Surtex 2010 - officially a success!
The word from GLM Shows, the team behind Surtex 2010, is that the mood was upbeat and business was brisk as the industry 'comes roaring back'.
The business of selling and licensing art proved to be as lively as the new hot-pink-and-orange Surtex branding debuted at this year's show, which took place between May 16 - 18.
"The mood was extremely upbeat," confirms a delighted Penny Sikalis, show manager and GLM's vice president. "The industry is back on its feet. Manufacturers and retailers came to Surtex looking for the latest artwork, and they found the fresh new ideas and design inspiration they need to create sought-after products that fulfill growing consumer demand."
Surtex 2010 - the only trade show in North America that focuses on the sale and licensing of original art and design - drew nearly 250 exhibiting companies, including artists, designers, licensors and agents. Together, the exhibitors presented thousands of original art and design works to some 6,000 attendees who flocked to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from 41 countries.
"Exhibitors, especially textiles designers and studios, were very pleased at the amount of business done with off-shore manufacturers, in addition to domestic companies," remarked Sikalis. Exhibitors and attendees also came to the show "hungry for information about the business," as attendance was up at all 11 sessions of the conference programme, which covered everything from the Core Basics of Licensing to expert updates on legal issues.
Thrumming aisles, crowded booths, and sold-out conference sessions offered proof that an economic recovery is underway in the industry. "We truly saw a shift in mentality," reported Sam Abell, president of Courtney Davis and a 20-year-veteran of the licensing business. "When it comes to trade shows, my glass is usually half-empty. For the first time, we felt a genuine twist toward the positive. Manufacturers are developing product again. Buyers are buying again. The industry is coming full-circle."
Other exhibitors agreed, including major licensors like Hallmark, a first-time exhibitor at the show. With its vast portfolio of illustrations, photography, and surface designs, Hallmark was looking for a new and potent venue, said licensing director Jill Wiederholt. "We are excited about the new contacts that we made and are actively following up. We felt very positive about the show, the attendees and the overall energy - and plan on participating again in the future."
For Porterfield's Fine Art Licensing, which observed its 15th anniversary at the show, SURTEX was "the most successful art licensing show we have ever done," according to President Lance Klass. His company arrived at the show with 24 set appointments but ultimately met with a whopping total of 114 potential licensees. "I've never encountered this sort of thing before, " he observed. "The volume of qualified visitors and companies actively seeking new art for their products is a very strong indication that the retail economy is roaring back,"
Long-time Surtex exhibitor, Nancy Fire of Design Works International was equally enthusiastic. "The mood of the show was upbeat. We were busy from start to finish. People were excited. They were jovial. And they were buying."
Surtex 2011 will be taking place between May 15 - 17 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City. The Licensing Gallery at the New York International Gift Fair, Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, will also be open to Surtex exhibitors.
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