Statement and Criteria

Accent on Design showcases the latest and most innovative designs spanning all product categories. The Selection Committee's criteria for acceptance includes:

• Original, creative and authentic product design
• New and innovative use of materials
• Products that address and solve problems
• Consistent and continuous new product creations
• A focus on contemporary design as perceived by the jury
• Functionality

Handmade is a unique and upscale juried forum that features international and domestic artisans, designers and manufacturers of only the finest handcrafted merchandise. The Selection Committee's criteria for acceptance includes:

• Unique and original work when reviewing contemporary craft
• Authentic design when reviewing traditional and ethnic craft
• Products that are marketable in the framework of the NYIGF®
• Products that are appropriate for the Handmade section

While GLM supplies the Committee with these guidelines and criteria, the Committee is responsible for their own interpretation of our guidelines and they make the final determination on which exhibitors are selected to be in the Accent on Design or Handmade divisions.

Most Frequently Asked Questions about the Selection Process

Q. Who is on the jury?

A. The Committee is comprised of professionals in the craft or design field, including artisans, retailers, exhibitors and designers.

Generally five to six professionals serve on each Committee. These professionals include knowledgeable individuals currently exhibiting in the show, established retailers who purchase and sell products featured in these divisions, designers, and other industry-related representatives.

Q. How often does the jury meet?

A. The jury meets twice a year, in the Fall & Spring. In order to be reviewed at our next Jury meeting, please submit an application for the Accent on Design division by Friday, October 31, 2008 (*new extended deadline) and Handmade division by Friday, October 31, 2008.  If you are unable to meet these deadlines, please call us for future meetings.

Q. How does the actual jury process work?

A. Each member of the jury is given an individual score sheet and instructed to use a point system ranging from 1 to 6 to indicate their response to the application. Each member then personally reviews each application and assigns their own score. Following the departure of the jury members, GLM staff totals the points each application has received and, based on the highest total points, determines which applicants have been accepted for exhibit space.

Q. When will I receive notification of the jury's decision?

A. You will be notified by mail approximately three to four weeks after a jury meeting. It is not necessary to call to inquire about your status.

Q. If accepted, will I be invited to exhibit in the show directly following my jury review?

A. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be placed on a waiting list. Currently, Handmade averages 3-6 month wait period depending upon the amount of turnover from Fair to Fair, while Accent on Design averages a 6 month to 18 months wait period.

How to Prepare an Application Packet for Accent on Design and Handmade

Hundreds of applications are received for each jury session. Consequently, the application packet that you submit is very important; since it is the only opportunity you have to present your company to the jury.  It is important that your application is both thorough and concise.

We have compiled a list of the various elements that you may wish to include in your packet. Some elements are mandatory; others are at your discretion.

• Images of your products. (Mandatory)
  Include photographs, slides and/or a color brochure. Because slides are viewed on a light box, as opposed to being projected, we recommend sending photos and/or a brochure. You should include enough images to give the Selection Committee a thorough understanding of the type of products you plan to exhibit. If you represent a number of lines or are an individual maker who produces in several different mediums, you must include photos of each line.
   
• Wholesale Price List. (Mandatory)
  Your price points help the Selection Committee determine whether your products are compatible with the price ranges supported by gift show buyers.
   
• Company Biography or Statement
  Your statement should include information about how long you have been in business, how and where your products are made, what materials are used, and your previous trade show experience. For more information on preparing a company biography, see our Guide to Trade Show Public Relations.
   
• Booth Photo
  A photo of your booth assures the Committee that your company will present a professional appearance at the show. It also provides an image of the scale and full range of your work. If a booth photo is not available, please submit a sketch/rendering of your planned presentation. A carefully conceived plan demonstrates to the Committee that you are aware of, and sensitive to, the fact that your presentation is as important as your product.
   
• Press Materials
  Include newspaper coverage, magazine articles and press releases, if available. Please make certain to specifically identify your products when submitting pages of a magazine or catalogue that includes products from other companies. Previous applicants have used highlighters, large arrows, or "Post it notes" to focus attention on their products. For more information on preparing press materials, see our Guide to Trade Show Public Relations.
   
• Buyers List
  Include a list of your top ten or twenty most current accounts. This list will help the Committee understand what types of stores buy from your company.
   
• Do Not Assume the Jury Knows Who You Are
  GLM invites knowledgeable professionals to review applications; however, they may not be familiar with your work. You should assume you are presenting your work to someone who is seeing it for the first time.
   
• Get A Second Opinion
  Find a colleague or a friend to review your application. Ask them to imagine they are completely unfamiliar with your work. After five minutes, ask them to relate their impression of your application.
   
• Overall Presentation
  Be certain that your name and address appear on each of the separate items in your application packet. Place all of your materials and the completed application form in a regular size folder or portfolio.
   
• What Not to Send
  Do not send samples, oversize materials, original slides, or anything that must be returned.

The guidelines outlined above are presented by GLM as suggestions to better help you prepare your application. The final decisions about which applications are selected for exhibit space are made by the members of the jury and are based on the previously stated criteria. While a carefully prepared and complete packet will enhance your application for exhibit space, it does not guarantee your acceptance into the show.