PROMOTIONS EAST Exhibits Open With Strong Attendance

PROMOTIONS EAST 2011, hosted by the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) and its five regional partners, opened the trade show doors to more than 2,500 verified distributor attendees. The first day of the trade show, held in Atlantic City, N.J., already saw more than 70 percent of last year's two-day total.

PROMOTIONS EAST, the longest-running promotional products trade show in the Northeast region, secured its status as the industry's premier East coast event.

"There are more exhibitors and more booths at this year's show," said Jonathan Riegel, executive director for SAAGNY. "The buzz up and down the aisles is extremely positive. We're looking forward to an equally strong day tomorrow."

Reportedly, yesterday's education sessions were crowded, with standing room only in many rooms. PROMOTIONS EAST University continued this morning with six sessions covering five tracks. New to the show, the Fashion-EAST-a luncheon debuted as a hit, highlighting the latest in apparel and decorating techniques, on fashions modeled by industry participants in the co-sponsoring regional associations.

The featured day one giveaway, the Golden Ticket sponsored by Promo Marketing, sent Bill First of First Products Co. home with $2,000. Tomorrow's show will feature a second $2,000 giveaway promotion via The Walk It to Win It contest, sponsored by Jetline.

"With more than 500 exhibiting suppliers, and more booths than last year, PROMOTIONS EAST remains the industry's largest show in the region," said Paula Shulman, SAAGNY president. "After talking to busy suppliers on the show floor today, I have to say day one is a success."

PROMOTIONS EAST 2011 continues tomorrow, June 8. Education opens at 8 a.m. and exhibits are open to VIP pass holders at 9 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. to all other attendees. Stay tuned to PromoMarketing.com for more coverage of the PROMOTIONS EAST trade show.