March 1, 2020: We join with everyone in our concern with the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and any potential effect it may have on the 2020 Expo should the outbreak continue in to the summer months.

The information and predictions on the lifespan, spread and treatment of this virus, as well as the results of containment efforts are continuously changing and our first commitment it to insure the health and safety of our exhibitors and attendees. As such, we will continually monitor the situation as it develops and we are actively monitoring the outbreak via reputable channels including local and national authorities, public health information outlets, the CDC and the WHO with regard to any effect it may have on Christmas Expo in July.

At this time, Christmas Expo remains scheduled for July 16-18, 2020 with pre-show workshops July 13-15, 2020.

We understand though that there may be concerns about registering as an attendee or vendor for Christmas Expo and what may happen if Expo would need to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Please note the following:

• Attendee Registrations: If an official Public Health Emergency is declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the time of Christmas Expo, we will refund in full any Expo attendee and/or workshop registration fees that have been paid in advance to ProShow/Christmas Expo. Alternatively, at the full choice of the attendee, we can apply the registration fees to the next Expo.
• Vendor Registrations: If an official Public Health Emergency is declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the time of Christmas Expo, we will refund in full any Expo vendor registration booth deposit or payment made to ProShow/Christmas Expo that have been paid in advance. Alternatively, at the full choice of the vendor, we can apply the vendor fee towards the next Expo.
• Hotel Reservations: We have confirmed with The Tuscany Suites, Las Vegas that full refunds will be issued on individual attendee’s hotel reservations that are cancelled up to seventy-two (72) hours prior to scheduled arrival date.

As a general practice, we urge everyone in our decorating family and beyond to adopt protective practices against this and other viruses — including the flu — in their daily lives as we continue to monitor this situation over the next few months. We offer the following sources for information:

• Follow guidelines and protocols suggested by the WHO at www.who.int, as well as local/national public health authorities who are working to contain further spread of the virus.
• Learn more about prevention information on the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

We pray that each of you stays safe and healthy and we hope this virus is eradicated soon and we are able to see everyone in July.

Joyce and Janice

*Please watch this page for updates

Make-It/Take-It

Junior elves are invited to visit Rudolph’s Craft Corner at Christmas Expo 2019 at the Plaza Resort & Spa Conference Center in Daytona Beach, FL. The Craft Corner will be open on Saturday, July 20 from 10am – 3pm and elves can stop in to make a project to take home with them. Projects include ornaments, jewelry, decorations, even friendship bracelets! Coloring will also be available. All elves must be accompanied by an adult. Say hi to Elf Holly when you arrive!

Christmas Expo is July 18-20, 2019.

This full-day workshop is taught by a successful, independent installation company owner. Carrie Hazelip is the co-owner of Mistletoe and Ivy. She is a mother of three and a full time business woman. In 2008, Carrie left a lucrative position to join her husband’s lawn mowing business, Emerald City. With the help and business expertise of Carrie, Emerald City grew into a thriving landscape company and spawned Mistletoe and Ivy, a year round lighting and decorating company. www.emeraldcitylawn.com.

This workshop is directed to independent installers and will cover:

• Estimating: Learn how to estimate from start to finish to make a profit. Learn how to casually upsell products for more profit.
• Installation and Maintenance: In this class, you’ll learn proper installation techniques to ensure less maintenance. We’ll cover the factors to help you decide specifically what maintenance means to your company.
• Materials and Products: This class will help you understand the differences between commercial grade lights vs. big box store, LED vs. incandescent and why you need to choose carefully before ever talking to your first customer.
• How to Make It a Year-Round Business: The business of hanging Christmas lights is lucrative for a few months out of the year, but what do you do with your employees the other 9 months? We’ll discuss options and ideas to diversify your business and keep your employees busy all year long.
• Open Discussion: A true open discussion session, you can pick a Pro’s brain with all your questions, and also share your ideas and what works for you with other attendees. Student participation in the question/answer session is encouraged.

The workshop is Friday, July 19, 2019 at Christmas Expo in Daytona Beach, FL. Attendees may register for Friday only, or may purchase a multi-day pass to attend additional decorating classes.

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Judy Pancoast, will be performing at Christmas Expo in Daytona Beach. Judy is known for her infectious Christmas hit, “The House on Christmas Street” which can be heard each Christmas season on radio stations across the country. In addition, houses all over the world feature the song in their animated lighting shows. Judy will be debuting a brand new Christmas song at the Expo.

Christmas Expo is July 18-20, 2019 in Daytona Beach, FL. We couldn’t be more excited!

Join us for Dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack on the Daytona Beach Pier

We’ve reserved the entire top deck at the flagship Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant on the Daytona Beach pier for a fun Christmas Expo event. You’ll enjoy a buffet-style dinner* and dessert, music, a cash bar and an opportunity to relax, network and get your Ho-Ho-Ho on! And it’s all included in your Conference Pass registration. Huge thanks to our Daytona Beach partners for joining with us to bring this merry and bright evening to you.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Special guest appearance by beloved singer, Judy Pancoast! Judy is the singer/songwriter behind The House on Christmas Street and will be debuting a brand new song!

• A Conference Pass is required for admission
• Vendors receive 1 pass per booth purchased
• Pre-Show or Specialty workshop tickets do not include a dinner pass
• Tickets will be available for spouses/partners of pass holders. Pricing information will be posted when available.
• Must be 16 or older to attend

Christmas Expo is the original international conference dedicated to do-it-yourself home decorators, lighting installers and commercial businesses. We know Christmas!

The Plaza Resort & Spa Conference Center
600 North Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Hotel Reservations

Please contact The Plaza Resort & Spa for room availability at 844-284-2685

The Plaza Resort & Spa Conference Center

All rooms are plus a $22/night resort fee. Resort fee includes:

• Free valet or garage parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Local and 800 phone calls
• Access to the in-house fitness and business centers
• Swimming pool, lawn games, pool toys, bicycles, pool/beach towels and chairs and daily newspaper Monday through Friday
• $12 beverage credit and 2 free bottles of water in the room
• Includes the first hour of water sports rental equipment fee during your stay

Hotel Amenities:

• Beachfront (traffic free)
• Full service European spa, hair and nail salon
  • Christmas Expo hotel guests receive 10% off spa services
• Staffed convenience market
• Valet or garage parking
• Fitness Center
• Business Center
• Outdoor pool and pool games
• Watersport equipment rentals
• Poolside Bar and Grill
• Lobby Bar
• In-house restaurant
• Organized activities
• Short walk to the Boardwalk and Daytona Beach Pier
• 15 minutes from Daytona Beach International Airport
• 1 hr and 13 minutes from Orlando International Airport

The Plaza Resort & Spa Conference Center
600 North Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118
866-500-5630

These cookies were featured in our “Straight from Mrs. Claus’ Recipe Box” class

Pecan Pie Cookies have a thin flaky crust with a layer of the amazing, nutty, caramel-y pecan pie filling we love so much! These are the perfect cookies for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 prepared single pie crust (homemade or purchased)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup pecans chopped
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• OPTIONAL: 1/4 cup semi sweet or milk chocolate chip for decorating

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Combine butter, pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt and eggs. While constantly stirring, cook on the stove-top over medium-low heat just until thickened. (You don’t want it dry, just slightly thickened, about the consistency of pudding). Remove from heat and set aside.
• Unroll dough and using a 3″ cookie cutter, cut out circles. Gently fold about 1/8-1/4″ up on the edges.
• Spoon 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture into each circle.
• Place on a parchment lined pan (it’s important to line it) and bake 8 minutes or until filling is just set. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
• OPTIONAL:  Place chocolate chips in a small Ziploc bag. Microwave about 15 seconds or until mostly melted. Snip off a tiny corner of the baggie and drizzle chocolate over the cookies. Cool until set.

Chef Joe Patrick, Eat Cake Productions
Dallas, TX