PROMOTIONS EAST starts Sunday, and like many of you, I’ve spent the past week preparing for what will be my fifth trip to the Atlantic City trade show. I’ve combed the exhibitor list for companies I’d like to see, set up interviews, made plans to meet with friends at the post-show parties and, most importantly, tried to find a comfortable pair of shoes.
(Seriously, if any men out there can recommend a pair of dress shoes that can track 30 miles in two days without mangling my feet, let me know. After the PPAI Expo I practically had to cut my wing tips off.)
In anticipation of the big show, here are some of the things I’m most looking forward to at PROMOTIONS EAST.
SPLASH! at The Pool at Harrah’s
This was a ton of fun last year, and not only because people kept buying me drinks. After spending all day on your feet it’s a relief to dip them in the pool and take a load off. Everyone was there last year, suppliers and distributors alike, and I expect the same this time around. Plus, they’re supposed to have Nintendo Wiis set up, so search me out if you want to get beat down in some Wii bowling, loser buys. Tanq and tonic, thanks.
Fashion-EAST-a Luncheon
New this year, the Fashion-EAST-a Luncheon has a lot of promise. PE luncheons are always popular, and I expect SanMar will bring a lot to the table with their fashion show. You’ll get food, learn about new decorating techniques, and watch colleagues modeling the latest styles. Bookies are already taking bets on what Mike’ll be modeling. Smart money’s on a Catholic school uniform.
Food
My favorite part of every trade show is finding new places to eat. Over the past three years, New Jersey’s hotels and casinos have really stepped up their game in regards to restaurants. Just last week, Harrah’s opened up two new dining destinations: Italian bistro Luke Palladino at Harrah’s Resort and popular New York Mexican eatery Dos Caminos. Another cool place I make a point of checking out every year is brewpub Tun Tavern, and if you’re at the Borgata (lucky you), Izakaya has killer sushi.
That’s barely touching all your options for the week in Atlantic City, and says nothing about the boardwalk, the night life, the golf tournament and, oh yeah, there’s a trade show happening. Promo Marketing’s staff will be there next week, and I’ll be producing our newsletter and covering the show from the floor, so say hi if you see me around.
What are you most looking forward to at PROMOTIONS EAST?
