THE SHOW WRAP-UP AND REVIEW
APRIL/MAY 2008
Volume 33, Number 2

THE COVER
AWARD WINNING INNOVATIONS
Plus All The Highlights From
The 2008 Travel Goods Show

Photographer: Kerry Pittenger

The Travel Goods Specialist Certificate Program
An exciting new sales training program for retailers available only through the Travel Goods Association.

Trends from The 2008 Travel Goods Show
It’s now easier being “green,” with more eco-friendly products available, and easier to please every customer with more choices in color, texture and material. by garrett lai

New Products Review
A cavalcade of close-ups of the newest and most exciting products on display at The Show. photographs by kerry pittenger

Seen at The Show
It’s not only about the products — spot the familiar faces in the crowd of Show-goers. photographs by tony badeaux

TGA’s Opening Night Reception and Awards Ceremony
Ask anyone who was there — this year’s Opening Night Reception and Awards Ceremony was the best ever. by garrett lai

2008 TGA Award Winner Toni Ray, Founder of Hobo International
The ability to spot emerging trends helped make Hobo International’s Toni Ray our 2008 TGA Award Winner. by garrett lai

The Retailer’s Perspective
We buttonholed a few smart, savvy retailers at The Show to find out what products impressed them enough to add to their inventories. by garrett lai

Editor’s Note
“A Year of First ”
by michele marini pittenger

Travel Bits
Board a plane to Bogota, borrow a bike in Copenhagen or sleep in an antique Alaska Railroad Pullman car.

News & Notes
More airlines charge for checked bags while canceling flights for inspections. The Travel Industry Association (TIA) calls on presidential hopefuls for help.

TGA News Briefs
Sign up for an Early Bird Booth discount for The 2009 Travel Goods Show, plus member profiles and charitable works.

CAPITAL BEAT
“China, Congress and the U.S. Economy”
Will Congress pass anti-China trade legislation before the November election? by nate herman

OUTSIDE THE BAG
Passionate pursuits of travel goods professionals — The Desert Racer and Professional Bass Fishermen. by garrett lai

Industry Events

Classifieds

Industry Buzz
People, product, moves and milestones.

The End User
Here we take a step back from our usual view as industry insiders to look at end users, people who need, use and love their travel goods. This month: a photographer and a full-time college student.

Buyer’s Guide

Ad Index