The OFF-Price Show, recently held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center from August 15-18, was a monumental event that will be heralded as the show for those in the industry who refused to allow negative media headlines to dissuade them from making a successful event of their own, in spite of perceived odds from outsiders and competitors.

Exhibitors and attendees both agreed that the new location was a highly appreciated change from the old one, and the new environment provided room for not only growth, but an expression of future commitment to an industry that would prevail over economic doomsday forecasts. Organizers of the OFF Price Show have secured this venue for another five years, signaling their belief in continued growth.

When asked about the difference between this show and previous ones by organizers of the event, attendees overwhelmingly expressed approval at seeing such a variety of great merchandise at the OFF-Price Show. An additional show of support was evident from comments that consistently praised the organizers for providing a venue that not only elevated the status of the show, but coincided with other shows as well. By overlapping their own show with nearby PGA Expo, CurveNV, MRket, Moda Accessories Show, and MAGIC Show, a unique and inspiring climate was created in Las Vegas. More detailed information from the show’s organizers can be found on the official OFF-Price site.

The neighboring shows brought their own attendees and exhibitors, which contributed to a diverse and enormously powerful base of both buyers and sellers who took advantage of the improved venue, as they crossed over from one show to another, which created a new level of communication, understanding, and curiosity in industries that are rather similarly designed, yet often exclusive of each other.

Some of the shows that were making an impression on attendees of the OFF-Price Show were:

• The 2010 PGA Fall Expo: The introduction of new buyer and exhibitor programs resulted in renewed participation in the show, along with an unparalleled level of buyer amenities and a new modern look to the Show floor that transformed the PGA Fall Expo, all while still delivering a wide spectrum of golf-related companies, complimentary education seminars and an abundance of networking programs.

• CurveNV: Lit up the stage as sexy models displayed fashions in the intimate apparel category, including a significant emphasis on swimwear. Mens underwear, lounge and sleepwear brands were featured as well. Some of the events at the show included “How to Boost Your Swimwear Sales” seminar, the Perry Ellis Paradise Uncovered cocktail party, and the “So Curve So Swim Fashion Show.”

• MRket LV: Provided a juried show for better menswear companies to conduct business that is sophisticated, intimate, and comfortable while integrating a multi-platform marketing approach to their trade show experience. Media and marketing were combined along with online and print promotion, personal relationships, and proven fashion trade show expertise, to create an event that instantly emerged as a must-see show.

• Moda Las Vegas: A carefully juried, well merchandized, heavily promoted, and elegantly staged show floor brought focus to what has been the mass of the women’s market in Las Vegas. Enabling retailers from stores primarily west of the Mississippi – and Internationally – to shop exclusively for better RTW resources efficiently, conveniently, comfortably and enjoyably.

• The MAGIC Marketplace: Strove to be the preeminent trade event in the international fashion industry, hosting global buyers and sellers of mens, womens and childrens apparel, footwear, accessories, and sourcing resources. The show’s goal was to connect and inspire the fashion community and fuse diverse trends, while offering unbeatable service to its customers.

For those who are eager to take part in an upcoming event that bodes well for wholesalers, A Taste of Off-Price, running October 4-6, 2010 will be held at Exhibit Hall, California Market Center
Los Angeles. A lot of vendors will have immediate stock at that point in the year, making it a real showcase. Continued smiles are expected from the faces of exhibitors who are enjoying showing everyone that the economy is picking up for those in the wholesale industry.