There is always change happening in the trade show industry. Just as in retail, there are sales, mergers, acquisitions, and closings taking place everywhere - some we see and hear about, and some are held pretty close to the vest. Recently, I learned of a few changes that will affect many of my clients who shop the West coast shows....

The Seattle Gift Show [http://www.seattlegift.com/] has been sold by dmg world media/GLM Shows [http://dmgworldmedia.com/] to Atlanta-based Urban Expositions [http://www.urban-expo.com/98/Calendar.htm] - ditto for the San Francisco International Gift Faire [http://www.sfigf.com/]. From what I've read, big improvements are in store. Read more at [http://www.dmgworldmedia.com/press/Press_Details/tabid/82/Default.aspx?id=104]

The Portland Gift Show [http://www.portlandgift.com/] has been placed back into the capable management hands of Western Exhibitors, tho ownership remains with Canadian company dmg/GLM. It has also seen a reschedule to a fall date, which will combine it with the existing fall cash & carry market. Read more at [http://www.portlandgift.com/].

For more information on all kinds of trade shows in multiple industries, check out [http://www.tradeshowweek.com/index.asp?page=halls].