"Everyone in the home furnishings industry knows that the High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina is the furniture capital of the world," says Larry Karel, founder of Karel Exposition Management (KEM). "Industry buyers from department stores furniture chains and independent stores make the yearly pilgrimage to stock their stores. For smaller companies, though, travel and showroom costs can be prohibitive. That's why we are bringing another furniture show to The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, May 1-2, 2011."
Karel noted that this is great news for distributors and manufactures as there’s no costly permanent showroom to maintain. It’s great news for buyers and designers since the show comes to them.
With two months to go, KEM reported that requests for exhibit space and attendance at the first “Texas Furniture and Accessory Market” is exceeding estimates and that he expects the space to be sold out by shortly.
The show, one of the first events in this new facility, will feature over 300 spaces of merchandise and is expected to attract attendees from the across the state.
“We have been getting a lot of requests from some of the major companies in the region,” added Karel.
Some of the confirmed exhibitors to date are Ashley Furniture, PFC Dist./Crownmark, Inc., Coaster Company, Steve Silver, Sealy Mattress, Bedroom Distributor, Corsicana Bedding and Acme Furniture Distributors.
The Texas Furniture and Accessory Market is the first temporary type event of its kind that is not connected to a Merchandise Mart.
“There was a void in the region and we felt the time was right for a show in the huge state of Texas,” Karel stated.
Karel and his team are optimistic about the economy. “The durable goods figures just came out and long lasting products such as furniture and appliances are up. We feel that the recession is starting to recover, the housing market is starting to get some momentum and stores will be restocking again,” he said.
Karel Exposition Management (KEM), is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory trade shows, known for showcasing an exceptional roster of manufacturers, vendors and suppliers since 1952.The company provides cost-effective venues for exhibitors and buyers to conduct business.
Don’t look for lavish parties or trendy seminars. These are no-frills shows. At the end of the day, the show managers turn out the lights and everyone leaves for the night.
As with all of his shows, Karel adheres to his company’s successful credo, “For less than a tank of gas, you can shop the market and return home the same day. No costly airfare, hotel room, food or car rental as would be the case if you had to travel to a market far from home.”
“Texas Furniture and Accessory Market” is open to buyers, interior designers and specialty stores from the furniture industry. Attendees will see and meet new sources exhibiting furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories.
WHAT: TEXAS FURNITURE AND ACCESSORY MARKET
WHERE: The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, Texas
WHEN: Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 2, 2011
TIME: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
INFO: 305 792-9990
Admittance to the “Texas Furniture and Accessory Market” is complimentary. However, attendees must have two forms of proper business identification showing that they are in the home furnishings industry.
No person under the age of 13 will be admitted.
NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.