher.

Kelly Bristol, NSS Sales Manager with Kristen Hamilton from the NYIGF team

NSS Marketing Team: Melissa Gray, Jessica Reiche, Rachel Veach & Stephanie Leon-Santiago

Here’s wishing everyone a happy summer – make sure to take a little time off!

Jess

Celebrating Our Independence

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Aside from the occasional birthday or mid-summer wedding, the summer months do not offer a lot in the way of celebrations or occasions to reach out to friends and family through greeting cards and the written word.

Fortunately, there is the 4th of July.

When I think about the 4th, I think of fireworks, John Philip Sousa marches, Uncle Sam and, of course, cookouts. And that is where stationery comes in. How are you letting everyone know that you are firing up the old grill and that your backyard is the place to be this Saturday? Why not let everyone know about your party with this simple blank “American Flag Invitation” from Checkerboard –

Or, maybe you could send out some of these blank “BBQ King” cards from Louie Award winning Meri Meri –

And how do you plan to set your picnic table? Yes, you could pull out every dish that you own and then spend the 5th washing them, or you could put out these “Stars and Stripes Square Paper Plates” from Caspari –

And to keep the kids hands and faces clean, use the “Red, White & Blue Paper Luncheon Napkins” also from Caspari -

Regardless of how you invite guests to your get-together, you’re going to have a blast (pun intended). There is a shared sense of wonder on the 4th. As we sit with our friends, family and community members to stare up into the night sky, waiting for the next explosion of color and sound, we grow together. We are all kids again.

Have a happy and safe Independence Day.

- Aaron Hazard

Hi Bloggers

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Arque talking! Some of you may remember me from my days as sales manager of the National Stationery Show. I worked on the Show for 15 years, and a year ago I moved to the Operations Department. As part of “Ops”, I now work on all of the Shows behind the scenes. So, I remain an integral part of the Team, now seated on the logistics end.

In my new position, I work with the operations managers and show managers to coordinate all the logistics to get the Shows up and running. One such piece – near and dear to our exhibitors -is the set-up bulletin which is packed with information from move-in procedures, to shuttle service, to special features unique to the NSS, such as the product donation program, Operation Caring Connection.

This program is really special and popular. Now in its third year, in conjunction with the United Service Organization (U.S.O.) we collect exhibitor donations to ship to our troops stationed in various parts of the world – things like greeting cards, notepads, writing instruments, journals, and books.

This year we had a tremendous response from our exhibitors and sent USO 20 cartons and 1 pallet of great products. I want to recognize the exhibitors who generously donated:

• Allport Editions
• Art Sales International
• Avanti
• Candle-lite
• Christoper Vine Design
• Knock Knock
• Laughing Elephant
• Sourcebooks,Inc.
• thestepcardcollection
• The Time Factory

And, give kudos to Freeman Decorating Company and Yellow Roadway Corporation for their donation of freight consolidation and trucking services.

This community effort is one of the things that I love much about this industry - its generous spirit. It’s like giving a big hug to the troops from all of us!

Until next time, Arque

Father’s Day First-Timer

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:50:00 +0000

This weekend is my husband’s first Father’s Day…and let me tell you, I feel the pressure. You see, for my first Mother’s Day last month, he presented me with the ultimate new mom gift – a surprise trip to a photography studio for our first family photo shoot.

The. Perfect. Gift.

So now I’m left to compete with a gift that cannot be matched. I waved the white flag early in the gift search process. He wins.

But what I did discover while attempting to “one up” him, is that Father’s Day doesn’t have to include a “#1 Dad” coffee mug or “World’s Best Dad” t-shirt. There are keepsakes out there that my husband will actually adore, that won’t be shoved to the back of the kitchen cabinet or the bottom of his t-shirt stack. Here are some of my cool finds, sure to be a hit with the hubs on his first Father’s Day:

The photo note cube by Making Memories®…perfect for my husband, who thinks one more framed photo of his daughter or wife in his office will make it “too girly”.

Personalized men’s tie by His Favorite®…because he finds no shame in showing off his precious 6-month-old.

Daddy & Me frame by EtcTrade…engraving tugs at the heartstrings, “I may outgrow your lap, but I’ll never outgrow your heart”.

And of course, the card, from Great Arrow Graphics…perfect for this daddy, who lulls his daughter to sleep every night with his guitar.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there, especially those who are celebrating for the first time. Here’s hoping you receive a keepsake that puts a smile on your face when your child is 16, in the thick of those infamous teen years.

Till next time,
Melissa

Post-Show Bliss

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could just put our feet up and relax after the Show? And by “all” I do mean “all” – exhibitors, attendees, and show management! Okay, yes, we did have the Memorial Day holiday long weekend, and that was bliss, but right after that, it was back to work.

For buyers, I am sure you have dumped out your bags and luggage and are wading through all the information you collected at the NSS. If you didn’t place orders at the Show, I know you are deciding right now on what you want to bring into your stores. Hard work, I know! I can’t imagine being in your shoes, with all the great products you must have seen! All of us on the Show team have already received calls from many buyers who are trying to remember someone or something seen at the Show, but somehow the contact information has been misplaced. We’re always relieved to be able to help in this situation! Feel free to call us if you find yourself in this predicament: 914-421-3250. As it happens, exhibitors sometimes find themselves in a similar situation, and we can help you find a buyer, too.

Of course, lots of buyers placed orders at the Show, and we are also already getting calls from exhibitors who have not had a break yet because once they got back from the Show to their offices and warehouses, they just started fulfilling those orders. Whew! We all agree, this is a nice “problem” to have.

Many exhibitors have been doing their post-show follow-up with buyers, by calling, emailing information, and mailing catalogs and such to those they met at the Show. This, too, is hard work, but is always appreciated. The buyers you met at the Show are swamped when they get back, and a friendly follow-up call goes a long way.

For us here at the NSS HQ, we do still have some work to do to wrap up the 2009 Show, such as finishing labeling all those photos we took at the Show! (Aaron is the lucky one on the team with that task). I can’t wait for us be able to put up our 2009 “photo gallery.” Today we spent some time running the final edits on a video documentary of the Show - it was fun to watch it and relive the Show a little bit. Simultaneous to this, we are working on our plans for the 2010 Show. I’m already getting excited. We’re going to be looking at a new website design in the next couple of weeks, and we have been dreaming up new programs for exhibitors and attendees alike. It might be practically a year before the next Show, but there’s no time to stand still! I’d be willing to bet it is the same for you “Dear Reader” (as Ann Landers used to say).

So… so much for bliss, right? Bring on the hard work and let's keep our businesses moving forward, full steam ahead!

Until next time,
Kelly

Last Day!

Wed, 20 May 2009 22:05:00 +0000

The National Stationery Show closed at noon today (Wednesday), and at the moment we are at the tail end of move-out. Freight has been returned to exhibitors, and most of them are packed and gone (a very fond farewell to them all).

It was a great Show. By and large exhibitors came to us - in the aisles and the Show Office - to tell us how pleased they were with the Show.

Patti was to write this post today, but honestly, she's exhausted! Aren't we all!! These Shows really take it out of a person. The adrenaline rush has surged through us all working the NSS, in fact Aaron says its gone. Officially gone. We love seeing the exhibitors at the Show we work on all year long, lookign at their new products and their beautiful botohs. It is finished too fast. Arque says it seems like yesterday we were just setting up. We wish we could see everyone during the Show, but when the buyers are with their vendors, we do just "walk on by." To those of you we didn't see, forgive us. We tried!

A big thank you to the thousands and thousands of buyers who came from all over the country and world to see their vendors and write orders. I have a feeling we're all going to see some great new products in your stores very soon!

We are actually closing the office up, and so I must go. Let me say again how much we appreciate all those who were here supporting each other and this incredible industry!

We'll be back here soon, but please don't blame us if we take a day or two off for the holiday!

See you soon.
Kelly

2009 National Stationery Show Rainbow Room Bash

Mon, 18 May 2009 21:36:00 +0000

On Sunday night we had our annual National Stationery Show Bash at the Rainbow Room. As I watched the guests dance against the glorious backdrop of a night-lit NYC, I found myself reflecting on the past year.

This year has been a challenging one for businesses and the industry as a whole. As if the global financial situation was not scary enough, we also had to deal with the Swine Flu. I spoke with several vendors who voiced concerns about traveling because of this.

In the end, these vendors pulled their resources together, braved the dangers and got themselves here for the 2009 National Stationery Show. The buyer turnout has been great and the products being exhibited are as creative as ever.

What occurred to me as I watched exhibitors, buyers and GLM Show staff meeting and getting to know one another at the party; was that the stationery business is essentially all about connection. Through their talent and originality, many of our exhibitors have made connection and communication their life’s work. Perhaps that is why these very special people were able to pull through such scary times to make the 2009 National Stationery Show such a success. It leads me to believe that, armed with enough determination and Purell, we can survive anything.

See you around the Show,
Aaron

Opening Day!

Sun, 17 May 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Notebook? Check.
Comfy shoes? Check.
STATUS Directory? Check.

Buyers were ready and eager to hit the Show floor running today…OPENING DAY! So what’s the buzz from Day 1? Two words are circulating among the crowd... “new” and “fun!”.

Prompting the “new” comments…the New Product Display was a first glimpse at more than 300 new products launching at NSS this week. Located in the Crystal Palace just beyond registration, it was literally the first stop for everyone.

And it’s no surprise that attendees are noticing early on that NSS has a few “fun” enhancements this year. Those participating in Passport to Discovery are vying for one of these 15 fabulous designer tote bags overflowing with more than $400 in goodies.

Also on the “fun” radar – Get Married. Check out these incredible wedding vignettes drawing attention to the 1400 aisle. They speak for themselves!

And for those who remember my previous NSS blog post – aka, the girl with the extra large ladle at the Get Married chocolate fountains – my “fun” find at NSS was brought to my attention from our own Kelly Bristol. This product speaks to me…my picture on a chocolate lollipop. Here is Kelly with hers…and I NEED to get to the 1200 aisle for mine!

We’re in full swing in NYC…and looking forward to what the next few days have in store!

Melissa

Just Horsin' Around

Sat, 16 May 2009 21:05:00 +0000

The Preakness runs today and as I walked around the Javits, I noticed that animal themes are always in vogue. People love big, fluffy cats or man’s best friend, as well as many other wilder creatures, depicted on magnets and posters and whatever. As I considered Mine That Bird or Rachel Alexander, touted to win today’s big race, I spotted lots of wonderful horse-related products.

Shaena from Paper House Productions(booth 2762) showed me two of their new launches for the show.

Karen from Mead (booth 1320) picked out another card with a horse that looks it might be a future contender.

And Westerman Manufacturing (booth 3341) has an assortment of wonderful animal padblocks.

The National Stationery Show is likewise coming up to the starting gate. It’s almost show time, the floor is looking great, and in no time we’ll be off and running. There’s no “show” or “place” here – it’s a sure bet, the National Stationery Show is the winning event to see the newest and most creative products, as well as your all-time favorites!

We’re here on site in NYC and doors open at 9:00am Sunday morning. We hope you’ll race on down to see us!!

We'll be back tomorrow!

- Alyson

It's starting to look like a show

Fri, 15 May 2009 21:07:00 +0000

Things are picking up today, and there are a ton of exhibitors here at the Javits Center setting up their booths. Alyson and I were talking with Hank Bereson of William Arthur this morning. Hank is the VP of sales for the company, but today, he's in a t-shirt, because setting up a booth as big as theirs is a bit of a "dirty job" shall we say. There's crates and boxes to unpack, displays to be assembled and so forth. When the buyers get here, they will be wowed by the products in this great booth. William Arthur has a terrific location at one of the entrances to the Show - booth 2220. But, buyers, by the time you get here, Hank will greet you in his suit and tie!

Dave Phipps of Avanti has been here for a couple of days already, and some fun things will be happening in Avanti's booth this year. I look forward to seeing what the Avanti team designs each year. Avanti is in booth 2502. Here's a little preview of Dave with one of his displays:

The ladies at Prints Charming are here working hard on their display, as well! I caught Sharon, who was sweet enough to let me take her photo in the midst of her assembly! The booth is looking cute! Find Prints Charming in booth 2911.

I am really excited that NYC Photobooth is at the Show this year. This company sells photo booths (you know, the kind you go into with a friend or boyfried and take silly photos...) Well, the idea is the same, but the technology is much improved! The folks at this company tell me these photo booths are a hit at bar & bat mitvahs, parties and weddings! Stop by booth 1217 to get your own free photos. Liz Beauregard, who is floor managing the 1100 - 1600 aisles of the Show and I stepped into the booth this morning. Here's our results:

We're looking forward to welcoming more exhibitors at the Javits Center tomorrow, and to Opening Day on Sunday.

One of us on the team will be back here tomorrow, so until then!

- Kelly

nss set-up day 2 - getting busy

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Hello from day 2 of set-up at the National Stationery Show! It's been so busy here on-site! More exhibitors have shown up to set-up their booths, and many of those who are here are also dropping off their products for the Best New Product Display which will be in the "Crystal Palace Lobby" near the entrance of the Show. It's exciting to see all the submissions - sorry I can't share pics with you! You will have to be at the Show to see these!

What I can share is more photos from on-site as the Show builds up around us!

Here's Patti Stracher "the boss" - a.k.a. National Stationery Show Manager with Mike Ruberry, GLM's vice president of operations. This picture was taken in the Show Office located on the 4B Terrace. Note the walkie-talkie in Patti's hand. Even in though we all have cell phones, we mostly use our "radios" to communicate with each other here at Javits.

Display Designs creates fabulous booths for so many exhibitors in the Show. But before the booths get set, they get delivered in these distinctive crates! I'm not quite sure which exhibitor's booth was inside, but it could have been for MomAgenda, Anna Griffin, Olivia Reigel or Maude Asbury, to name a few!

This shot is overlooking the Show floor from the office Patti and I are sharing here on-site. It's a view of the Notes & Queries booth.

Manny Stone Decorators has been here since yesterday installing colorful foam board walls and bright white masonite flooring for a large number of exhibitors. The Show is going to look great! Here's Lloyd Stone (right) with one of his terrific colleagues.

Denise is one the security guards who will be scanning attendee badges at the Show. She's friendly! Make sure to say hi to her as you enter the Show floor.

Exhibitors at the Show are so incredible. Not only are they talented - producing drool-worthy products, but they really spend a lot of time creating great looking booths to welcome their customers once the Show is open. It's hard work, but it can be an enjoyable experience! I was so happy to come across the team of fun-loving folks at Dabney Lee's booth. As you can see, they are painting their booth a bright green, and they've gotten into the spirit of the day, and have their "war paint" on their cheeks! Here's Dabney and Courtney - looking forward to a great Show, ladies!

It has been so great to walk the Show floor and chat with exhibitors new and "old." Everyone keeps remarking on how happy they are to be here, and how much they are looking forward to seeing the buyers. The excitement is building, and I think it's going to be a great Show!

Until tomorrow - Kelly

on-site fun

Wed, 13 May 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Here we are again, back at the Javits Center in New York, setting-up for the National Stationery Show. I love the energy of move-in. Many exhibitors are already here, as are the service contractors who are building some of the largest booths. Freight is being moved in on forklifts, the place is noisy with men yelling, and equipment being used - it is a construction zone, to be sure, and the excitment is in the air.

Here are some pics I took walking around the Javits today:

Patti was excited to see our "ad" on the new digital display sign outside of the Javits Center. I think it looks great!

Like I said: a construction zone with forklifts! Hardhats not required, but be careful!

Here's John, one of the head electricians. If you're an exhibitor in the 2400-3000 aisles you surely know him, and should stop here to be sure your order is in!

Doug Duncan of Motel Deluxe, getting a nice head start.

Vera Bradley's and Knock Knock's freight has arrived!

Here's Randy from InScribe - he was waiting for his freight when I came across him, but it magically appeared when I showed up! (o;

Here's Constance Kay, checking in with the electrician in her area (Mattie, not John).

And here's my cab! Aaron and I are headed out to dinner in the City with a group from work tonight. Should be fun!

- Until tomorrow!

Kelly

Keeping Up With Trends

Thu, 07 May 2009 20:27:00 +0000

I’ve been thinking a lot about trends as I prepare for NSS. I truly believe that consumers count seeing trends in their favorite stores. They want to know what’s new, what’s now, what’s fresh, what’s fantastic in the market. Today’s trends are turning over faster, and more than ever are tied to current events, lifestyle demands, and most importantly, fashion. What’s hot in fashion – from polka dots and embroidery, to retro-60’s mod, from eco-chic green fabrics to affordable luxe and bling on a budget – will be reflected, interpreted and designed for products to please the current crop of fashion-savvy consumers.

The National Stationery Show (NSS) is a treasure trove of information and products that showcase the latest fashion and lifestyle trends. Paper products are relatively inexpensive to produce, attracting some of the most talented designers, who are on the cutting edge, to get into the business. Many of the trends that have dominated fashion and home décor over the past few seasons –such as oversized black & white damask designs – were first reflected in paper. The social stationery industry was offering recycled and environmentally responsible products long before “Green” appeared on everyone’s radar. NSS was the first show to blend fashion with function for today’s expanding home office product demands, and its exhibitors were earlier innovators in the lucrative, ever-changing ‘tween market.

Stationery has become so important to the lifestyle market I recently learned that internationally acclaimed designers Vera Wang, Lilly Pulitzer, Martha Stewart and Kate Spade are debuting social stationery collections at the Show!

Here’s what I’ll be looking for this year:

 The evolution of “green” products which combine great design with cause-related consciousness

 Humorous or caring cards which uplift the spirits and cause a chuckle in these challenging times

 Executive accessories and leather goods which dazzle with vibrant colors and on-trend animal prints

 Designs which interpret world-style motifs in a fresh and exciting style

As a veteran trend-tracker, I’m so excited about the upcoming NSS. See you on the aisles!!!

- Deb Gold

A Man's View on Stationery

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Masculine Stationery

These two words are rarely said together. I don’t understand why it is that most stationery products are created for a primarily female market, but they are. Now don’t get me wrong, I find all kinds of designs, color combinations and artistic styles beautiful. You’re just never going to see me walking the show floor with a bright pink and baby blue notebook. Instead, I’ll be carrying a yellow legal pad or plain spiral notebook; that seems to be my only other option.

That is why I am really excited to see that there are a few new companies out there that are in some way catering to me and my half of the species. “Big Fat Black Cat” is a brand new exhibitor at the Show and I am really looking forward to stopping by their booth to check them out. They registered to exhibit in my first week of working for GLM and I was drawn in by their vibrant colors and fringe style. I think that it also gave me a nostalgic feeling for the CD cover artwork of the Swing revival of the late ‘90s.

Coffin Skull Print from “Big Fat Black Cat”

“ManCards for the Thoughtful Gent” is another company that will be exhibiting at The National Stationery Show. Their products have a decidedly masculine bent. Their basic and elegant style appeals to a desire for simplicity inherent in most men. With mellow, cool colors their note cards lend a feeling of serenity and peace to an occasion. It’s the kind of card that I wouldn’t feel weird displaying on my bookshelf. And, they are packaged in a really cool metal tin.

Green Note Card from “ManCards for the Thoughtful Gent”

So here’s the insider information about how most men shop for greeting cards. We wait until the last second. I consider myself to be a very thoughtful guy and generally I plan ahead, but I will freely admit that I almost always buy greeting cards on my way home from work, on the day of the event.

Since we buy so last minute, we tend not to buy cards online (we don’t plan that far ahead when it comes to these situations). Most of us buy them either at a store in or near our office building, or wherever it is most convenient; the grocery store, drug store, hardware store, etc.

I believe that there is a huge untapped market out there. I know that the common belief is that men do not buy social stationery, but like the famous line from a movie the man in your life is sure to have seen, “If you design it, they will come.” I know I would.

- Aaron

A New Experience!

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Okay so I wear a lot of grey… and black and tan and brown… well, you get the picture. I’ve worked at GLM for 18 years but at a very different industry. The Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show is a fabulous show but it’s so different from NSS. It’s very corporate and everything is more….. tailored!

This will be my first Stationery Show and thus far it’s been a great new experience! I’ve been meeting Stationery exhibitors and their enthusiasm runs wild. It’s an infusion of art and creativity by a group of people well able to express themselves – artists interpreting feelings, poets penning appropriate sentiments. And then there are those colors - a fearless array of hot pinks, vibrant greens, bold yellows - flowing freely from exhibitor booths, creating very emotional and happy feelings. I’ll have to get used to that!

What a wonderful industry that celebrates every day life! While emailing friends is fast, there’s nothing like receiving an envelope with greetings in the mail. This, in itself, has become a special event. It’s good to know that the tradition of being socially connected continues. And where better than the National Stationery Show.

As a newcomer myself, I’m especially impressed with some of the programs developed to support new exhibitors. There are mentoring programs that take the fear out of a first-time experience by pairing the new with the seasoned exhibitor. Free attendees labels that allow a first-timer to reach a legitimate number of potential clients. For small businesses and owners who wear too many hats, it’s a welcoming gesture from an industry that embodies thoughtfulness.

I’m looking forward to my first show. So if you see me in the aisles, stop me and say hello. Normally I’d say I’ll be wearing a charcoal grey skirt and white shirt but this year it might be different… I might be flaunting turquoise slacks or a violet shirt, maybe a pink skirt and a yellow scarf, no it could be an orange suit or a …..

**Alyson**

Weddings and Chocolate and Prizes, Oh My!

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:46:00 +0000

I’m the typical woman – I admit it. I gush at all-things wedding...I could survive on chocolate alone…and top-of-the-line stationery freebies are the greatest thing ever. So I’m sure you can imagine, the upcoming National Stationery Show is turning out to be a little slice of heaven for yours truly. If you haven’t connected the dots already, let me fill you in...

Get Married (www.getmarried.com) is back, and bigger than ever. This year, the Get Married booth (1214) and surrounding area will showcase a collection of the hottest wedding-related products found on the Show floor through four table vignettes. A MUST see Show floor feature!
For those of you who can relate to my pesky sweet tooth problem, this is where that chocolate comes into play! From 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 17 – Tuesday, May 19, Get Married will offer attendees a mid-afternoon pick-me-up with two chocolate fountains. If you would like to meet me, I’ll be the one dipping the extra large ladle into the fountain.

Another feature that returns this year is Passport to Discovery. If you’re looking for a great way to shop the Show – or a change of pace from your regular aisle-to-aisle routine – this is the program for you. And it’s simple, which will make you love it that much more. Just pick up your Passport in the lobby bins where you grab your badge holder, visit the six key booth locations to have it stamped, and drop it off at the Gifts & Decorative Accessories booth (2500). One of the booths you’ll stop by is Get Married, where you’ll pick up a free bag packed with goodies from NSS exhibitors! And it doesn’t stop there…attendees completing the program will be eligible to win one of 15 designer tote bags overflowing with stationery products from exhibitors.

So much to see and do at this year’s NSS…and these two programs are just the beginning! So put Get Married and Passport to Discovery on the top of your “NSS To Do” list, dig out those comfy trade show shoes that you haven’t seen since last May, and pack that extra large ladle you’ve been thinking about since you read the part about the chocolate fountains.

We’ll see you soon…

Melissa
NSS Marketing Manager

New Role, New Excitement!

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:45:00 +0000

I just passed my 3 year anniversary at GLM and thinking back, a lot has happened these past 3 years. I remember the days when I didn’t know what a directory looked like and S-T-A-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y was the way I spelled the cute paper that I write my notes on (admit it, most of us have made the mistake!) I also remember the first time I saw a concrete, open space transform into an exciting trade show, danced at my first opening night party and attended my first seminar.

My first trade show was the National Stationery Show.
My first opening night party was the NSS Rainbow Room Party.
My first seminar was about successful and effective visual merchandising.

This May I’m excited to continue this annual tradition of working the National Stationery Show. With all of the bright colors, new products and people from all over the world, I would be crazy not to be excited. I love talking to new people and learning about our exhibiting companies. No matter how many trade shows I’ve been to, there are always great people to meet and things to learn.

Speaking of new, I have a new role at the Show this year as Conference Manager. I’ll be spending most of my days on Level 1 of Javits coordinating the seminars and meetings. Although I’m not an exhibitor or an attendee, I try to attend the seminars to better understand various aspects of the business. This year’s topics are very interesting and the speakers are well-known experts in their field. My hope is that all will run smoothly, so that I’ll be able to learn from the pro’s!

Then, after an expectedly chaotic opening day, I’m excited to celebrate at our annual Opening Night Party at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. Let’s face it, it’s not every day I get to watch the sunset over the New York City skyline while eating amazing food and chatting with exhibitors and attendees of the Show. Then after the sun has set I love watching people smile and laugh while dancing on the rotating dance floor. And okay, once and a while I join them too!

Well the Show isn’t here yet, so I must get back to work. I hope some of you faithful readers will be joining me at these exciting events (make sure to say hi)!

Check out our website for information on the show, seminars and party. Or send me an email and I’ll help as best as I can: jreiche@glmshows.com.

*Jess*

Webinar Report and Tips

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Yesterday (Wednesday), I had the distinct privilege and pleasure of presenting a webinar for NSS exhibitors with two “veterans” (well, they are!) of the industry – Mike Oleskow of Max & Lucy & Modus Operandi, and Anna Griffin, president of Anna Griffin, Incorporated.

The webinar was on Exhibitor Display and Sales, and both Mike and Anna certainly know what they are doing when it comes to creating a great looking booth and selling! My part in the webinar was facilitate the discussion and present the boring stuff (“this is an “S” hook, the floor is made of cement…” ) away from these two superstars!

We had a record number of participants on the call – about 60! It’s terrific to know that so many exhibitors (and they weren’t all new) are so keenly interested and invested in their participation in the Show that they spent the time to “attend” this webinar. Mike and Anna shared fantastic tips & tricks – a few of my favorites were:

On booth design:

1. From Mike - Make sure that your tables do not block access to your product – that is, make sure that your buyers can get right up to your product and can touch it – don’t make them have to reach over anything.

2. From Anna - It’s okay to “double-face” your product. This means you can put the same product in two different places in your booth - a trick that helps you look like you are a bigger company with more product than you might actually be! And it gives you an opportunity to service more than one customer at a time.

What I would add to this is from the show management perspective:

3. Make sure that you display your company name and booth number so that buyers can see it – this is your “address” at the Show, and the way buyers will find you again once they walk away.

On sales:

1. From Mike – make a great first impression – Your booth is your company. Be positive, friendly and professional at all times. More on this - don’t sit down – instead stand and welcome your customers in for a look - all with a smile!

2. From Anna – give your elevator speech. An elevator speech is what you would say about your company or line in the length of an elevator ride. You include 4 things that you want the customer to remember – who, what, where and when. Anna included her own example. So nice of her to share!

What I would add to these two points is this:

3. Don’t forget to ask for the sale! Too many times I hear from exhibitors that they are so excited that stores are interested in what they have, that they forget to ask “would you like to start an order?”

The webinar covered so much more – with photos used as examples for booth display and selling. I can’t give it all away here, of course – those who participated paid for these great tips, after all!

Here are a few comments we received after the presentation:

“Even though 2009 will be our 5th show, we still found much of the information helpful and we have already been in contact with Mike. Please extend our thanks to Anna Griffin as well. Aside from being very entertaining and charming, we thought it was so thoughtful for her to share her insight and knowledge with the rest of us. We so greatly appreciate it and hope to be able to give back in the same way one day.” Lisa Chin Potash, PiPo Press - Booth # 2136”

“Good job... Content was helpful. Pictures were good. Looking forward to a great Show” Regina Goernemann, Designing Ducks – booth 1208

“The comments on various booth layouts helped me in (hopefully) improving upon my design from last year (though I will keep a significant part of the original appearance the same), I will hopefully make some good improvements.” Brigitte Thieme, BeeTeeWorld LLC – booth 1852

“Great information even for a seasoned exhibitor. Got my juices flowing for preparation for the upcoming Show.” Jan Sevadjian, Jan Sevadjian Designs, Booth 3426

We’re looking forward to a great Show, too! Whether you are a retailer or an exhibitor, please feel free to contact us here at any time with questions about the Show.
- Until next time – Kelly

Changes Changes!

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:37:00 +0000

I’m very happy to be blogging again; I’ve really missed it. But boy, has it ever been a crazy year, one filled with highs and lows, and lots of diligence on the Team’s part to stay on top of what’s happening out there. Our business is a mirror reflection of what our exhibitors are experiencing in their businesses. And caution is playing a critical role in riding out this wacky world economy.

The National Stationery Show (NSS) will be chock full of wonderful new collections from seasoned vendors, and delightful young companies who are getting started in the business – one of the most exciting aspects of the Show! It will have a new feel, as many exhibitors have changed the scale of their exhibits, and a new energy.

We’re in show business, so setting the stage for the curtain to rise is something we care a lot about. Now eight weeks out, we’re focusing on delivering a high energy, fun ambiance on the Show floor – one that is as productive as it is memorable. I’m very excited to tell you that SURTEX will co-locate adjacent to the NSS in the north end of the floor. SURTEX presents 2-dimensional original art for sale or for license, and features several of the world’s leading surface designers. In fact many of the current popular licenses in stationery originated in SURTEX, and needless to say, many of tomorrow’s trends will begin there, too! The artistic synergy between the shows has always been fantastic, but with the adjacency, will be palpable. I can’t wait for you to experience it.

To add to the energy, we’re also presenting the Louie Awards display on the Show floor along the back of the 2200-3000 aisles; the Demo Theatre in the rear of the 2500 aisle, featuring 4 dynamic programs each day; and, for a real visual merchandising treat, bridal-themed table settings in the 1400 aisle. And, Passport to Discovery is back, a program that emphasizes discovery as a key opportunity for NSS buyers. Did you know that most new companies are making their splash here – and can only be found at the NSS? This unique quality means buyers can be the first to discover new talent and new trends, and bring in product that will enliven their stores and stimulate sales. A good, no a great thing!

Until next time…

-Patti

Coming Soon!

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Hey everyone! We're so sorry that we haven't posted in a while but the team has been real busy gearing up for the 2009 Show. I am, however, the bearer of great news. You can soon expect to read some great blogs with management updates, industry news and, of course, a sneak peak of what you can expect to see at the Show. Can you believe the 63rd annual National Stationery Show is in just over 2 months? We hope you're ready!

*Jess*

“Client Visits”

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:02:00 +0000

Recently, Patti and I had the opportunity to visit with two NSS exhibitors while we were on a trip to California.

Our first stop was San Francisco (or, more accurately, Emeryville) to visit with the folks at Cardstore.com

Cardstore.com offers personalized cards for every occasion, and they license artwork from exhibitors in the National Stationery Show for its on-demand portion of the business. Some of these companies include Driscoll Design, Great Arrow Graphics, Spruce Avenue and Pipo Press – to name but a few.

Their offices are in this former industrial section of town, and they occupy a few spaces on the block – all just steps away from each other. They have one area for their offices (with loft ceilings), one for print and production and another for fulfillment. It was fun for Patti and me to see their printing equipment in action – and to see the custom orders coming out the other side. The VP of Operations, Paul Felber is amazingly knowledgeable in all kinds of printing equipment and inks (that’s years of experience for you), and he described how the different machines worked to Patti and me. I love this behind the scenes stuff! I’m sorry I can’t show you!

But here is a photo outside the office.

That’s Paul (L), Matt Cedillo, account manager (center) and Marty Reed, the company’s new CEO, (R) . (Matt has been my main contact at the company for 3 years and it was fun to see him in his home environment, so to speak).

Patti and I also met with Katy Borden, the Creative Production Director, but alas, only after this photo was taken. Katy has a great artistic eye, and I had a lot of fun getting to know her.

On Monday, I received this great, personalized thank you card from Marty. (I’ll just show you the front…)

The design is by Lilla Rogers Studio.

The next day, Patti and I went down to La Jolla, and got to stop in on Elum Designs! I have known Melissa and Brad Foster since before they joined the National Stationery Show for the first time back in 2002, so needless to say I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see how they create their beautiful line, and what it takes to store, pack & ship!

When we were visiting, we got to see Melissa finishing up an order of gorgeous letterpress invitations to a swanky fete that was being held in, of all places, White Plains! (That’s where we are, here at GLM). Her choice of paper and ink color and overall design – exquisite! It sure made me want to go to that party! (Don’t worry, I didn’t crash it!)

Elum has a few Heidelberg presses to handle the volume of custom letterpress invitations and announcements they create. I love these dependable machines – they look so big and clunky, and make a bit of noise, but they produce such lovely, even delicate results. Here’s one all inked up for a run. The press guys were shy about having their photos taken, though!

We also were treated to a tour of the warehouse. I was amazed by all the products there – staged to be shipped. I get to know exhibitors products by how they display it in their booths. So to see all the great giftwrap, notecards, journals and those amazing stationery desk sets (a Best New Product winner at the 2008 Show) on high shelves was really cool. I got a better idea of the sheer volume of products that this company is turning out. And to think, they got their start just a few years ago with a few lines of letterpress invitations. That Melissa, she’s talented!! (And she has a great team, too!)

When we were there, Patti asked about their efforts to be a “green” company. Brad told us that they use tree-free and recycled papers for their various products, and that they even recycle their steel-backed letterpress plates.

Here’s Melissa and Brad in one of their workrooms at the offices / warehouse.

You might be able to see that their workspace is clean, bright, organized and beautiful. What else would I expect from such a well-run company?

Thanks to both of these great companies for allowing Patti and me to have an inside look at their operations! We love to always be learning about how our customers do their business in order to fulfill the needs of their customers!

“Until next time!”

Kelly

Oh, Baby!

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:38:00 +0000

Oh boy, oh boy – it’s a boy! One of my closest friends is having a baby boy in November, and I (silly me) offered to help her select the announcement. Of course, since I work in the stationery industry, I am supposed to be the expert amongst my friends. Sure. My friend’s mom said, when a person is surrounded by beautiful things all the time, it is harder to make a single choice. Does she have that right! I see amazing baby announcements all the time! Some of the most delightful and enduring social stationery design trends come from the "New Baby" category. How will we be able to whittle it down to just one? And my friend is not sure whether or not she will use a photo of her little newborn, either. So, we’ve got lots of options!

Here are some of the contenders for photos announcements:
From Stacy Claire Boyd for Tiny Prints. The colors match the colors my friend is painting the baby’s room – blue & white, with brown & green accents.

I also found this next announcment Tinyprints.com It's from Simply Put by Ashley Woodman. I think this looks wintry – perfect for a November baby.

Here are a couple that would work if she goes sans baby’s photo:

This one is from Inviting Company. We’re still going with the blues and browns, but now with cute illustration.

This one from Bonnie Marcus spells out Bebe in blocks. It’s definitely a great choice for my friend, as she is part French, and proud of it! (And so is grandmere!) And as you can see, blue and brown again.

And finally, this announcement is from Oblation Papers and Press. I love the size of the letterpress on this one, and the simplicity of it. Plus, the paper is handmade. And the type is brown!

I have no idea what announcement my friend will select. But, I can tell her – “the clock is ticking like this!” She only has another month or so to go before we meet her baby! I will get her to make that decision soon!

There are a growing number of companies focusing specifically on baby announcements, and the National Stationery Show is where they will debut their new collections. Be sure you put the show on your calendar now; May 17-20, 2009.

Until next time.. .

- Kelly

We’re back!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:38:00 +0000

Oh, who knew there would be such a delay in our postings? It has been a busy summer thus far. How does a girl get it all done? In fact, how does a man?

Speaking of men, we now have a guy on the NSS team. How ‘bout that? So what do we do about our blog name? Shall we become the NSS Girls and a Guy? That doesn’t sound bad – kind of has a ring to it!

Soon, exhibitors in the National Stationery Show and friends in the blog community will get to know the new members of our team:

Alyson Milbourn

Alessia Adler

and… the “guy” – John Kelly

All of them have worked at GLM for a number of years, and I’m excited to have the chance to work with each of them as they join the team.

They all have joined the team because we’ve done some shuffling around of jobs here, and that has really been keeping us on our toes!

That said, remember when Jess posted her farewell blog? Well, there must be some kind of saying about saying goodbye too soon. Whatever it is, it applies to this situation, because as it turns out, she will continue to help out on our team, along with her new responsibilities here at GLM. And, we just couldn’t let her off the hook with blogging (and frankly, I think she would have missed it!) so, she will be back on our page here soon!

Arque has joined the operations team here at GLM, so exhibitors can and will chat with her about booth display, move-in, move-out and all kinds of logistics related to the NSS, and all of our other Shows.

Rosanne has left us, and is about to set sail on a wonderful family reunion cruise! We wish her nothing but the best!

Meantime, Patti and I have been out and about in the market this summer (and we’re not done yet!) I’ve had the opportunity to chat with current NSS exhibitors as well as potential new ones, and I can tell you, the excitement and interest for the 2009 Show is already building! One new company I met is very well positioned to join the Show. That company is Tachits. The product is a decorative item that allows one to attach a greeting card to a wrapped gift or gift bag. This is most handy for showers, as any of us “girls” who have attended showers can attest. It is not a good thing when the card and gift are separated from each other! The clever sisters behind the product spent a lot of time in research and development on their line and it shows. They have a good sized line (and growing) and they would find a great audience in the buyers at the National Stationery Show! Fingers crossed they’ll be with us next May!

Where I was, I couldn’t help but notice that the black & white trend is going strong! You already know this of course, but that color combo is on everything – invitations, notebooks, notecards, pens, pads, bags – you name it! And it does look stylish right now. One of my very favorite items is this computer bag from Anna Griffin, sported by our very own Patti Stracher.

And I love this chain link pattern on notecards from Boatman Geller.

Animal patterns are still going strong, and the zebra stripe hits the mark twice – black & white and animal. Check out this great invitation from Whitney English.

Another animal trend going strong is the giraffe pattern. You must have seen this at the National Stationery Show this past May, but have another look at this great set of notecards from Toss.

I’m a fan!

One shot of color that I thought stood out was a bright sapphire/cobalt blue. I saw this at another show, in a booth of an exhibitor with home décor items. The rest of the booth was black, gray and white, and the blue looked especially beautiful. The company that did this (sorry, remaining nameless) is somewhat of a trend-setter, and I fully expect to see more of this color moving back onto all kinds of products. We’ll see if that bears out!

We should be back with a post soon, and as September rolls in, we’ll be back to our usual weekly schedule.

For now, I hope you are having a summer that is both productive and enjoyable!

-Kelly

About to be Summer

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:26:00 +0000

The NSSGirls are taking it slower now that the demands of National Stationery Show have calmed. Our blogging will be occasional through the summer and will pick up steam as we move into fall.

It’s been a lot of fun to chronicle the experience “show side”, talking with you, cultivating our community of “blogatives” – that’s our pun for relatives in the blog world – our extended family, so to speak. We’ll surely stay in touch through our favorite blogs. Remember, you can always find us at www.nationalstationeryshow.com

Thanks for your loyalty over the past several months, and for sharing your stories. We’ll be back soon!

Have a wonderful summer,

The NSSGirls

Patti, Kelly, Arque, Jess and Rosanne

Jessica's Fond Farewell

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:44:00 +0000

Although June is dedicated to post show talk, this week we’re taking a break with a special show team announcement. Our show coordinator, Jessica Reiche, has been promoted to Administrative/Conference Manager of the International Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS) as well as the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) within GLM. As a result, tomorrow is her last day on the NSS/TSS team and this will be her last blog as part of the NSS Girls. Please join us in wishing her the best in her new role.

It’s with mixed feelings that I’m leaving the Show. With excitement for my new role and new shows but with sadness because of the great memories I have working with the NSS Team and of course the exhibitors. The Stationery Show was not only the first trade show I’ve ever worked on – it’s the first trade show I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t believe all the hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes involving many people and companies to make an annual 4 day show so successful. At first it was so exciting to see the big displays and meet key people in large companies I only knew of from shopping in the stores, but as I got more involved I saw the excitement behind the smaller companies as well. Each new company has a dream and a story and I love hearing how the National Stationery Show helped them grow and succeed.

Looking back 2+ years ago, when I joined the National Stationery Show, I realize that I have changed a bit due to being in the industry.

No longer can I pick up (or receive) a card without turning it over to see who made it.

I truly appreciate handmade cards and will buy much nicer cards for my friends and relatives than I used to.

I’ve always loved stationery and “pretty paper” as I used to call it, but now I’ve got some of my friends into it also.

As a pen lover, I now know why people spend a lot of money on “the perfect pen.”

And I think most importantly to the Show, as a member of the “paperless” generation, and a person who communicates mostly through email and text messages (even with my own mom!), I truly know the importance of writing and receiving a handwritten letter or note.

Now I could end this blog here, but what fun would that be? Here are the top 10 things I will miss about working on the Stationery Show (and I apologize in advance to anyone that may get embarrassed by this – that’s what you get for not being in the office on my last day!)

10. Tuesday morning team meetings that usually do not have an “end time.” There’s nothing like walking into a meeting realizing that you probably shouldn’t have had a large mug of coffee right before sitting down.

9. Patti’s excitement when something good happens. It’s contagious.

8. Sitting between Rosanne and Arque every day – it’s always an adventure!

7. Answering the group line – you never know who’s going to be on the other end and what they’re looking for. I think we’ve all ended up in some really strange conversations.

6. Food shopping for the Show Office. It’s always interesting when Rosanne and I have to shop for 15+ people for 8 days, some with very specific requests!

5. Talking to really nice exhibitors. I think the Stationery Show probably has the most chatty, personable exhibitors around and its fun to hear their stories. So many of them really appreciate my help and it makes the job much more pleasurable.

4. Sitting down the hall from my best (work) friend. With a new position comes a new desk and I’ll be on the other side of the office! I think we became best friends because we see each other countless times during the day.

3. Sitting next to the copier that many people in the office do not know how to work. Lucky for them I knew how to help them, but they’re in trouble now!

2. Working on the blog. I’ve had a huge role developing and maintaining the blog; it’ll be hard to not be a part of it.

1. The NSS Girls as a whole. I’ve learned so much from each one on the team and I’m extremely grateful for this experience. I know whoever takes my place on the Show will learn as much as I did!

So farewell NSS/TSS and hello IH/M&RS & ICFF (what’s with GLM and all of our acronyms anyway??) - I’ll see everyone at the 2009 Show (although I’ll be downstairs now!)

*Jess*