Randy Spoor shows off the collection of cuckoo clocks at Timezone Gift. The company also offers unique sweatshirt photo albums and the attractive Hot Spot mugs. Currently, Timezone carries a variety of collegiate licenses, and Spoor says professional league licensing is on the company’s radar screen.

Retailers interested in fashionable, high-end college wear have found a great resource in Tailgate. “We design everything ourselves,” says Chad Mescher. “The vintage look is key to what we do. We’re part of CLC’s College Vault, and really want to grow our collegiate business.”

Private label and custom orders are strengths at Rackhat, which offers upscale, fashion-oriented headwear. The company got its start doing strictly Big 12 product, but has moved into other conferences and works direct with a handful of pro teams. “We’re able to do whatever anyone wants,” says Dirk Schroeder.

The Gentile brothers gather around one of their patented hand-crafted chimineas. Frank (right) says the show has been a positive experience for G Corp. “Our chimineas are aesthetically pleasing and functional,” he reports “We’ve met with a lot of people interested in carrying them and licensing them.”

Magnolia Lane is one many exhibitors at the show new to the sporting goods, sports licensing and tailgate market. “We normally do the gift shows,” says Leigh Anne Mann. The company’s line of hand-painted, ceramic plates and bowls is available in a variety of NFL and college teams.

The oil lamps from Connie Sicotte Designs are among the more intriguing items here in Las Vegas. “We’re a family business,” says Kurt Sicotte. “This is the first time we’ve had NFL product. We also have NFL earrings.”

Jason Baldwin of Vesture came to Las Vegas hoping to clean up—literally. His company’s Track Vac—licensed by NASCAR—is a robotic vacuum cleaner that operates on its own or via remote control. “We’ve had some quality buyers come through during the show,” says Baldwin. “Mostly the bigger guys.”

“For the first show, we’re pleased,” says Scott Warfield about NASCAR’s experience in Las Vegas. “We have about 30 to 40 licensees here. The show not only gives us the opportunity for face-to-face meetings, but we can also continue to grow the business. We’ve had lots of people come by.”

Adrianne D’Antonio watches Andrew Shelton reach for a cold drink in his TrackPack cooler. The company celebrated its industry debut at the show, and got rave reviews. “We had no idea what to expect,” says Shelton. “The response has been great.”

Kevin Tilton of SLP Enterprises is happy with what he’s seen during the show. His company offers professional-grade sunglasses for children. SLP carries models in every MLB team, and Tilton says that other leagues and licensors are knocking down his door to negotiate deals. He came to Las Vegas most interested in gauging retailer reaction to SLP’s shades.

“It has been a fantastic show,” says Jeff Lundquist of Innovative Marketing Consultants. “It has blown away my expectations. Pro team buyers have been out and doing business. Our Sport Beads has been popluar.”

Paula Weaver shows off the wide variety of product available at K & P Weaver. “We do old-time baseball, from uniforms, gloves and balls to decorative accessories,” she says. “We’re also getting into football. We’ve met with retailers of all sizes here in Las Vegas.”

Few booths at the show are as refreshing as Sports Spinners. But then what would you expect from a company that makes colorful wind spinners? According to Taylor Dupree, Sports Spinners is currently licensed by NASCAR and a host of college football teams. “The NFL is the next big step for us,” he adds.

Adrianne D’Antonio watches Andrew Shelton reach for a cold drink in his TrackPack cooler. The company celebrated its industry debut at the show, and got rave reviews. “We had no idea what to expect,” says Shelton. “The response has been great.”

“We’re absolutely pleased,” says Scott McCormack of Picnic Time. “There’s been a real vibrancy to the show. In addition to face-to-face meetings with major retailers, the show has been key for us because we’re looking to launch into the sporting goods market in 2007. We’re definitely coming back next year.”

UNLV Cheerleaders Kaila Evenoff and Rachel Ludwig welcomed buyers on the show’s opening morning.

Courtney Riechert and Bob Tucker show off the Color Shock decals at the CDI Corp. exhibit. Tucker notes that the company carries more than 1,500 schools and boasts 12-piece minimum orders.

Luke Helbing and Joshua Coenen invite buyers to “stand out in the crowd” at Game Bibs. “We have your game, your team, your colors,” says Coenen..

Tris Himmele, the inventor of Sport Binox, models a Florida model from the Helmet Series. His designs include innovative features like an mp3 player, satellite radio and misting system.

Southern rockers Whiskey Falls entertained an SRO crowd at the Ultimate Tailgate Party. With plenty of free beer and food, including Johnsonville Brats, party-goers were well fed, while the music kept them moving and grooving. Whiskey Falls was sponsored by JLS Motorsports and Die-Cast Promotions.

There’s no sleeping on the job for Tom Boone at the busy Sports Coverage booth. The company offers bedding and pillows in a full selection of NFL, NHL and college teams.

Maggie Rothschild is “wigging it” at the Rothschild Worldwide Licensing exhibit. “We do a huge mascot business,” she says. “And we’re the only company to put a headband around our wigs.”

American Tailgaters Association CEO Kevin Joyce is always ready for a party at his booth. The country’s national membership organization for tailgating, ATA has made its presence felt as the sponsor of the Picnic • Tailgate Show. Joyce says his goals are to promote organizational allegiance, brand loyalty and name recognition for ATA’s corporate sponsors and members.

You have to hand it to Alicia Shoenberger and Jackie Pino, who relax in the NFL lounge area with their Fan Fists from Coopersburg Sports.

Two heads are better than one for Cami Chandler and Mark Stanke at the TeamHeads exhibit. “Our mascot hats are original designs,” says Stanke. “TeamHeads are the ultimate way to show your team spirit.”

It should come as no surprise that the World Poker Tour booth is one of the show’s more popular destinations. Daily games of Texas Hold ’Em are just one of the highlights of a visit there. ”

It’s fun in the sun with licensed swimwear at Collegiate Surf & Sport. Product for men and women are part of the company’s “Class of 2006.” Children’s fashions are also available.

The Clever Cleaver are performing every day during the show. Their unique mix of comedy and culinary skills has been a big hit with attendees. “Our first goal is to entertain, says Clinton Billups, the pair’s manager. “But we also want to meet with representatives to discuss appearances, sponsorships and product placement.”

JLS Motorsports unveiled its new entry-level NASCAR model—a Chevy Monte Carlo—on Day 1 at the show. The company is teaming up with Die-Cast Promotions and country-rock superstars Whiskey Falls in a program that will benefit Comic Relief 2006, which this year is raising funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Adam Pennington displays Game Time’s third generation Schedule Watch. According to Pennington, the series has been a big seller for the company—and a popular item at the show. He says crowds at his booth have been three- and four-deep at various times.