Hundreds of Treasure Hunters from Around the Globe Attended the 51st Annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show

MIAMI, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Antique Shows, a major producer of antique shows in North America, announced today an increase of five percent in attendance at this year's 51st annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show, which took place on February 2-6, 2012, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120110/NY33466LOGO)

The Show attracted dealers from more than 22 different countries and attendees including international collectors, gallery owners, museum curators, interior designers and residents of the South Florida community.

"Once again the exhibitors at this Show have outdone themselves in showcasing the finest examples of antiques in several disciplines," said Andrea Canady, Fair Director. "With the addition of WorthPoint and our panel discussion led by Pamela Jaccarino, editor of LUXE Interiors + Design, we continued to see how unique this industry is and how it is growing and changing every year."

Exhibiting items on-site included 17th-19th Century furniture, American and European Silver and exquisite time and Art Deco pieces. Also featured this year was an Egyptian sculpture, which dates back to 500 B.C. from Haig's of Rochester, oil paintings from Peter Woolman's Florida Fine Art and Japanese ceramics from Marvin Baer. Dealers witnessed increased sales and performed well throughout the Show.

"As an exhibitor we continue to see a tremendous growth of collectors interested in antiques," said Lori Hedtler of Devonia Antiques. "We are extremely pleased with the outcome from this show and will continue to be a dedicated supporter of The Original Miami Beach Antique Show."

At this year's show, WorthPoint® launched its newest technology to hundreds of attendees. During Appraisal Day they demonstrated a new Marks/eReference Library and various products including their iPhone/iPad app to first-time and veteran collectors. Throughout the day, Worthologists supplied verbal appraisals to hundreds of interested attendees that lined up eager to know the value of their most cherished possessions.

Attendees interested in being exposed to the latest trends in interior design were treated to an educational seminar on Saturday afternoon moderated by LUXE Interiors + Design's Editor in Chief, Pamela Jaccarino. Panelists presented past projects and provided professional advice on how they have incorporated a mix of modern and antique pieces into their designs. Tips shared by the panel included keeping a theme or color story when decorating with modern and antique pieces to avoid making a room look too fragmented.

"We were overjoyed that many attended this educational session during The Original Miami Beach Antique Show," said Pamela Jaccerino, Editor in Chief of LUXE Interiors + Design. "Our panelists explained to the attendees that adding vintage pieces to any room will supply personality and a modern hip vision."

Thousands of dollars were raised during this year's charity raffle, which benefited the Humane Society of Greater Miami's Founding Foster Care Fund. The grand prize, a man and woman's Rolex watch, were awarded to local Miami Beach residents. The next show on the calendar for US Antique Shows is Chicago Antique Jewelry & Watch show. This show is scheduled for April 20-22, 2012 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.

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.

SOURCE U.S. Antique Shows