ABC Spring Conference: Surprise Us with Lessons and Products
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I am looking forward to attending the ABC Spring Educational Conference at South Point, Las Vegas on May 7-9. After attending so many trade events over the last 30+ years, I enjoy learning more about the children’s business, and especially seeing new things that may take me by surprise. Products are always changing, but I find that the people behind the best brands mostly stay the same. The ABC SEC is one event that allows buyers, manufacturers, reps and media to get to know more about each other. The element of surprise is always part of new experiences. That’s why I asked several exhibitors these questions: “What would someone be surprised to know about you?” and “What will buyers be surprised to see in your 2013 line?”
organicKidz
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You’d be surprised to know…
Everyone thinks I eat only organic, healthy food, but I’m a closet junk food addict. I just can’t walk by chips, dip, popcorn, cupcakes or strawberry Twizzlers! A surprise on the business side is that I used to be an elementary school teacher! I loved helping kids learn to be great eco-ambassadors. Children have always been an important part of my life, so taking the jump to manufacturing innovative, safe, sustainable products for kids, wasn’t that big of a leap!
Buyers will be surprised to see…
New to organicKidz 2013 line is the Baby Grows Up Gift Set that includes a bottle that goes from newborn to school age! Our “life bottle” set transitions baby from bottle feeding to sippy cup to lunch box ready water bottle by simply attaching the accessories included in the kit as baby grows. Eco-moms will love that it’s sustainable and every mom will appreciate the tremendous value the set offers versus purchasing separate baby bottles, sippy cups and water bottles. All sets include innovative More like Mom TM peristaltic nipples!
HABA USA
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You’d be surprised to know…
I’m a middle-aged woman who still thinks she’s a kid. I can still get on our old rectangular shaped trampoline at my folks’ house and perform multiple back flips – it’s like riding a bike for me! I also can ride a unicycle!
Buyers will be surprised to see…
In the fall of 2013 HABA will be introducing a new indoor infant/toddler swing in the shape of a Horse. This swing will be able to be hung from the ceiling in a home. It is both depth and width adjustable for the child’s body to ensure a comfortable and safe ride!
Itzy Ritzy
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You’d be surprised to know…
I list “movie quoting” on my resume of talents. Stop by Itzy Ritzy’s booth to challenge me!
Buyers will be surprised to see…
Sight Word Soup snack bags from Itzy Ritzy. We’re turning simple snacking into an educational event. Learn more about Sight Words and why every kindergartner should know these words.
Child to Cherish
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You’d be surprised to know…
I am from a family of 10 brothers and sisters and at an early age learned to take care of myself. Even now, I still empty my own trash and clean my own office.
Buyers will be surprised to see…
that for orders made at ABC/SEC, Child to Cherish will pay for freight on piggy banks and 10% freight cap on all other items. It’s no surprise that we continue to offer traditional gifts and keepsakes, as well as new creations to celebrate milestones in a child’s life. See our new wave of surf-wagon banks! As a family-owned-and-operated business, we care about the needs of independent retailers.
Amy Michelle Go Totes
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You’d be surprised to know…
Michelle Hebert is an identical twin and I have almost 15-month-old twin girls.
Buyers will be surprised to see…
The Lexington, that converts to a backpack. Its overall versatility and styling make it the perfect diaper bag.
SOZO
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You’d be surprised to know…
I’m a dancing machine! My mom was a professional dancer so my brother, sisters and I all grew up with dance and I almost pursued it as a career.
Buyers will be surprised to see…
Cuddle Mats and Raincoats! Our Cuddle Mats won a Best New Product Award for Decor at NY Gift so we’re very excited about adding these new categories to our assortment.
SnoozeShade
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You’d be surprised to know…
That I have been cage diving in South Africa with great white sharks (I probably don’t look the sort!)
Buyers will be surprised to see…
the product innovations that came from of us talking to retailers and consumers for the last two years regarding what parents want. I am delighted to say we are confident that the new Deluxe range of SnoozeShades will hit the spot perfectly. Come see what’s new at ABC/SEC, booth 111.
Bumkins
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You’d be surprised to know…
I come from a large family (7 siblings!) from Winnipeg, Canada. Though I have been based in Arizona for over 20 years, I am still defrosting from -22ºF temperatures! I continued the tradition of having a large family with four kids, two dogs and three cats. I have long been an advocate of natural parenting, as my children displayed skin sensitivities to disposable diapers and autoimmune disorders. As a result, our family lives clean, natural and organic. So, it really is no surprise that my passion life’s work is reusable and natural baby and children’s products?
Buyers will be surprised to see…
We went back to our roots, to reinvigorate and update our cloth diaper line, making it easier for our retailers to understand and sell these products. We have three two-piece diaper systems (pre-fold, contour, and fitteds, plus covers) and three integrated diaper systems (Stuff-It and All-In-Ones and new, premium Snap IN Ones). Bumkins also has every cloth diaper accessory that anyone could need, including sprayers, diaper liners, diaper inserts, wet bags, laundry bags and velour and flannel reusable wipes.
