Retailers, agents and distributors from across the world are preparing to travel to New Orleans for the Halloween & Party Expo – the world’s biggest dedicated party trade show. PPE spoke to show manager Marni Vinci to find out more.
The Halloween & Party Expo, taking place from 12 – 15 January 2018 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, is well-known for being the most comprehensive event in the industry and next week’s show is shaping up to be the biggest and best so far.
“As always, visitors joining us in New Orleans can expect to experience the most comprehensive event for Halloween, party and celebration,” says Marni. “The show floor will feature more than 300 international exhibitors representing costumes, accessories, make-up, props, décor, seasonal items and more.”
The H&P Expo works closely with the Halloween Industry Association and many of the association’s members will be represented on the show floor, including major companies such as Rubies, Elope, Disguise, FunWorld, Funny Fashion, Morphsuits and Dreamgirl.
In addition to this, visitors will be able to take advantage of a new partnership between H&P Expo and HAuNTcon – the Haunted Attractions National Tradeshow and Convention. This new collaboration brings the Halloween, party and haunt industries together under one roof, giving H&P Expo buyers unprecedented access to a further 400 leading exhibitors across the props, décor, special effects and make-up categories.
The new-look show will also be playing host to a number of new and expanded product categories and is focusing on working with companies specialising in make-up, props and décor, introducing over 40 first-time exhibitors.
As the largest Halloween and party event in North America, overseas retailers making the journey to New Orleans will have plenty to keep them busy.
“This is a great opportunity to source these products before the competition!” says Marni. “But there are also great opportunities to network with fellow retailers from across the globe, to connect and discuss strategies, merchandising ideas and more.”
Marni also has some sage advice for first-time visitors. “Take time before the show to plan your visit,” she says. “View our interactive exhibitor list and the show map to plan your route in advance. See which vendors are offering special show-only deals and create a must-see list.”
She also advises taking a moment to look through the schedule of runway shows, education sessions and special events so you don’t miss out.
For more information, visit www.halloweenpartyexpo.com
