by Meaghan Brophy
Miami Wholesale Show recently concluded their first of two trade shows for the 2016 season. The order-writing event ran from April 3 – 5th, 2016 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Show owner Michael Finocchiaro says that the show boasts buyers and exhibitors from over 40 countries including the Caribbean, Central and South American, and Europe. “This show is the major gateway show to Latin America and the Caribbean,” explains Finocchiaro.
Although the Miami Wholesale Show is in its 7th year of operation, Finocchiaro and his team have over 30 years of experience in the wholesale tradeshow business. “We have developed an expertise in using Miami as the hub of the Americas. We utilize the infrastructure in Miami for banking, shipping, freight forwarders, and customs brokers,” says Finocchiaro. In addition to having industry connections inside of Miami, Finocchiaro works with over 1,000 travel agencies to promote their show internationally. They also have relationships with over 2,000 professional associations. Finocchiaro says their connections allow for easy access to translators at their shows.
Buyers who attend the show can expect a wide variety of merchandise. Consumer electronics including home entertainment, gaming, computers, audio, appliances, and software are all popular categories. General merchandise also makes up a large portion of the show, including; textiles, apparel, accessories, sporting goods, leather, gift, kitchen, health and beauty, home furnishings, and toys. “We have a very diversified show, and that’s by design. We want to carry a variety of products, because that’s where our buyer’s interest is,” explains Finocchiaro.
Each event hosts anywhere from 4,000 – 7,000 buyers and over 200 exhibitors. “The attendance is always increasing,” says Finocchiaro. “Miami is a giant international import and export hub. Our Miami Wholesale Show targets this region of the world so we can offer what very few trade shows can: expertise in closing the circle between manufacturer, enterprise, distributor, wholesaler, importer, exporter, and service companies. We are targeting precisely the kind of businesses buyers can partner with and fit their criteria
The next show will be the Asia America Show, held August 21st – 23rd at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Attendance is free for all qualified buyers as long as online registration is completed before August 15th. Buyers should bring a business card or other proof of their retail business for admission at the door.
To register for their upcoming show, view travel information, and for a detailed show schedule, visit www.acsshow.org.