News

Hundreds of new product debuts, full collections not seen in other markets, professional development at its very best, and events that bring the entire industry together will highlight the 65th annual National Stationery Show (NSS), May 15-18, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Presenting nearly 900 exhibitors and attracting some 11,000 industry professionals, the 2011 NSS will provide participants with the resources, education and opportunities to build their businesses in 2011 and beyond.

For a complete list of events and seminars, visit www.nationalstationeryshow.com.

Seminars
A variety of seminars will be offered, including:
Top Product Trends to Watch
Sunday, May 15
10:00 a.m., Cost: $20 in advance, $30 onsite
Join Sarah Schwartz, editor for Great American Publishing’s Stationery Trends magazine, and get a sneak preview of lifestyle, color and stationery trends sure to move merchandise throughout 2011 – and beyond.

Key Returning Exhibitors
From up-and-coming talents making their mark, to industry leaders featuring the latest of their signature products, the resources at NSS 2011 are vast and diverse. The NSS welcomes back such notable companies as Anna Griffin, Avanti, Cardthartic, Crane, Envelopments, Iota, Lallie, Mountaincow, Notes & Queries, Paper House Productions, Smock Letterpress, The Gift Wrap Company, William Arthur and more.

The design-driven, trend-setting products found on the Show floor among industry leaders and hundreds of young companies entering the market are representative of a category that, when added to any lifestyle gift product mix, have significant buyer appeal and great profit potential.

Buyer Education
From “Top Product Trends to Watch” to “Creative E-mail Marketing Strategies to Boost Business”, the 2011 NSS seminar lineup will deliver a diverse platform of subject matter for a well-rounded professional development experience. Notable industry experts will share their insight, including Martha Stewart Weddings Editorial Director Darcy Miller, Sagon-Phior Chief Creative Director Rio Phior, Stationery Trends Editor Sarah Schwartz, Gift Shop Publisher Patricia Norins and others.

Seminars can be selected and purchased during the Show registration process, or added through the Registration Resource Center for those who have already registered for the NSS.

Special Events
The NSS returns to Battery Gardens on the evening of May15 for the Opening Night Party, the industry’s top social and networking gathering of the year. Tickets are $65 per person, early ticket purchase is recommended, as this event sells out each year.

Monday evening the Greeting Card Association (GCA) will present the LOUIE Awards celebrating the year’s most original and creative greeting cards in a variety of categories, including the Grand Prize “Card of the Year, ” while suppliers exhibiting within The Supply Side division will have dedicated time to connect with NSS exhibitors during The Supply Side Networking Reception, Tuesday evening during The Supply Side Networking Reception.

Best New Products
The latest products, many of which will make their debut at NSS 2011, will be featured within the New Product Display. Prominently located in the Crystal Palace Lobby, the display offers a sneak peek at new products within these new 2011 categories: All Things Wedding, Celebrations, Eco-Chic, Lifestyle, Luxury, Paper Style and The Desktop.

The New Product Display also serves as the judging arena for the Best New Product Awards, which will be determined by an esteemed group of editors. In addition, a “Delegate’s Choice” award will be selected by a group of VIP buyers, from among all entries. Winners will be announced on Sunday, May 15.

The Paper Runway
In partnership with Kate’s Paperie, this fashion exhibit reinforces the paper-fashion relationship by showcasing paper dresses from cutting-edge fashion designers. The Paper Runway also will include designs created by visual merchandising and design students at New York City’s LIM College, incorporating products from NSS exhibitors.

The students will compete for a $1,000 cash prize and a window display at Kate’s Paperie during Fashion Week. Voting is open to all Show participants Sunday, May 15 and Monday, May 16. Located in the connecting corridor between the two sides of the Show floor, the space also will feature paper fashions created by Kate’s Paperie designers and NSS exhibitor DCWV.

NSS Mobile App
This year the NSS will introduce its first mobile application, designed to help attendees navigate the Show more efficiently. Available for download on the NSS exhibitor and product search webpage and also through iTunes, the NSS app searches for exhibitors or products by name, product line, product category or description, with results including company names and booth locations. The application is compatible with Android, iPhone and Blackberry devices.

For more information, visit www.nationalstationeryshow.com.