52nd Annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show Announces Increased Attendance and Strong Buying

MIAMI, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Antiques Shows, a major producer of antique shows in North America, announced today that attendance increased by 10 percent at this year's 52^nd annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show, which took place on Jan. 31- Feb. 4, 2013, at The Miami Beach Convention Center. The Show attracted nearly 900 established dealers in the antique industry who showcased an incredible variety of antiques to attendees including antique enthusiasts, serious collectors, interior designers and residents of the South Florida community.

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"We are excited to report an increase in attendance and that buying continues to remain strong," said Dan Darby, group fair director. "This year we added antique seminars to the show schedule and were able educate hundreds in the antique community with the help of several of the most established professionals in the industry who spoke at the event. We look forward to continuing these traditions as part of our show in the years to come."

Attendees interested in being exposed to various antique topics were invited to attend eight seminars throughout the duration of the Show. The special session led by Will Seippel, CEO and founder of WorthPoint® on "Demystifying Antiques: The Basics of Antique Collecting" was one of the most highly attended events. The Show remains dedicated to educating the antique community in order to provide guidance to collectors.

In its 52^nd year, The Original Miami Beach Antique Show dealers witnessed increased sales and interest from the public at an all-time high throughout the Show. Many exhibitors expressed that the attendees this year were more knowledgeable about antiques and the pieces they were looking to add to their collection.

"Throughout the Show weekend we noticed an increase in our sales and the largest crowds we've ever seen on the floor during the years we've exhibited," said Jeff Cohen, N. Green & Sons. "We're pleased with the overall outcome this year and we're looking forward to exhibiting at the L.A. Antique Jewelry & Watch Show this March."

Exhibitors reported that the show floor featured attendees from a wide range of countries including Brazil, Argentina, Italy and France. "We were delighted to see that the interest in antiques has continued to grow again this year," said Gus Davis, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Ltd. "We witnessed a strong showing from various countries throughout the show floor, who were interested in the latest trends, which included signed important pieces."

For a second consecutive year, WorthPoint® sponsored Appraisal Day, which was attended by more than 200 hundred visitors during the two-day event. WorthPoint's Worthologists examined pieces and provided verbal appraisals to a wide range of antique items including an Art Deco glass palace platter, a Japanese naval navigational instrument, and a rare collection of Marilyn Monroe photographs, which had never been published.

More than six thousand dollars was raised during this year's charity raffle, which benefited Paws 4 You Rescue, Inc. Various raffle items including Miami Heat tickets and antique jewelry earrings were awarded to local South Florida and New Jersey residents. The next show on the calendar for U.S. Antique Shows is the LA Antique Jewelry & Watch Show. This show is scheduled for March 22 – 24, 2013 at The Hyatt Regency in Century City, Los Angeles CA. Next year, the Original Miami Beach Antique Show will be held January 30 – February 3, 2014 at The Miami Beach Convention Center.

About The Original Miami Beach Antique Show
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show is produced by GLM®. GLM is a leading producer and marketer of consumer product tradeshows in North America, serving industries as diverse as giftware, home furnishings, social stationery, home textiles, tabletop, gourmet housewares, contemporary furniture, personal care, antiques, jewelry, art, surf, skate, water sports, swim and resorts. GLM also manages business expositions and conferences on behalf of others, within the hospitality industry. Additional information about GLM is available online at www.glmshows.com. Follow us on Twitter @MiamiAntiquShow or Facebook at www.facebook.com/OMBAS. For additional information, visit www.USAntiqueShows.com.

CONTACT:
Rachel Tabacnic
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Original Miami Beach Antique Show