David Gilfoyle Named Show Manager For The Portland Gift & Accessories Show®

Furniture World Magazine

Universal Shows, Inc. (formerly Western Exhibitors, Inc.) announced the appointment of David Gilfoyle as Show Manager—Portland Gift & Accessories Show®, which is owned by Western Exhibitors, LLC. Mike Dean, President of Universal Shows, Inc. and Western Exhibitors, LLC, made the official announcement during the recent January 5-8, 2002 market. The position of Show Manager is diverse in day-to-day activities. In addition to booth placement, on-site management and direct exhibitor contact, Gilfoyle’s primary responsibilities will be to provide the show with exemplary exhibiting companies. His focus will be on customer retention through the provision of a great show venue and outstanding customer service. Because the Portland retail climate is changing and growing, Gilfoyle will stay in close touch with storeowners and suppliers to ascertain the gift trends and needs of the area retailers. Gilfoyle joined Western Exhibitors, LLC in 2000 and has recently served as co-manager of the Portland Gift & Accessories Show® along with Kelly McLoughlin. A graduate of the University of Iowa, he began his career by starting his own business, Gilfoyle Associates, representing hundreds of gift lines from national manufacturers in dozens of trade shows for over 20 years—beginning with the Portland Gift & Accessories Show®. "David has proven to be a powerful salesperson for the Portland Gift & Accessories Show®—it was through his untiring efforts that the January 2002 market was such a success. We know that his enthusiasm for the business and experience as an exhibitor will only benefit our present and future clients as well as the show as a whole," stated Mike Dean, President of Universal Shows, Inc. and Western Exhibitors, LLC. "I am excited about the opportunities the Portland market has to offer and look forward to implementing the many suggestions made by our exhibitor advisory committee as well as getting to know the needs of the retailers in this area. The Portland Gift & Accessories Show® is positioned for growth, and I would like to see it become a destination for more nationally recognized lines," said David Gilfoyle, Show Manager, Portland Gift & Accessories Show®. Universal Shows, Inc. manages the Portland Gift & Accessories Show®, The Seattle Gift Show® and the San Francisco International Gift Fair®, which are owned by Western Exhibitors, LLC. The family-owned business employs 25 people and produces 10 trade shows each year in San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest, Colorado and Florida. It is also involved in consumer shows in San Francisco, California, Seattle, Washington and Toronto, Ontario (Canada). More information about Universal Shows, Inc., Western Exhibitors, LLC and shows it produces can be obtained on-line at www.weshows.com.