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The
Northern Michigan Gift & Souvenir Show (NMGSS) is a popular show with
both buyers and reps. Any show that has existed in the market place for
over 50 years would have to be. Because our show is relatively small in
square footage (24,000 square feet) and is held on the door step of a
very unique niche resort market area, there are a lot of companies
waiting for a chance to exhibit with us.
When you exhibit at the NMGSS, you become a member of our organization.
Your booth fee is also your annual membership fee. As a member of our
organization, exhibitors have first right of refusal on their same booth
space at the next year’s show so long as they return required paperwork
and a deposit to the organization by October 20th each year.
We presently use every square inch of space in the largest convention
facility in the area. This allows us enough room for about 75 exhibitors
of varying booth sizes. Every year a few of which (specifically 3-5)
choose not to return to the show.
Once we know who is not returning to exhibit again and all existing
Members on good standing space needs are realized, The Board then elects
new companies from our waiting list to allow in our show. These new
companies are then formally invited to participate via a phone call or
mail from the Show Manager.
The waiting
list is our only resource for tracking those who want in the show.
With only about a 4% turnover of exhibitors each year and given the
popularity of the show, the waiting list has become quite sizable. In
recent years there have been as many as 90 companies vying for 3-5 booth
openings.
Also worth noting is that the waiting list while arranged by date
admitted to the list does not work on a “seniority” basis. The
organization reserves the right to make exhibitor selections based
purely on product line and NOT how long someone has been on the list.
This is another contributing factor for the List’s size.
The Board gets together each year; traditionally the first week of
November to decide which companies to admit to the show. Here again it
is the product being shown and the reputation of the Rep/s that weighs
most heavily on the decision. Unique products and products that reflect
current market trends tend to float to the top of the list quickly. This
assures all concerned that our show is the best it can be by offering
its customers the product mix that is important to them.
One more important
note: While our
waiting list tends to be a bit large, we encourage you to apply. Every
year new companies get in this show and are pleased once they do. If you
believe your product would be a nice fit for our show and you are
prepared to exhibit with us, please give yourself a fair chance to get
in by applying today.
To formally get your name on the waiting list please click on
How to Apply.
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