Early feedback from buyers and exhibitors following last week’s Halloween & Party Expo in New Orleans points towards an increase in buying activity right across the show, as a direct result of the 42% rise in scheduled face-to-face meetings conducted on the show floor.
More than 3,500 industry professionals came together to source new products and see new trends, with more than 300 companies showcasing their latest lines.
“It was important for us to showcase the products that retailers told us were most important for them to find on the 2019 show floor,” commented Halloween & Party Expo senior vice president Mike Carlucci. “We expanded the product categories to provide enhanced opportunities for retailers to diversify their product mix and boost sales and we thank all of our exhibiting companies for using the Halloween & Party Expo as their opportunity to debut their new product launches for the coming season.”
The Buyers Club, a programme which was originally developed to facilitate order writing and drive ROI for both attendees and exhibitors, drove 3,000 appointments between retailers and exhibitors – a 42% increase over the 2018 event.
“We know that making new connections drives business for both attendees and exhibitors,” continued Mike, “and we are happy to provide a forum and concierge programs to assist in furthering the connections of our customers. We look forward to continued growth for 2020.”
A number of other special events highlighted new products and were a great success, with the Friday Night Fashion show playing host to more than 40 exhibitors on the Friday night and Jeff West of Woochie by Cinema Secrets being crowned the Artist Battleground Master for the second year running.
The newly formatted New Product Showcase also allowed attendees to place their vote for best new product of the show across both Halloween & Party Expo and HAuNTcon. The Buyers Choice Awards went to Pumpkin Pulp, Rubie’s Pet Shop and Sweet Midnight, as the products that buyers decided will be most in demand from customers for the 2019 season.
“We are thrilled at the success of this year’s Halloween & Party Expo and were impressed by the scope of new products and innovation we saw from exhibiting companies,” added Michele Biordi, executive director of the Halloween & Costume Association. ” We look forward to a successful season and to continue to be a resource for the industry throughout the year.”
Halloween & Party Expo and HAuNTcon will be returning to New Orleans next year, from 17 – 19 January 2020. More information can be found at www.halloweenpartyexpo.com.
