Spotlight on National Stationery Show Seminars
Despite the economic downer, most stationers are looking forward to May’s National Stationery Show at the Javit’s Center in New York City. According to the NSS website, over 300 new exhibitors will participate for the first time at the Stationery Show. While overall attendance is likely to be down, those stationers and exhibitors who make the effort to attend will undoubtedly be treated to a special event.
While I expect to be logging in some serious foot-time, I always make a point of attending a few of the show’s informative seminars. It gives you a chance to rest, reflect and hopefully gain some insights into the “big picture” of the stationery industry. This year, I will certainly attend Sarah Schwartz’s seminar on “Stationery Trends in 2009.” Sarah is the editor-in-chief of Stationery Trends, arguably the best publication for serious stationers and the stationery industry as a whole.
Other seminars that have caught my eye are Linda Cahan’s “Going Green Gradually and Gorgeously” and Cinda Baxter’s chat on “The 3/50 Project.” “Going green” has become a popular rallying cry in the last few years. Fortunately, guest speakers at previous Stationery Shows have proved to have a very balanced approach to this most complex topic. I am hopeful that Ms. Cahan will continue this tradition since we are constantly bombarded by media ”greenwash“ to the point where meaningful discussion has largely been overtaken by cult-like sound bites and disingenuous claims.
Cinda Baxter’s 3/50 Project is very close to my heart. Her noble effort to encourage buyers to shop locally has not only enviromental advantages but helps preserve the bricks-and-mortar businesses which fuel our economy. With TARP programs and government bailouts, we often lose sight of the true engine of our economy. Attend Cinda’s presentation and learn how you too can contribute to this worthwhile cause.
If you have a few minutes to spare and want to take a break from the grind of the show, attend one or more of these informative seminars.