The 2011 holiday season was a mere two months ago, and yet some are already preparing for next Christmas.

This week, Manhattan's Javits Center played host to over 15,000 buyers and more than 1,000 media reps who hoped to catch a glimpse of the 100,000 new toys, games, and other entertainment products on display.  The "largest toy tradeshow in the Western Hemisphere" wowed attendees with innovative new toys and hot trends.

According to Newsday, this year, toy manufacturers at the American International Toy Fair went app crazy:  "More companies are incorporating apps to help enhance the board game experience."  Additionally, Internet sensations, like Angry Orange, are entering the toy market with promotional stuffed animals and key chains.

Unfortunately, if you attended the show and saw an item you loved, you'll have to wait.  For the most part, the exhibited toys will not be available in stores until later this year.

Did you know that the average high and low temperatures of New York during the month of January is less than half that of Belize? New Yorkers will typically see 36 degree weather while Belize's early morning temperature is a very comfortable 70 degrees. 

Before you moan and pout, just consider this: hundreds of thousands of Americans spend the winter months traveling. Whether it's seeing family or seeing new things, there's something about the winter months and Holiday season that attracts people to the very thought of travel.

Before you start researching on Kayak and Priceline for that exotic getaway or elaborate vacation, consider attending the Luxury Travel Expo in gorgeous Las Vegas, NV. The expo will have experts and businesses in the travel industry, all of which provide a unique product or service not often found in commercial travel companies. There will be conferences where all of your questions will be answered. 

So take a break from your vacation plans and pack a few promotional bags for the Luxury Travel Expo. The tradeshow takes place from December 6-8 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.  

While it seems like just yesterday I was encouraging you all to celebrate fall, it's now almost time to begin to think about winter!  There are dozens of winter conferences, trade shows, and expos to look forward to.  Whether you're looking to exhibit a winter-weather product or shop around at a holiday show, you're sure to find a wintertime event perfect for you.

Are you crazy about winter sports? If so, you won't want to miss out on the St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show.  The annual show, which is approaching its nineteenth year running, boasts that this year's event will "host more exhibits than ever before."  Attendees will get the chance to shop through over 170 exhibits of ice-fishing and winter sports products and services.  Look out for fishing-themed giveaways like custom bobbers and more!  The event will take place December 2 - December 4 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.

For those of you who prefer to feast during the colder months, the Winter Fancy Food Show might be more up your alley.  However, you'll have to wait -- this event does not take place until 2012.  The trade show, which will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California January 15 - January 17, 2012, promises to be worth waiting for.  Over 17,000 attendees join together each year to learn about and sample more than 80,000 custom food products from around the world.  Those who attend will also get the chance to network with almost 20,000 influential individuals in the specialty food industry; stock up on appropriate trade show giveaways now to make a name for yourself!

In some people's minds, the word 'winter' is synonymous with 'holiday season.'  And no holiday is complete without a warm and fuzzy teddy bear!  At the Toronto Christmas Holiday Teddy Bear Show and Sale in Toronto, Ontario, attendees will enjoy a holiday-themed showroom.  Exhibitors will display collectible teddy bears, and attendees will have a chance to purchase a special bear, vote for best exhibitor, and win promotional stuffed animal raffle prizes.  Check it all out on Sunday, November 20! 

There's clearly no one way to enjoy the cold months of December, January and February.  Some people are into extreme winter sports while others just want to cuddle with their favorite teddy bear.  No matter what you're into, there's a trade show for you!  Know of any other stand-out winter trade shows?  Leave a comment!

Brr -- after a mere five seconds outside this morning, I realized it's definitely fall.  From the chilly temperatures to the falling leaves, autumn is making itself more and more evident as the days pass.  There's no better way to celebrate the season than by attending local fall festivals and fairs!

One popular upcoming event that celebrates the season is the Harvest Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m in Brooklyn, New York.  The festival, which is sponsored by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and the Brooklyn Bridge Park, will take place on Pier 6.  According to its Web site, it will feature "a Halloween parade, musical guests, face painting, storytelling, art activities, mask making and pumpkin decorating."  Look for tons of fall giveaways, as well as performances by Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band and the Pop Ups. 

The fair will also offer health screenings and wellness information, so keep an eye out for imprinted health giveaways that will help keep you fit all year long.  Attendees will even have the chance to meet physicians from the University Hospital of Brooklyn at Long Island College Hospital.  What a great opportunity!

There are dozens of other fall festivals across America, as well.  Take a look at iExplore.com's list of The Best Fall Festivals in the US to find an autumn fair near you!

I woke up this morning and for the first time this year felt a crisp autumn air.  What thought instantly popped into my mind? Halloween is coming!

Halloween is undoubtedly one of my favorite holidays.  I personally believe you're never too old to dress up, beg for candy, and let loose.  But no Halloween party would be a success without great Halloween promos!  That's why I am eternally grateful for events like the annual Halloween, Costume & Party Show (HCP).  It's at tradeshows like the HCP that shops and stores stock up on all the costumes, wigs, masks, and decorations that help make Halloween the epic holiday that it is.

According to HCP's Web site, its annual event is "the industry’s longest running show and it’s the only one you need to see the full spectrum of 'Who’s Who' in the Halloween, Party and Special Occasion market."  Merchandisers who are looking to sell their promotional Halloween products are invited to exhibit at show, which will take place March 8 - 11, 2012.  Attendees will also notice other products on display for special occasions such as carnivals, weddings, and more.

Although the trade show is not until next March, you can be sure that all of your favorite items in stores this year were discovered at HCP.  I can't wait to shop around for costumes, decorations and more!  After all, Halloween is only a little more than a month away!

Summer's on its last legs, and that means the holidays are just around the corner! That's why Pepcom, the world leader in technology showcases, is bringing its Holiday Spectacular! 2011 to New York City tomorrow, September 14.  The huge pre-season event is one you won't want to miss.

Long days, warm nights

Pepcom's Holiday Spectacular! is set for tomorrow, September 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  It will be held in New York's Chelsea district at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

What to expect

According to Pepcom's official Web site, Holiday Spectacular! is an "annual holiday preview media event" that showcases items that are sure to be the "hottest sellers of the season."  The products to be displayed will include smartphones, GPS systems, and mp3 players.  Attendees are invited to demo exciting new promotional electronics from big-names such as Energizer, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and many more.

Who's Reporting?

Pepcom's Web site states that over 350 journalists and analysts are expected to attend this year's Holiday Spectacular!  Those attending will see reporters from likes of influential networks and publications like ABC, CNN, O Magazine, and Rolling Stone.  You'll want to bring along some innovative promotional products to stand out to these influential media outlets.

Can I Go?

If you'd like to sign up as an exhibitor for Holiday Spectacular!, fax your form to 561.278.5603.  The event staff will coordinate your logistical details.  The cost to exhibit ranges from $8,000 to $10,000.