THE JANUARY CHICAGO GIFT & HOME MARKET™ BRINGS A VARIETY OF NEW EVENTS TO THE TABLE
From grand openings and unique new resources, to practical networking events, dining and awards,
the January 2005 Market offers something for everyone
CHICAGO (Sept. 30, 2004) – This Jan. 19–26, 2005, at The Merchandise Mart, attendees of the Chicago Gift & Home Market™ will get more than just the chance to buy from unlimited resources. A wide array of special events and activities are planned, and all buyers are invited. Following is a listing of events, dates, locations and times:
Shop Hop Retail Tour
Friday, Jan. 21 • 6:30–8 p.m.
Trolley departs from the South Drive at 6:15 p.m.
This unique tour offers buyers the chance to visit some of Chicago’s chicest shops in its trendiest neighborhoods, to see what’s happening now in display and product ideas throughout the city. Buyers must R.S.V.P. to receive a trolley pass. The first 40 buyers to call will gain free admission to the tour by calling Dianna Mosley at 312-527-7522. Boxed dinners will be served.
7th- & 8th-floor Ribbon Cuttings
Saturday, Jan. 22 • 11 a.m.
Join us for the much-anticipated unveiling of the new temporary exhibit floors as well as the new categories! Buyers will be treated to upbeat music, complimentary mimosas and appetizers as we welcome up to 1,000 exhibitors! The party begins at 9 a.m. with the floors opening then, and the ribbon-cutting will take place at
11 a.m. on floors 7 & 8. Be sure to mark your calendar to join us during this momentous occasion.
Snacks on Us
Saturday, Jan. 22 • noon
Buyers will be treated to a complimentary lunch snack on showroom floors (12-15) on Jan. 22 at noon. Just take a break while shopping the vast resources of the Market, catch up with your colleagues or make new friends!
Shop Late ’Til 8
Saturday, Jan. 22
All permanent showrooms on floors 12-15 will be open late for one evening, offering buyers an evening of shopping, appetizers and drinks.
I Love the ’80s Party
Sunday, Jan. 23 • 6–8p.m.
1st-floor Lobby
All Market attendees are invited to attend this free evening of retro inspiration featuring complimentary food and a cash bar. The “Brat Pack” plays ’80s tunes to enhance the mood of feathered hair, up-turned collars, acid wash jeans and leg warmers.
Power Brunch
Monday, Jan. 24 • 10 a.m.
8th-floor Market Suites
Offering an enhanced shopping experience for buyers on the 8th floor seeking gift, home and garden resources, complimentary snacks will be served to all.
Snack Stop on 7
Tuesday, Jan. 25 • 10 a.m.
7th-floor Market Suites
Buyers will be treated to complimentary snacks while shopping the 7th-floor Market Suites featuring more gift, home and garden resources.
Meet The Artist
Saturday, Jan. 22 – Tuesday, Jan. 25
Artisans from Beckman’s Handcrafted Gift Show™ Chicago will be on hand during this unique program highlighting their qualities and talents. Buyers can meet the artists and ask about their crafts firsthand, gathering valuable information on production processes and other details to help in the selling process. Watch for special “Meet the Artist” booth signage throughout the show or visit www.merchandisemart.com for a full list of artists.
Chicago’s Choice Awards
This prestigious award is presented to 30 exhibitors introducing new, distinctive products during the January 2005 Market. Award winners are selected by an independent panel of experts including designers, trade media and other industry experts. Exhibitors will be judged by the quality, innovation, ingenuity, originality and creativity of their product. Watch for the special “Chicago’s Choice” ribbon hanging from booth signage and worn by award recipients. A list of winners also can be found at www.merchandisemart.com one month prior to the Market.
One of the largest gift markets in the country, the Chicago Gift & Home Market hosts 350 showrooms and nearly 1,000 temporary exhibitors in more than 1 million square feet of Merchandise Mart space. For more information on Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) or the January 2005 Chicago Gift & Home Market, please visit www.merchandisemart.com and click on “Chicago Gift & Home Market” or call 800.677.6278 (MART).
The Chicago Gift & Home Market is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). MMPI is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart, Chicago Apparel Center, and 33 North Dearborn in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building in New York; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Washington Office Center in Washington, D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
Joanna Mineau
Director of Public Relations
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
312.527.7074
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