National Stationery Show (NSS) 2011

I just returned from attending the 2011 National Stationery Show. Although the show was smaller than in previous years and did not offer as many new products as past years, this was by far one of the best shows yet. As the owner of Designs to Impress, Inc., I found the show intriguing from a creative standpoint thanks to the vendors who offered fresh inspiration for existing products. The countless demonstrations, color combination suggestions and showcases of stationers was refreshing. Combine this with the networking opportunities that offered a new perspective on how to manage my business and foster new relationships and you have one happy stationer.

First up was Envelopments, they offered much in the way of innovative new ideas for existing products. I am certain that all were delighted to meet the faces behind the company including, Tom, Ramon and Patty, who met with vendors, addressed concerns, and discussed business development and new electronic resources from the company. Notwithstanding, one of the highlights of the 2011 show, was found in the Envelopments booth, where the creative artist behind Momental Designs, Ms. Kristy Rice, was invited to showcase her work. Ms. Rice, a Stationery Icon, discussed the ways she uses Envelopment products in her business and talked to stationers about growing their businesses.

And the question of the day as I exchanged cards with vendors at each booth, “Are you on Twitter?” Yes, a strong social media presence is a MUST. Companies with only a marginal presence in these arenas are quickly going to find themselves losing ground to smaller companies with frequent, relevant updates and postings. And I sheepishly admit, I tweeted nonstop about the people I met, products I discovered and news regarding the show.

This year, the NSS also provided the rare and invaluable opportunity to network and put faces to my virtual peers. By walking around each day it afforded me the chance to meet industry notables such as Tracy of WeddingInviteLove and Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings. I also had the opportunity to meet Jackie Nwobu, Editor in Chief of Munaluchi Bridal magazine and received the Spring 2011 issue, which I found to be AMAZING!! I’m looking forward to promoting this fresh new magazine to all my brides as the premiere resource for new ideas and inspirations.

Another highlight was Monday’s brunch with over 35 other stationery professionals from across the country. We discussed everything from contracts to techniques to vendors and products and much more. I could go on for days about other aspects of the show, but suffice it to say the 2011 show was all about relationships – ways to establish them, building them and most importantly maintaining them. It was …well…different than previous years, but without a doubt, one of the best for me!

As a stationer, we are often disconnected from our counterparts, this tradeshow allows us all to reconnect and reminds us that we are not alone… and as my friend Sarah Spano of Hip Ink says, “this is *not* your mother’s paper” darling - we are a national group within a multi-million dollar industry and (with a head rocking, finger snapping attitude) a force to be reckoned with.

Confessions of a Paper Lover

I am a self-professed LOVER of all things "design". I love paper, design elements, fonts (heart be still), embellishments, clothes and I could go on and on for days.

I am a designer at heart...constantly looking to garner inspiration from that which seems plain and ordinary so I can make it into my next FABULOUS work of art. I love planning parties because, in the party details, I can express my love of design. And that's precisely what I do when I execute a party - I design every inch of it - from the invitation to the favors, to the menus to every teeny, tiny decor element. It's my passion, and I enjoy it immensely.

But I must say the world of design is a lonely one. How does one distinguish between a counterpart in the industry and plain old competition? Is it determined by proximity? Or by relevance to your clientele? It's hard to say and often the line becomes quite blurred. Ultimately, causing most designers, to keep their ideas and trade secrets all to themselves for fear of losing (even a touch of) their mojo (seems appropriate) to a fellow designer.