How Did It Go?

Travel in a post-September 11th world continues to bring new challenges. Due to recent security and safety measures put in place by the federal government and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), todayís travelers must endure stricter and more tedious security checkpoints at airports. Airlines have begun enforcing a long ignored rule that travelers be charged for baggage measuring more than 62 linear inches. The TSA is also asking consumers to leave checked baggage unlocked in case something suspicious is seen during the x-ray process.

Not only did September 11th have a major impact on the travel goods industry, but it also became a driving force for innovation. Many of the new products and product changes being introduced at this year's Travel Goods Show came about due to the innovative ideas of manufacturers looking to solve travelers' problems. As an example, many are addressing the security issue head-on with "see-through" luggage and accessories that make it easier to view a bag's contents.

The trend toward consolidating bags, which began as a novelty in the mid-1990s, continues today with no signs of slowing. Many travelers are finding that they require a piece of luggage that has more features and can perform many functions, while doing the job of two or sometimes three bags. Instead of carrying a separate garment bag, many new pieces of luggage now feature additional compartments for suits and dresses, or separate sections for wet or dirty clothing.

Executive protection has taken on an entirely new twist with backpacks and soft-sided briefcases that contain built-in extendable ballistic shields that provide protection against bullets. And, female travelers are having their needs met as well. Where a pretty color or tapestry design was once the only difference in a piece of luggage for women, companies are now catering exclusively to women by designing bags that are highly fashionable and hold specific travel necessities such as lingerie and cosmetics. Protecting valuables is also the emphasis of many travel goods companies. Small satchels can be strapped to an adult's arm, leg or even inside a sock for carrying cash, keys and credit cards. There's even a child's version that holds personal identification information.

The buzz words surrounding this year's show are innovation, fashion and excitement -- and you'll be seeing and experiencing plenty of that beginning on Monday, March 24, the day before the exhibition opens. Bag'n Baggage, one of the industry's largest and most innovative specialty store retailers, will preside at a special Retail Roundtable session from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in Rooms N201-202 of the Convention Center. That same day, a panel of industry experts will be meeting to select the recipients of the industry's first awards for innovation ñ the Pioneer and Momentum Awards. The winners will be revealed and honored at the All-Industry Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, March 26 from 7:30-9:15 a.m. at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballrooms D&E. Edward Gerch of Kingport Trading will receive the TGA Award of Excellence, and Kurt Krause of the TSA will address questions about increasing travel security regulations and the implications for the travel goods industry.

This year's show is also the launching pad for the first-ever national Travel Goods Week. Participating exhibitors will be offering special products and promotions

to retailers for sale during the June 20-30 "Gear Up to Go" time period. Attendees will also have the opportunity to support Miracle Flights for Kids, the charity TGA adopted for Travel Goods Week. An exciting Silent Auction & Reception will take place on Wednesday evening from 5:15-7:00 p.m. in Room N246 of the Convention Center. Plan to come, but first plan on previewing the auction items and making an early bid at TGA booth #800.

The Travel Goods Show 2003 theme, "Putting Product First," promises to do just that by way of a first-ever New Products Pavilion and a New Exhibitors Pavilion, both located on the Show floor. Exhibitors in the New Products Pavilion will have the opportunity to showcase their very best new product to a captive audience of buyers and the media. Show attendees looking for product from first-time exhibitors can find them quickly and easily as many have opted to be included in the New Exhibitors Pavilion.

I've just touched on a few of the new features that make The Travel Goods Show 2003 one to "Gear Up to Go" to! In your hands you have your first real glimpse of the Show and all it has to offer. We hope you enjoy the Show!