Great Lakes Gift Show to host industry professional and retail expert Bob Negen

Great Lakes Promotions is set to launch its second Great Lakes Gift Show on March 3-5, 2026, at the Kalamazoo Convention Center located in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The show has grown nationally, and due to increased awareness and a large exhibitor waiting list, the shows owner’s and promoter Eric and Carmela Howard have added additional floor space giving the show a total of 175 exhibitor booths filled with artisans, first-time exhibitors, manufacturer reps and wholesalers showcasing local, regional and national brands and gift lines under one roof. Some of the few products on hand will include: apparel, bath and body, books and publications, cards and stationary, garden , gifts, holiday, home décor, jewelry, made in USA, resort, seasonal, souvenir and novelty, toys and much more.

On March 4, Bob Negen, co-founder of Whizbang! Retail Training, will have two one-hour seminars in the afternoon which will be free to attend for the buyers and guests. Negen is a passionate champion of independent retail. A retailer himself for 19 years, Negen turned his single kite store into an award-winning multi-million-dollar toy store chain. Now, he uses his four decades of retail experience to help store owners and managers learn the business skills they need to compete in today’s hyper-competitive retail world.

To sign up to attend, visit greatlakesgiftshow.com.