News Release
For Immediate Release
October 19, 2017
HELEN BRETT ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES FOR UPCOMING TRADE SHOWS
Shows will be Open to the Public for First Time in Helen Brett History Memphis show will move to Southaven, Mississippi, and Jimmy Charles will headline concerts
(Lisle, IL) – Officials with Helen Brett Enterprises, one of the oldest trade show companies in the United States, today announced sweeping changes to the company’s future gift, merchandise and jewelry shows.
For the first time in the show’s 70-year history, the popular private trade shows will open to the public on a limited basis. Beginning with the New Orleans Gift and Jewelry Show January 26-29, 2018, Helen Brett is opening the doors to the public with $20 buyer passes available online or on-site. Helen Brett officials also today announced several other major changes and additions.
Concert Series Featuring Jimmy Charles
Helen Brett Enterprises will begin live music concerts on the show floor with former American Idol contestant and country singer Jimmy Charles headlining the first of a series of nationwide concerts. Charles’ first performance is scheduled on October 22 from 2:30-4:30 pm in New Orleans, 2017 Memphis Mid-South Jewelry and Accessories Fair on Saturday, November 4 from 3-5 pm and at the newly added Jackson, Tennessee, show on Saturday, June 23 from 4-5 pm.
Memphis Shows Moving to Southaven, Mississippi effective March 2018
Under a new partnership with the Landers Center, HBE is moving the 2018 Memphis shows to nearby Southaven, Mississippi. The schedule for the 2018 shows in Southaven includes Mid-South Jewelry and Accessories Fair on March 2-4 (Friday-Sunday), August 10-12 (Friday-Sunday) and November 1-4 (Thursday-Sunday). Southaven, Mississippi is located 18 miles south of downtown Memphis. Conveniently located right off I-55, the large facilities and easier parking access will make the new Helen Brett show location more attractive to exhibitors and buyers. The Landers Center is only 20 minutes from the Tunica, Mississippi casinos.
New Show in Jackson, Tennessee
In addition to the Memphis venue moving, HBE is introducing a brand new public show in Jackson, Tennessee. , The show will take place June 22-24, 2018 (Friday-Sunday) at the Jackson County Fairgrounds located at 800 South Highland Avenue on Highway 45.
2017 Toys for Tots Partnership
HBE has partnered with the nationally-recognized Toys for Tots agency in New Orleans, Memphis and Baton Rouge, and will hold a toy drive in each market for needy children this holiday season. Buyers to the exclusive New Orleans International Jewelry and Merchandise Show who donate an unwrapped and unopened toy will receive five dollars off the first guest pass and five dollars off the second guest pass with the donation of an additional toy. This partnership will begin with the New Orleans October show and continue with the November show in Memphis and the December show in Baton Rouge.
Major Media Sponsorships Announced
Helen Brett officials announced today that it has secured a major media partnership with the Raycom TV stations in each of the Helen Brett show markets. Beginning with the New Orleans October show, the local FOX affiliate (WVUE-TV FOX-8) will be the exclusive media sponsor, providing major advertising, promotional and news spotlights for the upcoming International Jewelry and Merchandise Show in order to drive additional attendance to the show. The Memphis NBC-TV affiliate (WMC-TV Action News 5) is the exclusive media sponsor for the November 2-5 Mid-South Jewelry and Accessories Fair with the stations committing thousands of dollars in broadcast and digital advertising two weeks prior to the show.
Gordon Biersch Sponsorship of New Orleans Show
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant has partnered with Helen Brett Enterprises to promote the New Orleans October show in their facility and on their digital media platforms. Conveniently located on Convention Center Boulevard just blocks from the Helen Brett show, Gordon Biersch will provide their local and tourist patrons with Market Access Passes for show admittance. Gordon Biersch will provide beer and food samplings on the show floor and distribute free drink passes to the exhibitors and guests at the New Orleans International Jewelry and Merchandise Show.