Urban Expositions has acquired the Portland Gift & Accessories Show, San Francisco Cash & Carry Show, Seattle Cash & Carry Show and Portland Cash & Carry Show from Western Exhibitors. The latest acquisitions are part of the continued western region growth strategy for Atlanta-based Urban Expositions, which purchased the San Francisco International Gift Fair and Seattle Gift Show from dmg world media in 2009 and launched the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show in 2007.

 

As part of the seamless transition plan, Kelly McLoughlin, long-time manager for all four shows under Western Exhibitors’ management, now joins Urban Expositions in the same role.

 

“With their product and target customer profiles, we felt these shows offered a great opportunity not only to strengthen our presence in the region, but to tap into cross-marketing strategies to further build and grow all of the events we now manage out west,” explains Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. “We look forward to building upon the quality customer service, friendly show atmosphere and long-term business relationship traits that Western is known for as we take over the reins for these shows.”

“Urban’s hands-on management style and show service philosophy mirror ours, so we felt they were the ideal company to take these events forward,” said Wendy Tonkin, President, Western Exhibitors. “We look forward to working with them to ensure a quick and easy management transition.”

 

Effective immediately, Urban Expositions assumes management duties for all four shows, including sales, marketing, operations and other day-to-day activities. As part of the sales agreement, the Western Exhibitors management team will serve an advisory role throughout the transition process.

 

Held annually at the Oregon Convention Center, the next Portland Gift & Accessories Show is scheduled for March 3-5, 2012. Popular with gift and specialty retailers throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Northern California, the show has built a reputation for its friendly, easy shopping experience and boutique marketplace atmosphere. Featuring more than 175 companies in 250 booths, the show brings together a wide array of gifts, unique handmade products, one-of-a-kind vintage merchandise, fashion accessories and more.

 

The three cash and carry shows are also annual events featuring a host of gifts and collectibles, gourmet food products, fine and fashion jewelry, bath and spa items, aromatherapy as well as handcrafted items, personal & fashion accessories , antiques , found objects and more – all available for order or immediate delivery to the trade.

 

Upcoming editions for 2012 include:

Urban Expositions Acquires Portland, Cash & Carry Shows |Page Two

Portland Cash & Carry Show, October 12-14, 2012, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR

Seattle Cash & Carry Show, October 19-21, 2012, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA

San Francisco Cash & Carry Show, October 26-28, 2012, Concourse Exhibition Hall , San Francisco, CA

 

For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com.