51st Annual Home Show opens today at Ocean Center
By VALERIE WHITNEY, Daytona Beach News-Journal Business Writer, Oct. 21, 2011
The show before the show was in full force Thursday as exhibitors readied their displays for today's opening of The Daytona Beach News-Journal's Home Show.
Fans talk design with Carter Oosterhouse of HGTV during the News-Journal Home Show at the Ocean Center Saturday, October 22, 2011. (N-J | David Massey)
People attending the Home Show at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach check out a owl being held by Michael Brothers from the Marine Science Center Friday October 21, 2011. (N-J | Jim Tiller)
Robert McGinty cleans and polishes a Four Seasons Sunroom, on display at the Ocean Center. (N-J | Jim Tiller)
The three-day show inside the Ocean Center is expected to attract more than 15,000 people. Highlights include appearances by carpenter and television personality Carter Oosterhouse of HGTV, as well as celebrity chef Rich Rosado of Orlando.
Attendees will select the best in show among three rooms from local interior designers competing in a "Daytona Design Star Competition." The winning designer will receive $1,000 and each attendee who casts a vote will be entered into a drawing for a $300 gift card.
Inside the Ocean Center Thursday, exhibitors unpacked boxes, hammered nails, tested electrical circuits and placed stone pavers, among other things, as they prepared to sell a plethora of home improvement items and consumer goods.
Some of the more than 200 exhibitors came and left early in the day while others worked well into the night to be ready when the doors open at 10 a.m. today.
Planet Granite and Kitchens of the World have been a part of the show for the last seven years. "We look forward to it," said Alex Levin, a designer for the dual family-owned businesses.
Levin said business, in general, has been good.
"Our prospects are growing because we have adjusted to meet the needs of people and continue to do so," he said.
Attendees who stop by the booth this year, he said, will get a chance to see some of the new convenience products, such as LED lighting and new storage solutions for homes.
Jason Schutt, shop foreman at WeatherGuard, and Tadd Thomas, whose dad owns the business, helped oversee the installation of the company's display featuring its hurricane shutters.
Schutt said sales are up and participation in the Home Show is just another way to keep the firm's name before the public.
"A lot of people just come by to see what we sell and the options available, but we also do generate sales here," he said.
According to event marketing manager Jessica Fox with The News-Journal, about 25 percent of this year's vendors are first-time participants.
Some, like Orange City residents Kathy and Ray Rundgren, owners of Kyra Sales, are selling consumer goods. The couple are a distributor for the Miche Bag, a woman's purse that can be used with numerous outer covers.
Kathy Rundgren said she's optimistic the product will be a hit.
"People love them," she said while unpacking boxes.
Port Orange resident Gail Farmer, owner of Simply Unique, also is making her first appearance at the show. Farmer spent much of the afternoon unpacking boxes filled with colorfully decorated piggy banks, which can be customized.
LaRoche Fruit and Edible Nursery, meanwhile, has participated in the show for more than 30 years.
"It gives us a chance to promote for the upcoming fruit-shipping season," said Chris Stremovihtg, son of business owner Lew Stremovihtg, while setting up his booth Thursday.
Showcase your product at The News-Journal’s 51st annual Home Show!
This event will feature
home and outdoor related products and services at the brand new Ocean Center. This year’s Home Show will be
held Friday through Sunday October 21st through the 23rd from 10am to 6pm daily and 10am to 4pm Sunday.
Click here to see the convention center floorplan:
Click here for the sales kit and exhibitor information (PDF).
To be an exhibitor at an event, to purchase tickets or for more information please contact:
Jessica Fox at 386-681-2365 or email Jessica.fox@news-jrnl.com
• Volusia/Flagler adults spent about $422 million on home improvements in the past 12 months, including remodeling,landscaping, pool or spa installations, security systems, flooring and paint.
• The News-Journal audience accounted for 74% of all money spent on home improvements in the past 12 months.
• 82% of Volusia/Flagler adults have participated in an outdoor activity in the last 12 months, including gardening, camping, bicycling, fishing and powerboating.
Of these adults...
• 50% have household incomes of $50,000 or more
• 82% own their own homes
• 34% have children at home.
Included in the cost of exhibitor space:
• Advertisement in the Home Show tabloid in The News-Journal, read by over 208,500 homeowners and consumers
• High profile attendee promotion
• Booth drapery and ID sign
• Exhibitor badges
• Special exhibitor parking rate
"...our best show every year"
A number of vendors exhibit in shows all over the Southeast. They consistently report this is their best show, and over 93% of our vendors renew each year.
"It's a great show! We'll definitely be back."
New vendors are usually delighted with sales, leads and contacts they get from the show. A Home Show booth can pay for itself many times.
"It made our business year."
The Home Show provides a fourth quarter boost in sales for vendors.
"We had to restock three times!"
Even seasoned veterans can't always anticipate the show's full potential.
"Calls from The News-Journal's Home Show came in all year."
Many exhibitors report getting calls for many months after the show.
"...great visibility. Big crowds..."
Over 25,000 people attend The Home Show. It's your opportunity to creat a lasting impression with people who don't yet know about your business.