asian show report

By all accounts, the April shows in Hong Kong and China signaled a resurgence in the overseas ad

specialty marketplace – stronger attendance, more exhibitors and an inventive crop of new and different products. The message to all who were there? Sigh

with relief, as the bad days are over.

The Bounce Back

By MiCheLe BeLL

hong Kong by day.

asian show report

Bigger, better and way more business. All words used to describe the shows in Asia held this past April. Both from an exhibitor and an attendee standpoint, the consensus was that the gift and ad specialty industry is

rebounding. “We received overwhelming results – over 800 leads,” says

Georges van Gansen, managing director of the Hong Kong-based manufacturer Scorpion Precision Industry (HK) Co. Ltd., which exhibited at the Hong Kong Gift & Premium Show, held from April 27-30 at the Hong Kong Convention Center. “By far, this event has been the most active in recent years. I think this is a sign of an upward economy.”

Nicholas A. Zawitz, vice president of sales for San Francisco-based supplier Tangle Inc., has been exhibiting at the Hong Kong Gift Show for quite a few years and maintains that it’s one of the best trading shows currently being held. “Here you find large numbers of quality buyers from many different regions, such as South America and Europe, in addition to the U.S.,” Zawitz says. “Sales-wise, this year’s show was very good for us. We’ve been exhibiting here for many years, and our products have been getting more exposure in that time – it’s useful for us that this show also covers premium products, because that is a growing area for us.”

From an attendee standpoint, Buz Lewis, the CEO of U.S. supplier Buztronics Inc., echoes the comments regarding the rebound of the shows. “Show attendance seemed to be up,” he says. And the numbers bear out their sentiment: The Hong Kong Gift & Premium Show had a record-breaking 4,000 exhibitors, up from 3,900 in 2009. At the Canton Show, held in Guangzhou, China, Phase 1 of the event had 104,160 attendees – up 13.3% from 2009.

In the area of product trends, while eco and sustainable items still remain ubiquitous, another splashy product debut from Apple once again drove new product development for ingenuous accessories, as happened when the iPod and

iPhones were released. This time around, covers and cases for the iPad – in a variety of colors and materials – abounded.

So the Asian shows, without question, are back in fine form. If you’ve been waiting until the economy picked up to start attending again, see the sidebar below for dates of the upcoming events for the Fall shows this October. Buztronics’ Lewis has some useful advice. “When visiting factories, make sure the manufacturer is familiar with compliance issues and can communicate well and in a timely fashion,” he says. “And when attending trade shows, make sure that the friendly

person at the booth who speaks rather good English and understands what you’re talking about is not just hired for the show, but that he or she works with that company fulltime.”

Fall Asian Shows• The Mega Showpart 1: Gifts, housewares and premiums: october 20-23, 2010part 2: Giftware, Fashion accessories, office products and stationery: october 28-30, 2010 Both show sessions are held at the hong Kong Convention Center; www.kenfair.com. • Global Sources Gifts & Premiums China Sourcing Fairoctober 20-23, 2010 at the asiaworld expo in hong Kong; www.tradeshowglobalsources.com. • Canton Fairphase 1: october 15-19, 2010phase 2: october 23-37, 2010Both show sessions are held in Guangzhou, China at the China import and export Fair Complex; www.cantonfair.org.cn.

Guangzhou, China by night.

No need for water or care – this rose is made of goose feathers. The rose-scented bud maintains its fragrance, and the feather petals never wither. Available from Honesty Special Handicraft Co. Ltd., 86-579-8381-6800, www.featherroses.cn.

This circular tape measure has a wood-grain finish with a button on the side to retract the tape. Measures up to 5 feet in length. Available from Shenzhen Weiye Plastic Factory, 86-755-8468-0089, www.weiyeplastic.com.

Faux red crocodile skin and brown leather on the cover, address book and agenda on

the inside. Features a pen holder, credit card slots and an inside back pocket. Available

from Yiwu Better Culture Co. Ltd., 86-579-8517-3061,

www.toppromotion.com.

This alarm clock comes in two parts: an alarm stand with a target and a hand-held gun. Shoot the target when the alarm sounds to turn it off. Available from Shenzhen Kingsun Enterprises Co. Ltd., 86-755-82947574, www.kingsun1.com.

This USB hub can hold up to four cables at a time. When it connects to a computer, the cat-

erpillar makes a chirping noise and an LED light indicator flashes. Available from DH Industrial Ltd.,

8620-3993-1450, www.dhgifts.cn.

asian show report

Like a chameleon, this cup adapts to its environment. Pour in hot water, and the blank easel graphic turns into a finished work of art. Available from Biansebao Arts & Crafts Factory (HK) Limited, 86-755-2784-7227, www.globalsources.com/szmj.co.

Though it could fit in someone’s palm, this pedometer belongs on a belt loop. Calculates steps, analyzes body fat and counts calories burned. Available from Organix Concept, 86-852-2580-3677, www.organix.com.hk.

This green, transparent plastic box is recyclable and eco-friendly. Folds flat for easy storage. Available from Yiwu Ganghua Plastic Products Factory, 86-579-8523-9131, www.plasticpackage.net.

This wine carrying case with orange trim features a handle, insulation and divider. Houses and chills two bottles of wine. Available from Gimpex/John Ross Leathergoods, 86-769-8771-0551.

This heavy standard-size

metal pen features a removable

cap and a white opalescent finish.

Available from Shanghai Fuliwen

Golden Pen Co. Ltd.,

86-21-3361707, www.fuliwen.com.

Not only does this clock display the time, the day of the week and the date, it is also a pen holder. Available from Fuzhou Lyheng Electronic Co. Ltd., 86-591-83848327, www.lyheng.com.

This traditional iPad case features

a magnetic clip for secure closure.

Available from Combest Enterprise

(H.K.) Co. Ltd., 86-755-8237-9104,

www.combest.com.hk.

This polka-dotted fabric bra bag features two handles, a black zipper and two mesh inner pockets. Available from Yiwu Yifeng Hand Bag Co. Ltd., 86-0579-8596-

7793 x 8802, www.ywyifeng.cn.alibaba.com.

This miniature faux leather couch opens to reveal a jewelry box with a mirror and ring slots. The exterior features a pink-and-black zebra-pattern base and jewel-like studs. Available from Falcon Industries & Co., 852-2426-6275, www.e-falcon.com.hk.

Standing on four metal feet, this princess bed opens to reveal a jewelry box, complete with a mirror and ring slots. Available from Falcon Industries & Co., 852-2426-6275, www.e-falcon.com.hk.

This 9" x 7" faux black and red leather notebook has a soft cover that encases a six-ring binder with a memo pad. Available from Changshu Leiyan Office Product Co. Ltd., 86-512-5253-5767, www.leiyan.en.gongchang.com.

Having a crisis? Rest easy with this Euro-themed neck cushion. Great for plane rides and long trips in the car. Available from Dafeng Hongda Toys Co. Ltd., 86-515-8361-2077, www.dfhd.en.alibaba.com.

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asian show report

This leather baseball comes in 1.9", 2.7", and 2.9" diameter sizes with customizable panels and color options. Available from Andena Products Limited, 86-852-2489-1108, www.andena.com.

This green pillbox is organized by days of the week and has an alarm feature, so you never miss a dose. Available from Dard Design, 847-425-6835, www.tagmaster.net.

This silicon whisk is easy on all types of cookware. A variety of brightly colored wires are perfect for the summer season. Available from Fong Hua Manufacturing Ltd., 86-852-2959-3332, www.fonghua.com.hk.

This battery-operated gadget is both a flashlight and a laser pointer. It measures 5" in length, and the laser shines over 100 yards. Available from Ninghai New Oriental Plastic Industry Co. Ltd., 86-574-6517-1637, www.neweast-plastic.com.

When connected to a computer, this airplane-shape USB hub makes take-off noises and the propeller works as a mini fan. Available from DH Industrial Ltd., 8620-3993-1450, www.dhgifts.cn.

This miniature locker measures 7" in height, collects coins and features a mirror and small padlock with key. Available from Sheng Shiuh Metal Co. Ltd., 886-4769-3834, www.sens.com.tw.

This three-piece desk organizer consists of 1) a sliding column of compartments, 2) a paper dispenser and 3) a note organizer. Available from Shanghai Alogos Industry Development Co. Ltd., 86-21-5118-6011, www.alogos.com.cn.

This mini flashlight measures approximately 3" x 2". The critter’s eyes light the way, and the side crank takes the place of batteries. Available from Yuyao

Mingying Electrical Appliance & Lamp Factory, 86-574-6245-0633, www.mingying.net.

This black box is 41/2" in diameter. It features a fabric-like pattern and a silky red ribbon. Available from Shenzhen Cailang Printing Co. Ltd., 86-755-27993730, www.cailang.com.cn.

This stuffed panda head hides a 5-foot tape measure. The tape retracts when the back of the head is squeezed. Available from Shenzhen Weiye Plastic Factory, 86-755-8468-0089, www.weiyeplastic.com.

asian show report

Not your traditional model car, this is a puzzle made of lacquered and painted wood. It rolls like a toy car, but can

be broken into more than 15 pieces. Available from Wit Technocraft (Anqing) Co. Ltd., 556-5367059.

Made of interlocking pieces, this wooden puzzle is a wine bottle look-alike.

Available from Wit Technocraft (Anqing)

Co. Ltd., 556-5367059.

This 41/2" x 7" notebook has a soft, bendable cover and unlined pages.

The cover is decorated with a gold and black crocodile pattern.

Available from Tianjin Rongtai International Trading Co. Ltd.,

86-22-8835-3852, www.rongtai.com.cn.

With a smooth exterior and a mesh interior, this universal carrying case is perfect for storing almost any handheld electronic device. Available from Combest Enterprise (HK) Co. Ltd., 86-755-8237-9104, www.combest.com.hk.

This standard-size, twist-action metal pen has a professional red-and-black finish. Available from Shanghai Fuliwen Golden Pen Co. Ltd., 86-21-3361707, www.fuliwen.com.

This miniature tool kit hangs from a

keychain and holds four screwdriver

bits. Remove a bit and place it into the

gadget’s slot for a makeshift Phillips or

flat-head screwdriver. Available from

Xiandao Shanghai, 86-21-6260-0150, www.xindao.com.

For the sports lover, this picture frame is decorated with basketball players and a hoop. Contains basketball magnets for additional embellishment. Available from Changchun M.P.M. Foreign Economi & Trade Co. Ltd., 86-431-8499-8455, www.hualinscrapbook.com.

This pen features a hollow chamber filled with orange fluid to imitate a syringe. Complete with mL reference lines. Available from Shanghai Fuliwen Golden Pen Co. Ltd, 86-21-3361707, www.fuliwen.com.

This miniature airplane’s wing removes to reveal two USP ports. This device connects to any computer with its own USB jack. Available from Axxel Marketing (Hong Kong) Ltd., 852-2766-3331, www.axxelmarketing.com. This baseball cap

features a brim embellishment and a blinking logo or design. Available from Fujian Just

Industrial Limited, 86 591-88000900,

www.fjjust.com.

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Get the free mobile app athttp://gettag.mobi

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asian show report

Soft and sleek, this carrying case safely stores any iPad. Features white trim and a zipper. Available from Shenzhen Kingsun Enterprises Co. Ltd., 86-755-82947055, www.kingsun1.com.

In black, red, or blue, this sleek case stylishly protects an iPad. Available from Shenzhen Kingsun Enterprises Co. Ltd., 86-755-82947055, www.kingsun1.com.

Black with shiny white trim, this iPad

sleeve protects the screen from scratching or cracking.

Available from Shenzhen Kingsun Enterprises Co. Ltd.,

86-755-82947055, www.kingsun1.com.

This faux snakeskin case features a pen loop and a pocket. Stylishly and efficiently protects an iPad. Available from Shenzhen Kingsun Enterprises Co. Ltd., 86-755-82947055, www.kingsun1.com.

Durable and sleek, this plastic case tightly holds and protects an iPad. Available from Shenzhen Kingsun Enterprises Co. Ltd., 86-755-82947055, www.kingsun1.com.

This slap bracelet features a tiger head with a painted face and outspread arms that are easy to hold when fastening it on the wrist. Available from Fresh Concept Industries Limited, 86-852-2367-1603, www.freshconcept.com.

This USB looks like a gold brick and features a slide switch to navigate the flash drive in and out of its case. Available from E-spidi Group (Advanced Sun Wah Electronic Co. Ltd.), 852-2669-2416, www.espidi.com.

This shoulder bag features a cover flap with Velcro fastener, four multi-size front pockets and a side accessory pocket. Shoulder strap is black and adjustable. Available from Uniontex Ind., 86-592-5318-819, www.uniontex.com.cn.

This biodegradable salad bowl set is made from bamboo powder resin and includes two salad spoons. Available from Xiandao Shanghai, 86-21-6260-0150, www.xindao.com.

This tote bag is made from 100% Spundbond nonwoven fabric. Features two shoulder straps and a three-leaf design on both sides. Available from Burltex Nonwoven Industrial Ltd., 852-2423-0121, www.burltex.com.

This baseball cap features an end-buyer’s logo or message in blinking letters. Available from V J Industrial Co. Ltd., 852-2394-1433, www.sparklingforce.com.

asian show report

When the water temperature fluctuates, so does the color of the water with this temperature- controlled LED showerhead. Water will appear red at 108 degrees, green at 90 to 107 degrees and blue at 89 degrees or colder. Available from Shenzhen Kingsun Enterprises Co., Ltd., 86-158-1860-9784, www.kingsun1.com.

Measuring approximately 4" x 6", this trash can, looks identical to a life-size garbage can right down to the wheels and the handle. Available from Ningbo Tianhou Imp & Exp Co. Ltd., 86-574-5670-7008, www.tenhoo.en.hisupplier.com.

Sleek and sharp, this ceramic knife is a great alternative to traditional steel cutlery. Comes in a sleek black box. Available from Asia Leader Enterprises Ltd., 852-2371-2885, www.asialeaderent.com.

This palm-size bottle opener keychain features a customizable area for a promotional sticker or decal below the keyring. Available from QCS Asia, 886-2-2738-5787, www.qcsasia.com.

This toy globe features a gray stand and a magnetic plane that makes engine noises as it flies across the world. Available from Shantou Shun Zhan Plastic Co. Ltd., 86-754-8867-6651, www.stsz.en.alibaba.com.

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Get the free mobile app athttp://gettag.mobi

see a demonstration of this product!