With so many tradeshows in a year, it’s hard to keep track, but we’ve managed to compile this list for you. Some we have attended as both buyers and exhibitors. Some we’ve heard nothing but great reviews. To find tradeshows that are geared towards your own product line, visit INFOMAT.
Design + Lifestyle – I Saloni, Proposte, ICFF, Neocon, Maison & Objet, 100% Design London, 100% Design Tokyo
Gift Shows – NYIGF, Pulse London, Top Drawer
Stationery – National Stationery Show
Licensing – Surtex, The Licensing Show
Accessories – Designers & Agents, ATS, Premiere Classe, ENK Accessorie Circuit
Kids/ Children’s Market – Bubble NY & London, ENK Children’s Club
Hi Pei – I think the answer to your question depends on your production budget and your sales strategy. If you are just starting out, you can always just produce prototypes. Then after the show with your orders, you can go into full production. Especially if you have your own press. If you don’t have your own press, and you are working with a printer, ask them if they can make you the prototypes. If they can’t, you can produce a small amount and then up your production after the show. Another method is to produce a couple of designs, and then print out the rest using your inkjet or laser printer and tell your buyers that that those are your prototypes. Some buyers don’t care much about the quality and for those who care, having at least one design produced, they can judge the quality of work you do! – Good luck.
thank you for such informative blog about the business. I also have other questions about prior to the trade show when someone is starting a new business, such as the production of the product line. How do you determine the quantities of your samples (such as letterpress greeting cards)? Or do you pre-produce a certain amount of the actual products ready to ship prior to the trade show or they are make to order? Could you please tell me more about the production part? Thank you a ton