Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation’s capital, has announced the selection of Washington, D.C. as the new host city for The American Made Show, the largest wholesale tradeshow of American-made products.
Formerly known as the Buyers Market of American Craft, this four-day tradeshow will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Jan. 16 – 19, 2015, and is expected to attract more than 800 artists and more than 4,500 buyers from 2,000 companies from across the United States and Canada. The convention is expected to generate more than $10 million in annual revenue for the District.
“We are thrilled to welcome The American Made Show to Washington, D.C. starting in 2015,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO, Destination DC. “Our sales team worked closely with Buyers Market to ensure the needs of exhibitors and customers would be met when the tradeshow debuts in our city. We’re honored that they have chosen to move the market to the nation’s capital as they showcase Made-in-America items crafted by talented artisans from around the country.”
The American Made Show is also contracted to return to D.C. in 2016 during the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend.
“We are delighted to play host to an event that highlights American-made products and celebrates craft retailers and artisans,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and CEO, Events DC. “The show is a great example of our hospitality community working together to secure a premier new event.”
The move to Washington, D.C. is expected not only to heighten the pride of domestically produced goods but also benefit both exhibitors and buyers. Exhibitors will save on lower booth fees and exhibiting costs and will also be able to reach a wider audience. With the new centralized location, many buyers who were unable to attend in past years will be able to take part. Additionally, attendees will have access to affordable public transit, exciting dining and nightlife and the all-new Marriott Marquis directly connected to the Convention Center.
“This is more like a homecoming than a move, in our mind,” said Rebecca Rosen Mercado, show director, The American Made Show. “The convention center will be transformed into a bustling marketplace filled with the finest American-made crafts just blocks from national monuments and museums that house some of the most exquisite American-made products produced centuries ago.”
