January 2007 Technology Stories
GLM to use BD Metrics to create online, customizable show tools
George Little Management has partnered with technology software developer BDMetrics to create a personalized web-based tool for attendees and exhibitors of the California Gift Show, EX·TRACTS, the New York International Gift Fair and the New York Home Textiles Show. The software tool – available immediately through each show’s website – mines through GLM’s database of companies, products and educational programs to generate custom reports, tailored to the needs and interests of each registered attendee and exhibitor.
Through this new portal, registered attendees will receive by e-mail a pre-show, personalized report detailing product lines, companies and educational seminars that are most relevant to their buying needs – all based on a list of preferences attendees provide when they register. The system utilizes BDMetrics’ You-Based™ relationship technology, which continually matches the interests of an attendee to the tradeshow content. Access to this technology also will be provided on-site through live look-up kiosks throughout the show, which will generate lists of relevant exhibitors and walk maps plotting their individual location on the show floor. “BDMetrics will deliver focused, relevant information to all of our attendees, based on their needs and preferences,” said Phil Burke, associate partner, GLM. “This personalized service will help participants customize each tradeshow visit – creating a more productive buying and selling environment.” BDMetrics serves the needs of exhibitors through SmartBooth, a suite of web-based prospecting tools. SmartBooth uses “push” technology to let exhibitors know which registrants are actively searching for the products they offer and enables them to directly reach these prospects before, during and after the event, contingent upon the attendee’s authorization to be contacted. SmartBooth is the exhibitor’s tool for tapping into the active online buying community of tradeshow registrants. BDMetrics develops You-Based™ relationship technology that dynamically personalizes the event experience around the unique needs and interests of each active or prospective attendee and exhibitor. Adopted by industry leaders, this powerful You-Based technology drives attendance, increases exhibit sales, produces qualified business leads and reveals relevant market intelligence to improve event performance. BDMetrics is a privately-held company based in Baltimore, MD. For information, contact Jack Chalden, vice president, Business Development & Industry Relations at BDMetrics, 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 240, McLean, VA 22102. Telephone: 703-852-3081. Fax: 703-848-8881. Additional information is available online at www.bdmetrics.com. GLM – together with partner dmg world media – is the largest producer and marketer of consumer product tradeshows in North America, serving industries as diverse as giftware, stationery, textiles, tabletop, gourmet housewares, personal care and wellness. GLM also has an extensive roster of managed business expositions and conferences, which serve the hospitality and meeting planning industries. GLM is involved in the production of nearly 50 tradeshows in 17 cities across the United States and Canada. Together, these events annually showcase some 29,000 exhibitors in more than 5 million net square feet of exhibit space, and attract approximately 495,000 attendees. For information, contact GLM at 10 Bank Street, White Plains, NY, 10606. Telephone: (914) 421-3200. Fax (914) 948-6088. Additional information is available online at www.glmshows.com.
HyattAtHome.com offering hotel-branded bedding, bath and more
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has launched HyattAtHome.com, an online store featuring high quality Hyatt and partner-branded luxury products that parallel the items found in Hyatt properties around the world.
Products available for purchase on the site include bedding, luggage, Herman Miller furniture, bath products, athletic equipment and an audio/video system. The complete Hyatt Grand Bed collection offered on the site includes an exclusive Sealy Posturepedic mattress series, pillows and allergen-free goose-down bedding from Pacific Coast Feather Company, Egyptian cotton sheets from Fili d’oro and several sets of decorative pillows and throws. Customers who purchase the entire bed collection will receive red bow wrapping around the mattress, complete assembly and removal of the old mattress upon request.
Furnish.net processes 1 million electronic purchases in ’06
San Diego-based FurnishNet, a provider of Internet-based supply chain solutions for home furnishings retailers, manufacturers and suppliers announced it has processed over one million purchases electronically in the year 2006, an increase of more than 20 percent over 2005.
"We now have over 850 home furnishings businesses tied into our electronic network," said Ron Sellers, vice president of FurnishNet. "This milestone of a million purchases in a single year shows that more and more of the industry is taking advantage of electronic supply chain integration to speed order turnaround and lower costs."
The company hosts over 150 retailers and 700 manufacturers and suppliers in its digital network including Jerome's, Jordan's Furniture, Raymour and Flanigan, Ashley Home Stores, Art Van, RC Willey, Mattress Giant and Direct Buy.
Moroccan Bazaar debuts Web-based store
The Moroccan Bazaar has unveiled its 2007 collection online to consumers and interior designers. This new outlet will showcase its newest collection that was formerly only available to wholesale customers. The newest collection of Moroccan furnishings will include best sellers such as Moroccan furniture, light fixtures, henna lamps and tribal rugs.
"The Moroccan Bazaar launches the website to respond to the growing need of the interior design industry for Moroccan style furnishings which many design professionals see as the newest trend," said Reda Yamani, The Moroccan Bazaar founder and chief executive officer. The company will continue its wholesale operation providing container load orders at deep discounts to both online and traditional retailers looking to enhance and compliment their product lines. With the acquisition of MoroccanLanterns.com in 2004, The Moroccan Bazaar has added to its line a wide selection of Moroccan lanterns, chandeliers, henna sconces, lamps and other lighting related product.ArtisticHomeowner.com expands offerings
Artistichomeowner.com is a new Web site that offers a large selection of photographic wall murals, pillar candles, aromatherapy candles and organic essential oils. They also make custom wall murals from client photos. Artistichomeowner.com is a relatively new Web site in the USA that offers a wide variety of home interior wall murals. They also offer custom wall murals made from client's actual photographs. The wall murals depict images including cityscapes and seascapes as well as architectural wonders such as the Taj Mahal, wildlife, and even outer space. Artistichomeowner also offers free decorating and installation tips for wall murals. Other products offered on the web site are pillar candles, aromatherapy candles and organic essential oils. There is also a free monthly newsletter with free home interior decorating ideas. As webmaster Lisa Herbik explains, "I'm constantly looking for fresh home décor products to add to the Web site."