New Fashion Neighbor at The Venetian
Lisa Plummer -- Tradeshow Week, 7/3/2008 10:21:00 AM
Las Vegas’ summer fashion week just got a little more crowded. New York-based show producer ENK Intl. will launch ENK Vegas, a new tradeshow for high-end men and women’s contemporary sportswear, Aug. 25-27 in the Bassano Ballroom complex at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.
Scheduled to coincide with other fashion tradeshows, including MAGIC Marketplace, Project and Pool, ENK Vegas will be strategically positioned at The Venetian next to Business Journal Inc.’s three collocated fashion tradeshows: MRket, scheduled Aug. 24-26, and AccessoriesTheShow and Moda Las Vegas, on tap Aug. 25-27.
More than 50 exhibitors are expected to attend ENK Vegas’ inaugural event, what show director Mike Sampson called a “soft launch.” Although he wouldn’t discuss square footage or projected attendance numbers, Sampson said the show may have a soft launch but it won’t be a quiet opening. He said he expects the show to take advantage of traffic flow from neighboring events.
“It’s in an obvious, conspicuous location, so we’re expecting a large turnout,” he said. “We’re open the day before Project strategically, and the shows going on at the Venetian will have retail draw.”
Representatives from Advanstar and BJI did not respond to requests for comment regarding the launch of ENK Vegas by press time.
Sampson added that the retailers ENK marketed to already will be in town for the other shows, with some planning to fly in early to attend the launch.
Project, Aug. 26-28 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, will be ENK Vegas’ most direct market competitor. The event, also for the premium contemporary sportswear market, is part of Advanstar Communications’ MAGIC Marketplace portfolio. MAGIC’s other fashion events, including Pool, will take place Aug. 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Las Vegas Hilton.
Sampson said he believes ENK will serve the needs of the high-end boutique retailer looking for an easier, more efficient way to find upper-tier brands and do business.
“It’s something our brands have been asking us to do for quite some time,” Sampson said, “We have a lot of excited exhibitors, and they’re pleased we’re moving forward.”
He added that ENK officials had been thinking of Las Vegas for a while, but had only recently had been able to secure space. With that problem solved, the company plans to launch a larger version of ENK Vegas at Wynn Las Vegas for the winter fashion week, Sampson said, with the intention to remain there going forward.
Though this particular show may be a newcomer to the scene, ENK is no stranger to Las Vegas tradeshows. The company also owns and produces The WSA show, a semiannual event for the shoe industry. Also known for its fashion events in New York City, ENK’s strategy isn’t to shift fashion events away from the Big Apple, but to expand its presence in Sin City, Sampson said.
“This is the beginning of our being in Vegas for a while,” Sampson said. “(Our strategy) is to create a very efficient, convenient environment for the designer and the retailer to do business without distraction … in an ever-growing city”
He added the ENK Vegas event in February already is generating substantial interest, although definite dates are not secured.
