Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show and Philadelphia Gift Show Set to Collocate in 2016

October 7, 2015

Urban Expositions and the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia (RCAP) have decided two is better than one and will collocate their shows next year. 

As part of the arrangement, the RCAP's Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show (Jan. 9-11) formerly held in Atlantic City, will move to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Penn. to run alongside Urban Expositions' Philadelphia Gift Show (Jan. 8-11).

Urban and the RCAP will each operate its respective show independently - utilizing one cohesive floorplan at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center to ensure seamless access between each event, according to show organizers.  

"We've had a number of conversations with the RCAP board members over the years, exploring possible collocation opportunities and everything came together for Winter 2016," said Doug Miller, CEO, Urban Expositions. 

He added, "Both parties see tremendous benefits to showing together.  Our complementary product offerings, coupled with our similar retail buyer profiles, open the doors to countless new business opportunities for everyone."

Paul Esposito, president of the RCAP and owner, Victoria's Candies, said that the show moved from the Valley Forge/Montgomery County area of suburban Philadelphia to Atlantic City in 2006, and now back to Philadelphia.  

"There is great synergy between our well-established events,” he added. “The expanded selection, plus the significant travel savings and easy accessibility the Oaks location offer, are added bonuses for our audience."

Held semi-annually at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, the all-category Philadelphia Gift Show attracts gift retailers from throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Tri-State regions who come to explore the latest introductions and best-selling designs from the region's leading sales agencies, top name manufacturers, emerging companies and local artisans.

These exhibitors showcase everything from giftware, souvenirs and novelties to home décor, fashion accessories, garden products and more.  

As the nation's largest show dedicated to the retail confectioner, the semi-annual Philadelphia National Candy, Gift and Gourmet Show attracts specialty retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers seeking  the latest offerings in the category, including candy, chocolate and gourmet specialties to candy-making equipment, packaging and plush items.

"Collocating with the Philadelphia Candy, Gourmet & Gift Show promises to add a new level of excitement to the Philadelphia Gift Show," said Dean Russo, show director, Philadelphia Gift Show. 

He added, "Buyers from both events will appreciate the opportunity to explore an expanded selection that definitely offers ways to refresh and enhance their own store mix and exhibitors will certainly welcome the chance to reach new retail audiences. It's definitely a win-win."

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