Thirty years strong, the Orlando Gift Show is the central buying event for Northern, Central and Florida Panhandle retailers who are looking to stock up on everything they need for the holiday and tourist seasons.  Returning to the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse (Hall C) from August 4–6, 2012, the semi-annual Orlando Gift Show will once again run concurrently with the Orlando Cash & Carry Show to bring together a tremendous selection of strong, proven gift and souvenir lines in every product category.

“Florida retailers return to the semi-annual Orlando Gift Show year after year because the show’s central location makes it an easily accessible and affordable trade show destination to place orders and pick up a wide selection of impulse items in time for their busy season. In addition, show attendees and exhibitors can also benefit from the show’s low hotel rates and take advantage of savings on attraction tickets and dining during their stay,” says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions, managers and producers of the Orlando Gift Show along with partners GLM

Among the highlights for the summer 2012 show:

One-Stop Shopping
The Orlando Gift Show provides an unrivaled selection of products. Retailers come to see the best-selling designs and newest introductions from major manufacturers and key Southeastern sales representatives showcasing items in virtually every product category, including general giftware, home and garden accents, gourmet gifts, party and paper goods, tabletop, holiday/seasonal, collectibles, souvenir/resort merchandise, stationery, bed, bath, and linen and more.

Orlando Cash & Carry Show
As a "show within a show", the Orlando Cash & Carry Show rounds out the tremendous selection of the Orlando Gift Show with a wide array of items available for immediate delivery to the trade ranging from general giftware, fashion accessories and jewelry to garden gifts, logo products, resort/tourist merchandise and more.

In addition to products, the Orlando Gift Show features several fantastic buyer incentives:

Parking Rebate Coupon for Pre-Registered Buyers: Buyers who pre-register for the summer show will receive a special parking rebate coupon by mail along with their free admission badges. To redeem the parking rebate coupon, buyers will present their parking rebate coupon, Orange County Convention Center parking receipt and August 2012 buyer badge at the show information desk onsite to receive a $5 parking rebate.

Super Sunday Specials: A number of exhibitors will be offering specials on Sunday, August 5th only. Retailers should make a point to shop the show on this day to take advantage of discounts, dating and other exclusive offers valid on orders placed on this day only.  A list of participating exhibitors will be available at the registration desk.

Free Freight Monday: Many exhibitors will be offering discounted or free freight on select orders placed on Monday, August 6 only. A complete list of participating exhibitors will be available at the registration desk.

Free Business Building Educational Programs
All registered buyers are invited to attend free educational seminars offering a wealth of ideas and tips. Programs include:

Saturday, August 4, 2012
STAY ON TOP! Sharpen Your Competitive Edge to Thrive in Today’s Retail World | 10:30 am–11:30 am
Speaker: Susan Wagner, editor, Smart Retailer

Even in a Wal-Mart world, independent retailers can survive and thrive. Learn how to reinvigorate your store by casting a fresh eye on everything from public relations to product choices. Discover the importance of branding your business and finding your unique selling point, and learn how to keep your store top-of-mind with your customers.

Reaching Today’s Tech-Minded Consumers | 1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Speaker: Susan Wagner, editor, Smart Retailer

Today’s generation lives with their cell phone in one hand and a computer mouse in the other. Learn what drives this new consumer and how you can use mobile marketing, QR codes and more to connect with them to bring more sales to your business.

Sunday, August 5, 2012
Wise Pre, During, Post Trade Show Planning | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speaker: Marilyn Nason, Nason & Associates and contributing editor, Giftware News, author, Inside Retailing 101, and publisher of Today’s Hospital Gift Shop

Maximizing trade shows has never been so important for retailers today. Wise use of pre-planning; maximizing time/expense during shows; sharing show information post show are all part of the truly successful trade show experience today. Learn how each of the three elements combine to produce profit-producing inventory and to reduce the number of “dog” items on hand.

Buy More. Spend Less. Stay Local.
Urban Expositions has negotiated discounted hotel rates near the Orange County Convention Center for added attendee convenience. Retailers can take advantage of these low rates by contacting Connections at 800-262-9974 or www.giftshowhotels.com

Show Hours:
Saturday, Aug. 4: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Sunday, Aug. 5: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Monday, Aug. 6: 9:30 am - 4 pm

Buyer Information:
For buyer information or to pre-register, visit www.orlandogiftshow.com or call Buyer Relations Representative Cece Lee at 678-370-0332 or toll-free 800-318-2238, ext. 0332 or e-mail: clee@urban-expo.com.

Exhibitor Information:
For more information on exhibiting in the Orlando Gift Show, contact Matt Miller, show manager, Urban Expositions, 1690 Roberts Blvd NW, Suite 111, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Phone: 678-370-0343 or 800-318-2238, ext. 343; Fax: 678-285-7469; E-mail: mmiller@urban-expo.com or contact Evan Shoda, sales manager, Urban Expositions, 1690 Roberts Blvd NW, Suite 111, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Phone: 678-370-0322 or 800-318-2238, ext. 322; Fax: 678-285-7469; E-mail: eshoda@urban-expo.com.

About Urban Expositions
Urban Expositions is the largest gift and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 24 shows each year. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional gift events in the nation. Since then, the company has continued to grow through acquisitions and new show development. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Urban Expositions offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/ attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management.  For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com or call 800-318-2238.