Singapore Gifts & Stationery Show draws international visitors

Event showcasing latest gift trends and corporate gift ideas has attracted visitors from 15 countries.

The Singapore Gifts and Stationery Show 2010 (SGSS) has chalked up a record number of show exhibitors and has exceeded its target number of pre-registered visitors, before it opens its doors on 18 August, at Marina Bay Sands. The SGSS is Singapore’s largest show featuring new gift trends and ideas for corporate gifts, premiums and stationery.

“With the economy picking up, companies are offering more gift ideas to meet the growing demand for corporate gifts,” observed Mr Ooi Peng Ee, General Manager of TTG Asia Media’s exhibition and events, the organizer of the show, who added that this year’s show would be different as it had a strong educational and social message, according to  SGSS report

“SGSS 2010 is a holistic event which integrates all the elements needed for a successful gift show: buyers, marketers, entrepreneurs and industry gurus,” said Mr Ooi.

The show has also pre-registered overseas visitors from USA, UAE, Japan, Australia, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as local executives.

“We’re expecting a ‘bumper’ show this year, and are aiming to hit our target visitor mark of 9,000, an increase of 12% from the previous year,” said Mr Ooi, who added that over 3,000 visitors have already signed up at the show, which will feature over 200 booths with hundreds of products by 146 companies, covering almost 4,500 sq metres, the largest floor area occupied by any gift show in Singapore. SGSS has grown in all aspects from its previous shows, making it the largest ever held.

SGSS is a primary venue for innovative ideas and a sourcing ground for suppliers. Products exhibited will interest buyers with varied needs, with practical, customizable ideas, social causes, hand-made crafts, and even spa experiences.

The SGSS will be held from 18 to 20 August, at Marina Bay Sands Singapore. The Opening Ceremony of the SGSS will be held on 18 August, from 10.45am, at Hall C, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. SGSS will last run from 18 to 20 August (11am to 7pm daily).

Guest of Honour will be Ms Penny Low, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, and Founder of Singapore Innovation Park (SIP).

Gifts from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia include hi-tech, environmentally friendly, traditional, eclectic, and gifts created by the socially disadvantaged. Latest trends in stationery will also be showcased, including pieces inspired by Singapore icons and environmentally-friendly office systems.

Gifts and Premiums for the Modern and Happy Office Design Competition
In an effort to nurture creative talent, SGSS organized a design competition, aimed at developing creativity in gift design among students in Singapore institutions, hoping to commercialise the next big-gift idea. Called the Gifts and Premiums for the Modern and Happy Office, it will showcase local talent, and provide them with an international environment to market their products. Winners will be announced at the Opening Ceremony of SGSS on 18 August.

The event is being held for the second year running, following popular public response. This year saw close to 70 entries (four times the number entered last year). The competition will encourage young minds to create gifts which are novel, yet practical, and don’t cost a lot of money,” said Mr Gavin Woo, Managing Director of Office Planner Pte Ltd, one of the judges of the competition.

Gifts by Socially Disadvantaged (PaTH @ SIP)
SGSS will showcase works of 15 entrepreneurs from PaTH, an initiative of Social Innovation Park (SIP). PaTH is Singapore’s first social enterprise talent development platform which champions social entrepreneurship via the arts by developing creative, with talents from traditionally marginalized groups. Creations are made by these groups in Singapore and the region, as well as social enterprises supporting less-advantaged women, the physically impaired, landmine victims in Cambodia, villages in the Philippines and Vietnam, amongst others.

Industry Talks
There will be a series of free talks by 17 industry experts from the Marketing Institute of Singapore, on topics including insights on how to improve oneself in as in the workplace, effective marketing strategies for increased sales and building brands. Industry speakers include Trip Allen, Ross Sarpani, Pamela Wigglesworth, Tom Abbott and Joseph Lee and Melvin Chee.

Attractive Free Gifts
Attractive goodie bags will be given away hourly, containing a selection of premiums and stationery items. In addition, 200 free hot dogs will be given away each day to visitors.

Gift Experts Discuss Gift Trends
Leading gift makers and marketers have observed that gifts which carry a ‘social’ tag are increasingly popular, as they portray a compassionate image of a company or individual; as well as help towards a needy cause. Eco-friendly products are also highly popular. In addition, hi-tech and multi-purpose gifts are also top on the list. However, gifts like clocks and knives are still considered taboo.