The show will be from February 7-10th, 2009. The event will be held at Moscone South, located on 4th and Howard – a stone’s throw from SFMOMA – in San Francisco.
Participants will be treated to a unique marketplace environment inspired by the colorful and diverse neighborhoods of San Francisco itself. Each neighborhood will be home to exhibits and products that best fit the individual style and flavor for which the district is known. There are 6 neighborhoods:
1. Union Square
The bustling center of the show will be Union Square, where a huge variety of gift and juvenile products will be displayed. Buyers will look here for collectibles, ceramic giftware, party goods, premiums, seasonal merchandise and fashion accessories. In the heart of Union Square, a variety of distinctive travel and tourism products that embody the spirit and sophistication of the City by the Bay will be displayed.
2. South of Market (SOMA)
Home to handcrafted and art-inspired products, South of Market (SOMA) will highlight the emerging trend toward cultural commerce. It will feature juried “streets” lined with exquisite handmade and museum products, plus the latest creations from villages around the globe. Buyers for museum gift stores, bookstores, specialty shops, zoos and galleries will delight here as they find folk art, handmade jewelry and decorative accessories, unique object d’arts, artifacts, and more.
3. Marina
With an emphasis on innovation, presentation, uniqueness and design, the Marina will highlight the latest designs in a variety of categories, from high-end home décor to personal accessories and upscale juvenile products—all with an unique design flair. Included in this upscale neighborhood are items for the home—furniture, floor coverings, lighting, artistic decorative pieces, textiles and wall art, high-end fashion accessories, juvenile products and personal care products that add the finishing touch.
4. North of the Bridge
A quick trip North of the Bridge will bring buyers to an inviting neighborhood of home and garden goods. North of the Bridge will feature stylish stemware, charms, corkscrews, wine bags, totes and wine racks. Complementing this world of wine will be an array of garden accents, statuary, floral accessories and more. North of the Bridge buyers will also find the vintage collection, an impressive gathering of antique and one-of-a-kind home accents and furniture appropriate for display as well as resale.
5. Treasure Island
Treasure Island will feature a combination of fine and fashion jewelry, one-of-a-kind objects d’art, beads, and watches, all available for order taking or immediate release. Also in the Treasure Island district will be an international selection of multi-cultural merchandise from villages around the globe, ranging from small ethnic treasures to large pieces, both decorative and functional.
6. Green By Design®
Trend-forward, eco-friendly products will be on display in every neighborhood reflecting San Francisco’s commitment to sustainable living. Special signage and directory designations will make our Green By Design® Exhibits across every product category easy to identify and find.
San Francisco International Gift Fair :: Benevolence
Besides dedicating a separate section on Green products, the fair will also issue a catalog with green resources for visitors to take home.
In addition, the gift fair supports the San Francisco Food bank by offering $7 parking rebates for those who bring three low-sugar, low-sodium, non-perishable food items.
San Francisco International Gift Fair :: Events
There are of course panel discussions, seminars, parties, inspirational talks…
If I were to pick just one event, I’d opt for Laurel Tielis, whose talk is titled “MySpace, Facebook & YouTube. Oh, my!” Laurel began her career as a journalist writing for Home Furnishings News, the Miami Herald, and People magazine. She headed the PR division of major corporations, ran her own agency for eleven years, and has taught courses in journalism and public relations at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Pace University.
She knows what she’s talking about and does so in engaging ways. Sitting ‘n’ listening is a nice break from researching ‘n’ shopping. Laurel’s talk is Sunday February 8, at noon.
San Francisco International Gift Fair :: Visitors Details
The fair will open Saturday starting at 9 am, registration is at 8.30 am. The show closes on Tuesday at 4 pm. Don’t miss the party on the first evening at 6 o’ clock. It should be good. Next, note that Vintage in North of the Bridge show hours are Saturday, February 7 – Monday, February 9, 2009
The gift fair is at the Moscone Center’s South Hall, 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA. Even if you’re new to town, you can’t miss it. It’s right in the heart of San Francisco.
Oh, last tip: wear good walking shoes. I know, it’s not fancy, but your feet will love me.
source: sfigf.com
