Atlanta Gift Show Recap

Jan 19, 2017

Wow! I can't believe it's been almost a week since attending The Atlanta Gift Show at AmericasMart. I wanted to share a recap of my 3 day trip (Friday-Sunday).

Friday: I had the opportunity to spend the day with Pavilion Gift Company.

In their beautiful permanent showroom we introduced additional philoSophie's to the bridal themed gift line and spoke about ideas for upcoming seasons. Friday evening Pavilion hosted an event for me to personalize tumblers and meet attendees. I love meeting new people and getting to know about their shops and hear what they're looking for in new products. In the top left pic I met Marci of StickersWashiandMore. I'm excited to keep in touch and hopefully get to Nashville for a WildforPlanners event.

Saturday: I had a late start. The celebratory wine ( there's always something to toast to!) post show and then peach margarita & catfish from the delicious Pitty Patty proved too strong for me. After a quick double cup of coffee and some breakfast I checked the show agenda and realized Kathy Ireland's presentation on Entrepreneurship started at 10am. I quickly got ready and headed to the show for the presentation. (sidenote: The Market is huge and has many attendees. Be prepared for waiting on elevators and for them to be packed. Luckily I was able to squeeze on one and get to the presentation on time. Allow yourself extra time to navigate and plan ahead!)

Kathy's presentation was great...informative, encouraging, and energetic! I think I may have even started crying during parts thinking about the highs/lows and years of work I've put into philoSophie's. Passion and persistence is just a must whether in year 1 or 10+. After the presentation, I waited to meet Kathy and met Peter from Garson Jasper. Peter's wife,Jennifer, designs original textile goods. I love her bold patterns and designs. My favorite 'trolley in green' reminded me of my years at BU and living in Boston taking the green line.... So many people wanted to meet Kathy; so luckily Peter and I became fast friends and developed a quick plan to exchange phones and share photo time to be sure we would be able to say hello and grab a picture with her as well.

Throughout Saturday I would walk throughout Building 1,2 AND 3 to shop showrooms, have meetings, and visit with friends I only get to see at gift shows. Check out my friend Elizabeth's lifestyle brand - Top It Off for fun apparel and accessories. Just before the show wrapped up for the day I made it to one more seminar hosted by Linley and Lauren about trends. Their high energy presentation and champagne toast was a great way to wrap up Day 2 of market.

picture courtesy of instagram linleylaurenlp2

Sunday: Last day and the busiest. I woke up very early to plan out what I had to do before checking out of the hotel. ( I stayed at the Hyatt Atlanta - walking distance to show and connected to Marta) I made note of the showroom floors I still had yet to visit. I met many new store owners and exhibitors on the last day. One of my favorites -LilyDilly. Tina designs the most gorgeous jewelry. Check out her versatile designs. She has really unique pieces for everyday and I loved the ideas she has for bridal parties. Be sure to check her page out. Below is a picture of Tina and her husband. They were both so kind to chat with and I look forward to keeping in touch and sharing her work.

Uber rides and restaurants: Throughout my 3 days in Atlanta I think I did the most networking getting around the city with UberPool (ride share) and eating at cafes and restaurants close to market. The city was filled with people attending the show and if you're kind and a good listener most are open to chatting and sharing about their business.