I’m back from the gift fair, and after taking most of the weekend off, I’m slowly easing back into things. I’ve got two posts planned recapping the New York International Gift Fair. The first post is going to be more a general post about the show to give those of you thinking about doing it in the future a little more information. Then there will be another post later in the week about my own experience at the show.
Let me just start by saying that New York Gift is huge! There are over 2000 vendors at the show, which takes up the Javits Center and two piers. The companies exhibiting at the show range from one-person operations making everything by hand, to large, multinational companies mass-producing overseas, to rep groups featuring several lines. And the size of the booths range from small (mine was 6′ by 10′) to bigger than my house! (Ok, maybe not quite that big, but close.)
Before you get too overwhelmed thinking about the size of the show, know that it is actually broken into some distinct sections. Some of these sections are better geared towards independent makers than others, so I thought I’d do a quick run down of ones you might be interested in. The largest section of the show is General Gift, but I would avoid this at all costs. Its too easy to get lost in a sea of mass-produced items.
For most independent makers, Handmade is the section they gravitate towards. It is the section that I first started in, and I would recommend it for most of the people reading this blog. If you have any experience with shows like the Buyers Market of American Craft, or the American Craft Council show, you will feel comfortable in Handmade. However, booth location is really critical in Handmade. Some areas see a lot more traffic than others, and it can really make or break your show. Starting at the August 2010 show, Handmade is going to be split into two categories, “designer made” and “globally sourced.” I think this distinction, and a new location in the Javits, makes Handmade a viable choice for most indie makers.
If you make accessories like bags or jewelry, I would also check out Details, which is a small section in Personal Accessories. While most of PA is more mass-produced, cheaper items, Details is a juried selection of jewelry, bags, and other accessories. Its worth a look if you make products that fall into one of those categories.
Two more section to check out are Studio and Accent on Design, both of which are juried sections on the main level. Their location on the main level, and Accent’s reputation for cutting-edge design mean that both sections see a lot of traffic, particularly press. Studio has a slightly more welcoming feel than Accent, which is dominated by large companies like Jonathan Adler, Alessi, and Artecnica. (Though you will find smaller companies and designers in Accent – its where my booth is located!) Most of the products in Studio feel like they could work in Anthropologie, so if that’s your dream retailer, Studio is worth checking out.
Overall, the mood at the gift fair seemed better than either show in 2009. Traffic seemed to be up, and buyers seemed more inclined to write orders. Particularly if you are on the East Coast, I highly recommend that you look into doing New York Gift. Its one show that does seem to be bringing in both buyers and press, if for no other reason than the sheer volume of stuff there. New York Gift happens twice a year, so there’s still plenty of time to plan on visiting or participating in the August show.
This is great news about the two sections of Handmade! Being grouped in that category with people who didn’t make the product themselves was the one thing we didn’t like when we there in August.
I like to read IKEA magazines for its home decor ideas. It’s able to dsigen for us a functional, welcoming kitchen and dining area for weeknight dinners, a comfortable living room that invites everyone to stretch out and tune in and a peaceful bedroom where you can shut the door and recharge.
Thanks so much for posting this. I’m looking to get into the trade show vibe early next year, so this info is invaluable in my planning. Thank you for all the work you do with this fantastic blog!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge! I have done a lot of smaller scaled shows that were a flop. It can be so discouraging when you have paid so much and have given so much of your time for something that is unsuccessful.
You have inspired me to blog about the events I have sold at. Thank you!
andrea – hopefully its a lot better for you guys in August with the switch. i agree that it was really frustrating to be in “handmade” next to products people weren’t making
kristen and megan – you’re so welcome! i love that i can use my experiences to help others grow their businesses as well!
I took your advice about touring the NYIGF. I attended on Saturday when Handmade was the only section open to the public. I now wish I had visited on another day to see the rest of the show. While I was at the show I was inspired to take the leap to participate in a large trade show with my business. I applied to the National Stationery Show that will be held at the Javits Center in May. Friday I was accepted! Now I’m doing all the research I can on making it successful.
I’ve been working on my booth design. It seemed like many of the handmade booths at the NYIGF used curtain walls. I’d like to have hard walls. Do you recommend a particular material for this? Are there resources out there about constructing my own booth? Do you have any lighting suggestions?
Do you usually set up and manage your booth on your own or do you have help? I’m considering hiring an assistant.
I hope you continue to write about your experience at major shows like the NYIGF. Your knowledge and expertise are very helpful for new businesses like mine. Thank you for sharing!
Emily – These are some fantastic questions. I’m still planning on answering trade show related questions (I’ve got the post planned for Thursday) so I’ll address some of these then.
How much is a booth at NYIGF? I was look all over the website and couldn’t find any info. Am I missing something?
I’m trying to find out how much booths costs at the NYIGF, too, and can’t seem to find this info. I believe it’s thousands of dollars but need to know the exact amount. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
CatherineTodd2 (at) gmail.com
Thanks for the post. Really really helpful for my new small business. Please keep posting and blogging about this.
Great info, Megan. I’m glad I stumbled onto your site as I have been investigating the NYIGF. You mentioned that the location of your booth in the ‘handmade’ section can make or break your show. I just did the Seattle NW Flower and Garden show (second largest of it’s kind next to Philidelphia home show) and indeed my booth location hurt me. I’m gearing up to do next years show. Can you give any advise as to where the best location is and how to get it? I do hand forged metal garden sculpture and home decor items. I’m also very interested in ‘The Creative Empire’ networking membership. Any feed back is greatly appreciated!
Just caught this article, will miss this August’s show but plan on doing the next one in 2013 or ICFF- such great info! Thanks so much! Just caught your talk with Grace on “After the Jump” too. You are such a fountain of wisdom girl! Thank you for sharing your talents and outlook, I’ve loved watching CraftMBA develop over the years. You’re amazing girl! Just wanted to let you know that 🙂