A national gift trade show to be established as a non-profit venture by United Sales Associates may be a reality by 2010, if that organization's board is successful in its plan.

According to Stuart Miller of Goodwin Weavers, incoming treasurer of the group, one of the organization's three major goals is the establishment of such a show to help companies manage costs and time spent at trade shows.

A letter was sent in October, Miller said, to George Little Management, AmericasMart, Dallas Market Center, Merchandise Mart Properties and other show managers, telling them of the plan.

"We're not trying to put those people out of business," Miller said, "we're just trying to make it more affordable for companies. We would like to have them help, but on our terms."

Citing a decline in retail attendance at shows in recent years, Miller said the buildings "are not doing anything to help their customer. This business is changing and we have to change with it.

"We don't need another trade show, we need one that is meaningful. We need a show that benefits the industry, not the realtors."

Because this is a preliminary effort, Miller said locations for the show are yet to be considered.

USA, which is changing its name to Gift and Home Trade Association, holds its annual meeting in Phoenix this month. Miller, who also is president of the Gift Sales Managers Association, said the GSMA also will meet in Phoenix just before the USA meeting. GSMA has about 75 manufacturers as members and Miller expects to build synergy between the two groups on this project.

Responses from major trade show managers to United Sales Associates' proposal were limited.

A letter from USA had promised to provide more details after Nov. 1, but a week later no follow-up information had been received, "so we are not able to comment," said Cathy Steel, vice president of public relations, George Little Management.

Other trade show managers referred to policies not to comment on business activities of other trade show organizations.