Industry Profiles

Welcome to our annual National Stationery Show (NSS) issue! As the 71^st edition of the show approaches, we at Stationery Trends are celebrating an anniversary of our own. Our inaugural issue was published in Spring 2008 — which means our 10^th year has officially begun!

We’ll be commemorating our decade in print (and digital media) throughout 2017 and into 2018. These will affect the brand across the board — from advertising to our digital offerings, from a redesign to new features within its pages. Start looking for them here next issue —  you’ll know you’ve found them when you see the 10-year anniversary icon shown here.

All this occurs as I pass a personal milestone: I started covering the stationery market in 1997 — just after NSS in fact. During those 20 years, so much has changed; but what endures is that I am proud to cover this great industry, and prouder still to be someone those within can turn to for insights, publicity — or even just a sympathetic ear. 

Another element that endures is NSS — and make no mistake about it, despite everything, it remains an industry institution. Not only does it present an opportunity for exhibitors to show what is new as they fill attendee shelves, it is the physical anchor that unifies us all. As it changes — and we all know change is hard — this is essential to keep in mind.

Regardless of where in Javits NSS is, it serves as a face-to-face meeting space for those working every day to keep letter-writing, card-sending and invitation-using alive. Having us all in one place for four days is a powerful thing. Despite all the Instagram, Twitter and Facebook posts revolving around NSS – there’s no substitute for the real experience. If the show goes, the cohesion of our industry follows on its tail, as it is the only trade show where paper is front and center.

I could go on and on, but I’m quickly running out of space here. So sit back, relax and enjoy all that our talented makers have to offer.

Until next issue,