Hi Kim,
I have walked the Surtex show, which anyone in the industry
can do for a fee. The price has gone up in recent years and I think it was
around $150 last year! It is an interesting show in that part of of the
exhibitors are selling prints and the other half are trying to get licensing
deals. Also, the Stationery show runs right next to it, and you can walk both
shows.
I do know that 2 other shows that are more for just selling
prints are Printsource and Indigo. They happen more than once a year, I think.
I don't know if the prices for exhibitors are comparable, but I do know that the
apparel design teams that I've worked with both full-time and freelance, do
shop those shows. I'm pretty sure anyone in the industry can also register and
attend those shows as well. I don't think you necessarily have to be a buyer,
but I'm not completely sure.
I really only became aware of Surtex when I started trying
to sell original designs (in addition to freelance) and learned about
licensing, even though it has been around a long time as well.
Off to pack for the week! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Elizabeth
Thank you Elizabeth H. for the write-up! - kim
