Dallas Market Center, the world's most complete wholesale marketplace, announced a call last month for entries for its national product search contest -- The Next Big Thing. Three finalists will show their products in front of more than 50,000 attendees during the upcoming Dallas Total Home & Gift Market being held June 23-29, 2010.

The contest is for anyone who has The Next Big Thing -- an artist, product designer, entrepreneur or your next-door neighbor. It offers the opportunity for those with great ideas to make their dream a reality.

"The Next Big Thing is the chance for creative individuals to have their new product shown to retail buyers from throughout the country," said Bill Winsor, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center. "We look forward to another impressive group of entries and seeing the finalists at Market."

The contest allows up-and-comers, whether companies or individuals, to show their product(s) in front of domestic and international retail buyers at Dallas Market Center. The Next Big Thing could be the newest gadget, perfect gift or must-have fashion accessory. This is an opportunity to get your product out in the market.

The finished product should be unique with an outstanding design and concept. Applications can be downloaded at www.dallasmarketcenter.com by clicking on The Next Big Thing. Entries should be submitted via e-mail to thenextbigthing@dmcmail.com or mailed to The Next Big Thing; c/o Dallas Market Center; 2100 Stemmons Freeway, MS 120; Dallas, Texas 75207 by
March 26, 2010.

Three finalists will be selected by a panel of industry experts as well as Dallas Market Center representatives and announced on April 12, 2010. The finalists will receive airfare and hotel for the upcoming Dallas Total Home & Gift Market FINDS Temp Show (June 25-28, 2010) to show their product in a complimentary exhibit space.

Judges from consumer and trade publications will help select the winner based on the finalists' product, trade space presentation and production plan. In addition, the public will have the chance to text to vote to show their support for their favorite product. The winner will be announced on Saturday, June 26, 2010, and will receive a prize package worth more than $15,000, including a new $5,000 cash prize, exhibit space at the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, Jan. 19-25, 2011, a profile in one of DMC's custom publications, consultations from leading industry experts regarding branding, public relations, visual merchandising and much more.

Past winners of The Next Big Thing are Donna Potter, founder of Freedom Gates, and Renee Williams, founder of SIPATINIZ. For additional information on the contest, visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com and click on The Next Big Thing or e-mail thenextbigthing@dmcmail.com.