New Management Appointed To Run Atlantique City Show

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.

:To adapt to the demands of a changing marketplace and to implement an increased emphasis on personal interaction with exhibitors, Atlantique City's parent company, F+W Publications, has appointed a new team to produce and manage the semiannual antiques megafair.

The 20-year-old show held at the Atlantic City Convention Center is now being produced by Eric Bradley, formerly the full-time associate editor of Antique Trader, and managed by Mary Ann Torres, who has been a key member of the show's staff for eight years. The show's former producer, Mark Moran, will now concentrate on his roles as editor of Antique Review and contributing editor of Antique Trader.

A devoted collector and student of antiques, Bradley brings important qualities to his new position: vigor, a calm, sensible demeanor in pressured situations, and a drive to succeed.

"During the next few months, Mary Ann and I intend to meet with dealers all across the country in an effort to strengthen the Atlantique City exhibitor roster," he said. "We'll be traveling to shows from Massachusetts to Oregon, and when we're not traveling, we'll be working on an improved advertising schedule and lining up exciting events and programs for the October show. We want to make our 20th Anniversary something special and to get the show on solid footing for the years to come."

Torres, who has moved up from assistant manager to show manager, will oversee event strategies and alert dealers to advertising opportunities arising as part of Atlantique City's ongoing media campaign. Torres said she believes the show's future looks "very positive," and that she was "extremely pleased with the attendance at the spring show, which was up about 35 percent over last October."

She expressed gratitude for the encouragement she has received from show exhibitors over the last few months. "I've been overwhelmed by their support and want to thank them for backing me as their new manager."

Both Torres and Bradley plan to make themselves accessible to exhibitors, to attend to any problems or special requests associated with selling at the show. While Torres already has a proven track record with dealers, Bradley said his first order of business at the October 14-15 edition of Atlantique City will be to visit each booth and personally introduce himself.

For information on the Atlantique City show: Eric Bradley, 800-726-9966, extension 331, or Mary Ann Torres, 800-526-2724, or www.atlantiquecity.com.