EXHIBITOR PROSPECTUS January 16-19, 2015
WALTER E. WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER, WASHINGTON DC
We are living in the Age of the Maker. People are shopping for items with more purpose and meaning, seeking well-made, handcrafted products that can be handed down to the next generation. Making things professionally means your hard work and pleasure should be one and the same. We've set the stage for opportunity by providing you a solid foundation to grow your business. You bring your unique vision, creativity and innovative spirit.
Produced by a Family Business
Unlike most gift shows, the American Made Show (formerly the Buyers Market of American Craft) is produced by an independent, family-ownedand-operated small business just like yours. Supporting American studio artists has been at the core of our mission for more than 30 years.
2 | WE BELIEVE‌in the power of the individual to contribute to rebuilding our economy.
Our Mission > Grow and nurture small businesses > Provide a one-of-a-kind marketplace for
retailers to shop for the best in American and Canadian design > Answer the call of conscious consumers who vote with their wallets > Strengthen the role of American design in today’s marketplace
Where We’re Going & Why
In 2015, the Buyers Market of American Craft becomes the AMERICAN MADE SHOW to more accurately communicate our position in the industry. We’re reframing our marketing efforts to reach a broader audience of buyers seeking authentic American merchandise and to increase exposure for all exhibitors. That process starts with welcoming innovative designer-makers who already meet our criteria for amazing products made in the U.S. and Canada, and introducing them to a different kind of marketplace.
“
We both felt that [show management] did an excellent job communicating with us and providing us with helpful information and resource materials. If we had a question, it was answered quickly via email or through a direct phone call. ...We are really looking forward to the 2015 American Made Show in DC.
”
Mark & Katherine Farrell, Buffalo Craft Company, Jewelry Exhibitor and 2014 Merit Award Winner
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GETTING TO KNOW DC
> THE MARRIOTT
MARQUIS is a destination all its own with a towering light-filled atrium featuring a 56-foothigh sculpture by Baltimore-based sculptor Rodney Carroll as well as 5 on-site restaurant and retail options.
The convention center is located in the heart of the city in the Chinatown / Penn Quarter district. The neighborhood boasts more than 170 diverse restaurant options, from quick grab-and-go lunches to more formal dining. Discover more than 50 museums, monuments and national memorials, many within short walking distance.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Recognized as one of the most-energy efficient buildings of its size, the Washington Convention Center has won awards both for inspiring design and as a major contributor toward community redevelopment in downtown DC. With more than 130 works of art, it’s also home to the largest public art collection in DC outside of a museum.
Travel & Accommodations
Three international airports, Amtrak, MARC train and Virginia Railway Express make Washington DC one of the most accessible cities in the country. Our host hotel—the brand-new, 4-star Marriott Marquis—is directly connected to the convention center via underground concourse. A discounted rate is available exclusively for you.
Getting Around Town
The Metro has 86 stations servicing DC, Maryland and Virginia. Traveling by Metro, you can easily explore downtown DC and its surrounding areas for just a few dollars. The DC Circulator bus also offers five convenient routes throughout the city for only one dollar per ride.
4 | WE BELIEVE…that knowing where and how a product was made is essential to today's conscious consumer.
Travel & Leisure named DC the #1 destination for museums and galleries.
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WHO SHOPS OUR SHOW? Our reputation as “the American Made Show” brings with it the most qualified buyers in the industry. Gift stores and fine craft / art galleries make up the largest percentage of our attendance.
Additional attendees include: > Main Street independent retailers > J ewelry stores > Well-known e-retailers like The Artful Home,
UncommonGoods, The Grommet, Fab.com and more > The gift shops of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Smithsonian Institution
> The galleries of universities, guilds and arts
institutions > Art-to-wear clothing boutiques > Souvenir and resort shops > Gift retailers from zoos, aquariums, national parks and amusement parks > Interior designers and architects > Art consultants and specifiers
Our Buyers Want to Meet You
At the American Made Show you'll connect face-to-face with the people who will share your story with customers. They believe in the value of knowing the story behind the brand. To encourage this critical interaction between partners in promotion, we require each exhibiting company of the American Made Show to be personally represented by the owner or principal designer.
> 2 in 5 attending buyers carry more than 75% American Made inventory in their store.
6 | WE BELIEVE…in honesty and authenticity throughout the design and production process.
43%
Buyers By Region
Retailer Location Type
2%
of buyers shop for their entire year at American Made Show
Canada Main Street
31%
13% Pacific
10%
23% Coastal / Resort Area
15%
52%
Midwest
of buyers are new to the show
Northeast
South
19%
31%
Attendee Composition
3%
Interior Designer
5%
Museum Store
6%
E-Retailer/ Catalog
10%
Jewelry Store
15%
Specialty Boutique
14%
Craft Gallery
16%
Gift & Home
Art Gallery
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BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS THAT LAST Building a lasting partnership with your stores takes time. Years, in fact. But how can you create repeat business without knowing if you’ll be juried into a show next year? The answer is, you can’t. That’s why American Made Show offers lifetime tenure to its exhibitors. You keep producing beautiful new designs in the U.S. or Canada and we’ll send you a contract each year. Simple as that.
In Good Company
Be Original. Stay Original.
Discovering artists who produce in small numbers is the very thing that makes a show like ours special for buyers. It’s an independent retailer’s advantage over big-box stores.
To ensure artists’ creative property is protected, show policies include restricted photography or filming on the show floor as well as barring entrance to manufacturers, licensing agents and unaffiliated sales representatives. Retailers must provide current credentials when registering: > Proof of business > Proof of location > Proof of American Made or handmade inventory
If fear of producing enough to wholesale is holding you back, consider that 59% of our exhibitors have an annual production level of $100,000 or less. Buyers shop the American Made Show to find that rare jewel of merchandising: high design, high value and reasonable minimums.
American Made Show By the Numbers > An estimated $8 million in sales on our show floor in just 4 days
> More than 80,000 square feet of product display > Over 700 exhibiting companies representing 115 product categories
> Approximately 5,000 buyers from independent 8 | WE BELIEVE…that Main Street is where new jobs are created.
retail stores across the country
> Relationships built with retailers
during our show sustain many artists all year long and often throughout their careers. Through wholesaling, artists are able to spend more time in the studio and less time on the road.
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EXHIBITING OPTIONS Standard Booth Package > 8-foot high draped walls > 1,000 watts electrical service (per 100 SF) > Valet service from the loading dock (optional) > Chair > Wastebasket > Company ID sign > Buyers Guide listing > O nline listing > Free promotional materials Size
Price
10 x 10 (100 SF) 10 x 15 (150 SF) 10 x 20 (200 SF) 6 x 10 (60 SF)* Corners
$2,138 $2,708 $3,563 $1,075 Add $250 each
* Exclusively offered to new exhibitors
> All booths include a membership to
Shop.AmericanMadeShow.com, our new online sales network to stay connected with buyers year-round.
10 | WE BELIEVE…in a marketplace where consumers vote with their wallets.
Other Considerations
Exhibitors should plan for the following costs not included in the booth package: > F looring (required) > Marketing > L ighting (required) > S hipping > Insurance (required) > Drayage / Material > Transportation & Handling parking
Merit Award
Designers debuting in the wholesale marketplace may have their application reviewed for a scholarship that is awarded to an exceptionally promising newcomer in each section of the show. Winners are responsible for their $600 booth deposit only — the remainder of their 10x10 booth is free.
Educational Support
Your first wholesale show can be overwhelming. With our exhibitor training program, you’ll never be left guessing. Get free access to articles, webinars and worksheets to keep you on track every step of the way.
PRODUCT CATEGORIES > Glass > Ceramics > Fine & Fashion Jewelry > Wearable Fiber & Accessories > M ixed Media > Supplier > Home & Garden
SPECIAL SECTIONS Premier Jewelry Pavilion Featuring limited-edition and one-of-a-kind jewelry. High karat metals and precious stones shine in this premium area of the floor, the star of the Jewelry Preview.
New-to-Market First-time exhibitors may opt for a 6x10 footprint for about half the standard booth cost. These aisles are a must-see destination for all buyers.
Design Neighborhoods These premium hard-wall pavilions spotlight brands who defy definition. Spotlighting the best in designer-made gifts for children, kitchen/gourmet, home dĂŠcor and lifestyle categories.
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SMART MARKETING Your participation in the show is supported by a multi-faceted marketing campaign to our list of more than 20,000 buyers.
Print & Web Advertising
Focused advertising to the right audience through top industry publications.
Direct Mail
Beautifully designed brochures and pre-show guides are mailed to retailers as a series over several months leading up to show time.
Social & Online Media
Extend your reach and engage with our audience through our social media presence: 11,980 followers
Targeted email newsletters are sent to more than 10,000 retail subscribers who follow us for the latest exhibitor news and show updates. Exhibitors are highlighted in weekly newsletters leading up to the show.
12 | WE BELIEVE‌that American Made is a vital part of the new economy.
3,368 followers 1,204 followers 592 followers (launched Nov. 2013)
500,000+
media coverage impressions for the 2014 show cycle
NICHE Magazine & Media Partners
Our full-color quarterly trade publication for independent retailers of American craft is free to all registered buyers. Through media partnerships, our magazine is distributed at major buying events nationwide.
Industry Partners
Artist guilds and professional associations enhance our community by extending exclusive show benefits to their members. Programs include group exhibits, sponsored seminars and workshops, and discounts for non-profit organizations.
Get the most out of your investment by applying early and taking advantage of our variety of promotional opportunities to suit all budgets. Free uyer Brochures > B > Show Stickers > S ocial Media > Shop.AmericanMadeShow.com > Interactive Floor Map
Paid > Buyers Guide > Digital Showcase > Product Galleries > One-of-a-Kind Sponsorship Packages > Full-Service Postcard Mailing > N ICHE magazine > On-site Promotion AmericanMadeShow.com 800.432.7238 | 13
Wednesday, January 14
Friday, January 16
11am-6pm
Exhibitor Move-in
8am-10am Seminars
12:30pm
New Exhibitor Orientation
10am-6pm
Exhibit Hall Open
6:30pm-8pm
New Exhibitor Happy Hour
Thursday, January 15 8am-6pm
Exhibitor Move-in
Saturday, January 17
12:30pm
New Exhibitor Orientation
8am-10am Seminars
4pm-7pm Jewelry Preview (Jewelry Section only)
10am-6pm
Exhibit Hall Open
6pm-9pm
NICHE Awards
Sunday, January 18 8am-10am Seminars 10am-6pm
Exhibit Hall Open
6pm-9pm
American Made Show Party
Monday, January 19 10am-2pm
Exhibit Hall Open
2pm-11:59pm
Exhibitor Move-out
< FASHION SHOW
Models walk the runway in our professionally produced fashion show. This midday event puts a dramatic spotlight on the latest designs in wearable fiber and accessories.
14 | WE BELIEVEâ&#x20AC;Śthat Main Street is where new jobs are created.
SPECIAL EVENTS Jewelry Preview An evening preview of the Jewelry section gives buyers a welcome head start of the largest part of our show. NICHE Awards Finalists and winners are honored at the annual ceremony celebrating excellence and innovation in fine craft design. New Exhibitor Programs Meet our staff and fellow firsttime exhibitors during virtual training sessions, our at-show orientation and meet-ups.
ARTIST APPLICATION CRITERIA Applicants are required to submit the following information, which is thoroughly reviewed by show management: > Company history > Number of employees > Annual sales volume > References from retail accounts > Suppliers and contractors > Detailed description of production process > Wholesale and retail show experience
they design in the United States or Canada. Exhibitors may not contract for product designs outside his/her studio or employ a designer. Unless otherwise approved, the American Made Show also prohibits the sale and display of items that incorporate imported or finished items as part of the central design element. Non-decorative components (e.g., findings, fixtures, mechanical parts) and materials (e.g., silk, gemstones) are permitted at the discretion of show management.
The Artist’s Pledge of Authenticity
You Are Your Brand
Finally, applicants must sign a pledge attesting to the accuracy of information provided and stating that all designs submitted are “made under my direct supervision in named country, with domestic labor and materials (where applicable).” Artists must be residents of the United States or Canada. To be considered, applicants must be the principal of their own companies, and produce the work
Share your maker’s story with a growing community of buyers who value the quality and craftsmanship of an object well made. Our retailers are your partners and advocates in the field, sharing your story with thousands of conscious customers who are seeking products that have lasting value and meaning.
What's Your Story? Apply today at AmericanMadeShow.com/Apply AmericanMadeShow.com 800.432.7238 | 15
AmericanMadeShow.com 3000 Chestnut Ave, Suite 300, Baltimore MD 21211 sales@rosengrp.com 800.432.7238 | 734.787.6496
A MARKETPLACE CUSTOM-MADE FOR YOU
We promote beautiful things responsibly made by creative, hardworking people. Join hundreds of studio artists at the one-of-a-kind event where thousands of independent retailers shop for the best in American and Canadian design. THAT'S OUR STORY. WHAT'S YOURS? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE REPORT:
"TOP MYTHS OF WHOLESALING" AmericanMadeShow.com/exhibit