Check out this endorsement!

Can't help but to share this!

"The last time I went to California, Ronny Regan was president so you know it's got to be something pretty special to get this redneck out of the south and out to San Jose. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Debbie and crew put together for us in 2012. All the planning and effort I've seen so far are pointing towards an excellent show!

As a vendor with a mainly eastern US customer base, I'm really looking forward to introducing our products to a new group of customers who aren't able to make the trek across the country for the conventions over this way.

See everyone in San Jose!"

Eric Rion
Willa's Shortbread

There is still room for Instructors and Experts

We've invited almost every single instructor and expert in the gift basket industry to be a part of our convention.  Most have responded, some have not but we always want you all to know that you are welcomed.  Just contact one of the executive team members and we will find a place for you.  We want our attendees to have access to all of the industry's greatest so step up and join us.  It's GREAT for the industry!

A little emotional today!

I know it sounds corny, but today is a bit of an emotional day for all of us.  We've put so much work into forming the 2012 convention in a way that it satisfies the needs of everyone.  The fact that its already time to start selling tickets is just amazing.  I have to share with you that we have spent hours and hours talking to gift basket professionals, vendors and business experts to make sure we bring you FRESH and NEW content.  I want our convention to be one that you walk away from so motivating to get started that you can barely stand it.  And while you're with us, I want you to feel invited, supported and motivated throughout.

I welcome your feedback, your partnership and collaboration so please - don't hesitate to email me at debbie@debbiequintana.com. 

It's getting closer and I'm getting more nervous!

Yes!  I'm talking about May 1st at 8am.  I'm really excited for Sunday...it seems like it was so long ago that we set May 1st as our official launch day and its just a few days away.  Where does the time go?

Today, we revamped the front page of the website so its extra clear what we have to offer in terms of education and some fun, too.  I spent many years on the road traveling in a prior career and I know that having some fun, good food and friends is always appreciated.

Hope to see your sign up come through on Sunday!

What happens in 6 days?

It was last year when we started planning for the convention and we kept saying, "we have two years to make this perfect!" and a year has already gone by.  While you may think this isn't until next July of 2012...you, too, will be surprised to see how fast the year will fly. 

In 6 days, we open registration for the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention and I will tell you with every heartfelt genuine bone in my body that it is going to be a convention you don't want to miss.  We have spent a long time putting the details together and will continue to make it even better between how and next year.

I hope you'll register this Sunday.  It's $50 deposit and then take 10 months to pay.  It's that simple and easy.

You can already see the vendors that have committed to attending the tradeshow.  They are supporting us by purchasing a booth and showcasing their products among other things.

Questions?  Just call any of us on the executive committee.

A GREAT Testimonial Just In!

We will be supporting the 2012 NGBC because of the exciting new and creative events that will be taking place at the convention. In this day and age, every dollar a business spends has to bring a strong return. I wholeheartedly believe this convention will be at a gold standard level that will surpass attendees expectations … and it will get bigger every year as word spreads about its professional level of classes, resources and the excitement that it brings to the industry.

I recently met Debbie Quintana and immediately sensed her strong skill set, motivation and passion for creating something grand for the gift basket business. Her honest and personable desire to assist others shines through and what perfect way to share that but through a convention? As I continue to talk with her about the plans already in the works, I’m ready to jump on the plane and leave now. It will be a fabulous convention not to be missed!

- Sue Monhait, The Ribbon Print Company

New Toll Free Number!

Use our new toll free number if you have questions.  Just call us at (877) 491-8729!

It's a YEAR+ away so let's get to know each other!

We're excited to announce today the creation of a discussion forum with the intention of getting the attendees to connect and know each other over the next year.  We'll also be able to answer your questions, and learn more about your expectations.

Check it out here

Meet a NEW Supplier - Big Steer!

I know they've been in the industry for a long time but for some reason, I never meet them!  Today, I had a wonderful conversation with Sally at Big Steer.  In addition to personally using her products, she's going to do some custom work for a few vendors I'm consulting for - but better yet, she's VERY interested in attending the 2012 NGBC.  I hope you'll encourage them to join us!

Scandleous Candles joins the 2012 NGBC!

You're going to love Anita from Scandleous...she's got an amazing line of candles and does private labeling - perfect for your company label or your customers.  Wait until you meet her!  She'll be at the 2012 NGBC!

Too Good Gourmet Takes the Second Executive Sponsor Spot!

 
We're thrilled to announce that Too Good Gourmet of San Leandro, California has agreed to be a part of the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention!  More to come....

Rogers Family Coffee Company to Sponsor a Coffee Talk Session!

We're working with Rogers Family Coffee Company to sponsor a Coffee Talk session!  This mean you'll get to taste their coffee that morning and get a sample.  More to come!

And the surprises start NOW....

We created our event invitation on Facebook and the first 10 people to say they are attending are the proud recipients of VIP seating at The Cabaret and a special gift at their seat! 

Congratulations to:

Sherry Allen
Joyce Arrieta
Dana Calhoun
Valerie Carroll
Carmen Chong
Paul Fields
Kathy Lippman
Shannon Martin
Janet Redding
Shawn Parola

The Survey Says!

I spend some time this evening reviewing the initial survey we did last year.  We had record high responses and feedback that was very straightforward.  I wanted to compare the feedback with what we've created to make sure we stayed on point.   Here is some of the feedback we received and our final result.

55% said they wanted to be able to choose their own classes.  An additional 28% said they'd like to have some independent classes with time when everyone is together.  You asked for the ability to separate basic from advanced design.

We have the ability for you to choose the classes you want to take.  Once we receive you class selections, our Education Management System will automatically generate your individual schedule.  We'll have that ready in your welcome pack you'll receive when you check in at the Marriott.  Then the Morning Huddle and Lunch and Learn is when we'll all be together and have that group energy that we all love so much!  Last, we have a basic design class, an embellishment class and a high end/low end advanced class.

84% said they wanted to have networking time to be able to mingle with other gift basket company owners but with a good balance of rest, social and professional learning time.

This has been a overwhelming task - creating a schedule that accommodates a good balance of all of the above.  I believe we've done it!  We have a great schedule (click on schedule above) that makes sure everyone gets time to do what they want to do.  And the fact that the hotel rooms are so close to the area we'll be meeting in, is really perfect.  You can return items to your room easily, take a quick rest - whatever you want to do.

...more to come.

And the honorees, are.....A SECRET!

 At the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention, we'll be honoring several industry experts that have demonstrated excellence in their careers within the industry.  But who are they?  You'll have to wait to see!  Buy your tickets to The Cabaret and be a part of this monumental event as we awards the design competition winners, pay respect to the honorees and do our final raffle - all while we're enjoying a fabulous dinner!

Vendors are lining up!

I'm thrilled to see the amount of vendor support we're getting before registration opens.  I can't drop any names yet but you know who you are and I'm so grateful.  We already have 15+ committed to attending and its over a year away!  Of course, they're trying to get me to reserve their booth number before registration but sorry guys, I can't be bought!  Just kiddin', kinda.  You'll have to register but here's a hint - download and fill out the registration form ahead of time and then fax it into 408-448-1516 on the 8th.  If you aren't going to be in the office on the 8th, you can fax it in on the 6th but I'll have to hold it! All is fair!

The Countdown Continues! Registration Fax Forms are Now Available!

We're just 26 days away from the opening of registration for Vendors and Attendees for the 2012 National Gift Basket Convention.  If you're a vendor or attendee and prefer to fax in your registration form, you can download it now and get it ready to fax on May 1, 2011 no earlier than 8:00 a.m. PST. 

Vendor Fax Form: Download it here.

Attendee Fax Form:  Download it here.

The Prize Wheel Has Arrived!

We're adding a bit of an extra touch to the convention next year!  If you spend $250 at the tradeshow, not only will get you an extra few raffle tickets, but you'll get to spin our prize wheel!  It's got prize bags from many of our vendors, books, magazines and even $100 cash!  You just never know what you might win.