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1 S TAT I O N E RY TR E N DS .COM | Tuesday, May 19, 2015 DAY T H R EE STATIONERY TODAY D A Y THE OFFICIAL NATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW ® DAILY 3 NSS creates community, ignites industry ardor By Leigh Jajuga Editor T he resounding sentiment from designers and retailers alike at this year's show was one of rejuvenation. Industry professionals, inspired more than ever by the overflow of creativity and friendly competition, are eager for the sales year ahead. "It's awesome because we're inspired and we inspire each other," said Kathryn Hunter, owner of blackbird letterpress. The energy exhibitors brought with them created an atmosphere of inspiration for buyers and show walkers as well. "(NSS) is a chance to feed off of each other's creativity and collaborate with friends and colleagues. Otherwise, we're so busy we can never have those conversations," said Cat Seto, owner of Ferme à Papier. "The collective efforts of our exhibitors this year have manifested themselves into something truly special," said Patti Stracher, NSS show director. "They have really worked with us to elevate NSS into this wonderful alternate reality for attendees, where the products are living and breathing all around them as they walk through the show." Many exhibitors shared their excitement to not only be a part of the show, but also connect. "It's always been a time for face-to-face with our community," Seto said. Exhibitors have not only been long awaiting this year's NSS for the chance to network with new people and connect with old friends, but it gave them a chance to look at their work, and frame it in a bigger picture. "It's the first time we get to see everything in one cohesive place, and what's working with our line and what needs to change," Hunter said. Forming these connections with product and with each other is what NSS is all about — and why exhibitors and buyers return to the show year after year. "I'm loving the conversations I'm hearing throughout the show, because it reiterates the timelessness and value of making it personal, whether it's through paper, gifts or lifestyle products," Stracher said. "More importantly, it reminds us that NSS is not just a marketplace, it's a forum for discussion, a creative hub for collaboration, and that keeps us all connected and the industry vibrant. " SHOW HOURS Tuesday, May 19 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. TODAY'S SEMINARS Show Floor 2900 aisle Your Perfect Social Media Fit 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Blogging for Business 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. FULL SCHEDULE ON PAGE 12 TODAY at a glance Entrance to NSS' busy show floor. Photos by Leigh Jajuga