Birmingham, Europe's Second Largest Home Show, Season, Gift, Greetings Returns To UK in September

Furniture World Magazine

Each year more than 35,000 visitors head to Birmingham, England's National Exhibition Centre (NEC) to shop Autumn Fair -- and with good reason. Bringing together more than 2000 high-quality suppliers from around the world, Autumn Fair provides the ideal opportunity to stock up for Christmas and preview trends for the coming spring. Scheduled for September 4-7, 2005, this year's edition offers more products and features than ever before, including a special spotlight on the Greetings and Stationery offerings, as well as newly expanded, rebranded Kitchen and Dining, Home Interiors, Art and Framing sections, and countless new designs shown in the Gift, Jewelry and Fashion Accessories sections and more. "Whether you're a retailer looking for exclusive, unique product, a distributor or rep who wants to find new products to sell in North America, or a manufacturer looking to expand your business overseas, Autumn Fair offers an easy, convenient way to gain a truly international perspective," says Adam Ash, President, White Hound Advertising and North American Agent, Trade Promotion Services (TPS), producers of Autumn Fair. Autumn Fair Highlights include: Greetings & Stationery Hall 3 The 2005 edition will feature more card, stationery, giftwrap, partyware and poster lines than ever before. The colorful line-up includes some of the biggest names in the business, alongside newcomers showing innovative designs. In addition to a tremendous product selection, the entrance to Hall 3 will also display the winners of the Henries, the UK's prestigious greetings industry awards. Hall 3 will also be the place to attend "Wrapped up with Arona Khan," a series of entertaining live gift-wrapping demonstrations by merchandising expert Arona Khan. Art & Framing Hall 4 Previously known as "Gallery," Autumn Fair's art & framing collection is known throughout the world as the late-season buying event and the ideal place to explore stunning artworks, prints, framing and finished product from established names and exciting new talent. In addition, Peter Bingham brings his popular Picture Business agony column to life at Autumn Fair. Combining interactive Q & A sessions and product demonstrations, Bingham will walk visitors through a wide variety of framing techniques using equipment, mouldings and mounts available at the Fair. NEW Kitchen & Dining - Hall 1 Consumer enthusiasm for home entertaining is growing fast, and Autumn Fair's brand new sector is just what retailers need to keep up. Previously the Housewares Show, this new section is packed with a wide range of designs and accents for the kitchen and table, including essential housewares, glassware, tabletop, as well as new focus on products for outdoor living, specialty foods and dining décor. A host of demonstrations and special features will also be part of the new section. Live cooking demonstrations will highlight some of the latest gadgets, a Specialty Foods Pavilion will feature a variety of gourmet gifts, and a Special Offer Showcase will be the ideal spot to discover great discounts from Kitchen & Dining exhibitors. The Progressive Housewares Excellence in Housewares award winners will also be showcased at the entrance to Hall 1. NEW Home Interiors  Hall 2 Visitors should plan to head to Hall 2 for the largest ever collection of chic and contemporary occasional furniture, soft furnishings, lighting, home accessories and bed and bath products. Previously known as Home Accents, this section now offers even more to tempt the style-conscious consumer. Design-led Gifts  Hall 3 and Gifts  Halls 4,5 Hall 3 will be the place to find designer collections of gifts, gadgets, children's gifts, art ceramics and decorative glass many exclusive to Autumn Fair. In addition, Halls 4 and 5 will showcase more than 900 suppliers showing everything from general giftware, toys and games to personal care items and leather goods. Hall 4 will also showcase the finalists in the UK's Giftware Association's "Gift of the Year" award, as well as the "New Artists Competition," which is sponsored by DeMontfort Fine Art. A smash hit at last year's show, Autumn Fair's hunt for the UK's best unpublished artists continues as the 12 finalists with talent, innovation and real commercial potential show their work at the fair. Jewelry & Fashion Accessories  Hall 4 From costume, fashion and designer jewelry to clocks and watches from top suppliers, this year's Jewelry & Fashion Accessories selection will give visitors the chance to add some glamour to their stores in time for Christmas. Made in Britain & Ireland Initiative The Made in Britain and Ireland initiatives returns to Autumn Fair to give visitors a first-hand look a the very best gifts and home accessories designed and manufactured in the British Isles. Visitors should look for flags displayed on stands around the show that highlight those companies who manufacture at least 95 percent of their products in Britain or Ireland. Volume  Halls 6,7 & 8 Europe's largest gathering of volume gift companies features 200 international suppliers offering some unbeatable Autumn Fair prices. Volume halls open one day before the rest of the show offering retailers the chance to get in early to take advantage of outstanding deals. Show hours for Autumn Fair 2005 will be from 9 a.m.  6 p.m. September 4 through September 6 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 7. For information on exhibiting in Autumn Fair Birmingham, including complete details on special North American booth packages, contact call Adam Ash: 609.921.0222; fax: 609.921.0292 or e-mail: reg@whitehoundadv.com. For attendees, pre-registration is free to all overseas visitors. To pre- register, visit the website www.autumnfair.com or call Adam Ash: 609.921.0222; fax: 609.921.0292 or e-mail: reg@whitehoundadv.com. Autumn Fair is managed by Tr de Promotion Services (TPS). TPS also manages and produces Spring Fair and Glee. To receive more information and pre-register for any of these exhibitions, North Americans can visit the websites: www.autumnfair.com, www.springfair.com, and www.GLEEbirmingham.com.