L.A. Mart Owner Buys California Gift Show
Chicago–based MMPI, owner of the L.A. Mart, acquired the California Gift Show from United Kingdom–based DMG World Media.
Together, the two shows will operate as the California Gift Show with two locations—the Los Angeles–based L.A. Mart and the Los Angeles Convention Center—beginning with the July 14–20 gift-and-home market.
The merger combines the permanent gift-and-home showrooms at the L.A. Mart with the temporary exhibitors at the California Gift shows, giving a wide range of exhibition options to both large and small companies, organizers said.
“The acquisition of California Gift Show underscores our belief in the inherent value of Los Angeles as a market destination and our commitment to the gift industry,” said Joan Ulrich, senior vice president of MMPI, in a company statement. “We are thrilled to offer a comprehensive show at two fantastic locations providing greater and direct local access to one of the 10 largest economies in the world—the California marketplace. With a population of 37 million people and an economy that produces over $1.8 trillion in gross state product, it’s obvious California and its most populous city should continue the 50-year tradition of hosting a temporary gift market.”—Alison A. Nieder
