Whether you were looking for soft or hard goods for the juvenile industry, you were sure to find them at this year’s ABC Kids Expo, held recently at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 14th annual event attracts more than 12,000 attendees and will feature numerous first-time exhibitors.
Last year’s event had over 900 exhibitors displaying in nearly 3,000 booths. Attendees included buyers that represented more than 75 countries.
Major exhibitor categories ranged from maternity and baby gear to apparel and gifts, as well as furnishings, toys, and more. Special juried sections were dedicated to Modern Child® and Naturally Kids®. Maternity Square® features manufacturers of maternity clothing and lingerie as well as fashion and accessory items such as diaper bags, nursing slings, and nursing covers. A runway event showcased many of the products.
The Modern Child® Pavilion featured juvenile product manufacturers that focus on contemporary design and high functionality. This juried section represented the most innovative designs within numerous product categories. Emphasis was placed on originality, creativity, innovation. and authenticity, as well as function in addressing and solving the needs of today’s parents and children.
The Naturally Kid® exhibitor pavilion showcased manufacturers of environmentally friendly products that are healthy for both families and young children and demonstrate a responsibility to the planet and its natural resources. This juried section incorporated products that are natural, eco-friendly, and/or organic.
The ABC Kids Expo attracts the industry elite, with virtually every significant manufacturer or distributor of products for infants and children presenting their newest, most innovative products and services in over 1 million square feet of exhibit space. First held in 2001 with 100 booths, the event features a New Product Showcase which offers manufacturers a platform upon which to introduce the newest, most exciting products.
New at the 2016 New Product Showcase were the Awards Of Distinction that recognize the best products from participating brands. More than 100 products have been entered in the awards competition. The New Product Showcase was a special showroom adjacent to the trade show floor highlighting new products from the current year. During the event, all media and retailers were invited to see the latest products and innovations from the brightest minds in the industry.
Winners and runner-ups of the Awards of Distinction were chosen by invited media and independent specialty retailers during the Wine & Cheese Reception in the New Product Showcase. Winners were announced the following day during the industry reception at the SLS Hotel.
“We’re excited to add the Awards of Distinction to the New Product Showcase this year,” says Larry Schur, president of All Baby & Child (ABC). “It’s a great way for media and retailers to recognize those brands behind the latest innovations and a great way to stand out from the hundreds of exhibitors who come to the ABC Kids Expo.”
The Invention Connection returned to provide inventors an opportunity show their prototypes in a conceptual or prototype state in an enclosed pavilion. Exhibiting in this area were inventors seeking manufacturers to produce and/or license their products, as well as those interested in getting feedback about their products from retailers and the press.
The All Baby & Child was officially formed in 2003 and in 2012 it was instrumental in the creation of Brixy, a retail specialty organization to serve the needs of specialty retailers. All Baby & Child Corporation (ABC), the parent company of ABC Kids Expo®, is a non-profit with a partnership between independent specialty stores and manufacturers. It promotes the growth and prosperity of independent retailers and manufacturers in the juvenile products industry. A spring conference and smaller show are also offered.
For more information call 210/ 691-4848 or visit www.theabcshow.com.