2021/07/07 16:09:15
Upcoming Furniture Fairs 2021: Top 10 Exhibitions to Attend
Source: https://pixabay.com/
Trade shows have been part of the business world for years. They are the best places where people from the same industry meet, share ideas, and create partnerships that take their businesses to a new level. Every year, thousands of furniture fairs are held worldwide, with places like Las Vegas hosting a majority of them. The trade shows draw in people of all walks of life from every corner of the globe who come in with their products to showcase and sell. 2021 has seen a lot of challenges in the form of the pandemic, but it is still promising to be the best trade show year yet.
We are going to look at the best upcoming exhibitions to attend in 2021, the reasons why you should attend, how to prepare for one, and the factors to keep in mind when making that all-important decision to be part of a trade show for the first time. So stick around to the end and learn a few tips that may transform your business for the better.
Why You Should Attend a Furniture Trade Show
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Attending a show has varied benefits both for the exhibitor and the visitor. On top of getting to interact with new business cultures, the experience people get from attending just one trade show usually ends up opening their eyes to new possibilities. The following are some of the benefits one can accrue from trade shows.
For Visitors
● You get to see comprehensive products up close and get into detail by asking questions from the brands behind them. Having first-hand access to the products gives you the opportunity to assess the products for their quality on your own.
● You get the exclusive chance to witness diversified brands all under one roof. In some trade shows, it is common to have thousands of vendors, each with a unique set of products, and this is the kind of diversity that brings value to a visitor.
● Trade shows are always full of exciting activities that are fun to take part in—these range from design activities, forums, product launches, among many others. Being there gives you a chance to witness new trends coming up right before your eyes.
● There are a lot of products and services up for sale in trade shows, most of them at subsidized rates. Trade shows, therefore, are the best places to get high-quality new products for affordable prices, a chance that should not be passed over.
● It is an excellent excuse to go sightseeing since trade shows are usually held in some of the most beautiful cities in the world that are full of tourist attractions. You can always combine your trade show trip with a vacation, killing two birds with one stone.
For Exhibitors
● Trade shows are the perfect places to launch new products since the attention of the entire industry is usually focused on the event. This is the palace where potential customers and investors lurk in large numbers. The likelihood of your business taking off is much higher when attending a trade show.
● You get a clear picture of what your competitors are up to and the things you can do to counter them. Being exposed to new trends and products can give a roadmap of the things you need to change on your end to be better.
● There's worldwide attendance in most trade shows. People from across the globe just to see the products and services you are offering. This is the perfect opportunity to expand the reach of your business beyond your locality to other corners of the world.
● You also get free global promotion. Most trade shows get into partnerships with some of the largest media companies in the world. These companies ensure that every exhibitor on the floor gets some advertising time on the big screen, and this is broadcasted to millions of people in the world. You never know who may be watching, and you could end up receiving a lot of inquiries at the end of it.
● You get the chance to speak directly to your customers. This helps you understand their needs better so that you can further refine the products and services you are dealing with for the benefit of all involved.
Top 10 Furniture Fairs in 2021
2021 is full of trade shows that are slated to happen throughout the entire year, some have already gone down to much success, and there are more on the pipeline. To help you nail down the details, the following are the top furniture fairs to attend in 2021.
International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF)
Source: https://icff.com/
Date: November 14-15
Venue: Javits Center NYC
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair has been one of the leading trade shows for furniture exhibitors for many years now. Held at the iconic Javits Center in New York City, the ICFF usually plays host to hundreds of exhibitors from over 36 countries. They flock in in numbers to showcase all their latest designs and products for the world to see. It is considered to be one of North America’s largest furniture trade shows, and the fact that the top furniture brands and designers from across the globe never miss it is all the proof you need to know how big it is.
The Javits Center sits on over 7 million square feet of space, which is more than enough space to accommodate any number of exhibitors, no matter how big their products may be. The trade show is managed by Emerald, a company involved in organizing B2B trade shows in the United States and beyond. Some of the product categories that will be on display this November include furniture, lighting, seating, outdoor furniture, wall decors, among many other products and services. There are COVID-19 protocols in place to protect attendees.
Salone del Mobile. Milano
Source: https://www.salonemilano.it/en
Date: September 5-10
Venue: Federlegno Arredo Eventi Spa, Milan
Salone del Mobile. Milano is one of the largest furniture fairs in Europe that was established in 1961. For all these years, the event has played host to thousands of furniture exhibitors from across the globe religiously without fail, save for the recent pandemic that had to force things to go offline for a while. The 2021 event slated for the capital of Italy already promises to be a big event for the lucky exhibitors who are slated to showcase their wares this coming September.
The event is usually split into three main categories explained briefly below.
● Classic: This category draws its inspiration from the traditional values that have been used to make furniture for years. It showcases the craftsmanship and the skills that artisans have been using over the years and passing it down to future generations. All the furniture that’s showcased in this category tends to have that classic touch to them.
● Design: This is a category that focuses solely on the design aspect of furniture. It pays attention to the functionality, shape and size, and the innovations that go into making furniture comfortable and stylish at the same time.
● xLux: This is a category that focuses on luxury furniture, the type that is only found in specific places and can be owned by a select few. The main focus here is the use of technology and quality to bring out the luxurious side of furniture.
All the details on the event can be found on their website, and this includes the list of exhibitors, the opening times, the ticket prices, and the registration procedures.
Light Fair
Source: https://www.lightfair.com/
Date: October 27 - 29
Venue: Javits Center, New York
LightFair is the leading trade show that focuses on lighting technology and interior decor for houses. It has been held for many years in the city of New York, and this year’s event will be held at the Javits Center in the last week of October. The event is owned and managed by the International Association of Lighting Designers, and that should tell you everything you need to know about the nature of the event. There are over 550 lighting companies that are expected to make landfall this year, which is an impressive number. Fortunately, the Javits Center has more than enough space to accommodate all these numbers, including the thousands of visitors that will stream in.
Attendees are assured of being treated to some of the best lighting technologies that have been developed so far, with the chance to even buy some of the unique products and take them back home. They will also get educated on the new technologies and how to properly make use of them. For the exhibitors, you are assured of having the best exposure for your brand, and at the same time, you will get the chance to meet investors who may end up expanding your reach in the industry.
Boston Design Week
Source: https://www.bostondesignweek.com/
Date: April 28 - May 9
Venue: Boston
Boston Design Week is one of the longest furniture fairs held every year in the city of Boston that brings together builders, architects, interior designers and other vendors related to the furniture industry. Some of the products and services that are showcased at the Boston Design Week include landscape architecture, outdoor furniture, urban planning, interior design, and handmade designs that are used in the day-to-day life of the people.
The main reason why Boston Design Week was created in the first place was to spread public awareness to the people so they would understand all the aspects of design on a more personal level to make it easy for them to make choices that are in line with their needs. By teaching people what goes on behind the scenes in interior design, they are able to appreciate the work and dedication that goes into it. The event is funded and managed by the Fusco & Four Ventures, which works in conjunction with some media companies that ensure all the exhibitors receive exposure for their brands.
Maison&Objet
Source: https://www.maison-objet.com/en/paris-design-week
Date: September 9 - 13
Venue: Paris, France
Maison&Objet is the ultimate decoration trade show that brings all the people involved in interior design and home decor. The event is huge as it sees over 80,000 visitors over the course of the five days it plays out, with another 3000 exhibitors showcasing their unique products to the world. The event has been around for years and a centerpiece of the Parisian furniture sector, and plays host to the biggest names in the furniture world. It also holds the distinction of having won several international awards like the Retail Lab award, the Rising Talent Ward and the Designer of the Year awards for all its efforts at providing a platform for some of the emerging furniture designers in the world.
On top of all the amazing displays of talent, Maison&Objet also provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about interior design and, at the same time, a chance for them to get their hands on exciting new innovations at low prices before they finally hit the market. For those planning to attend the event and check out the website for registration and other reservations.
Manchester Furniture Show
Source: https://manchesterfurnitureshow.com/
Date: July 18 - 20
Venue: Manchester, United Kingdom
Manchester Furniture Show is one of the biggest trade shows in the world that’s held every summer in the city of Manchester. It plays host to some of the biggest players in the furniture industry. Over 100 suppliers usually come flooding into Manchester to showcase all their latest designs to the attendees and the rest of the world. The trade show has been held for many years now and save for the pandemic scare last year where it had to be out off for a while, this year’s edition is coming back stronger than ever before, and there are a lot of new and exciting things lined up for those that will be lucky enough to attend.
The exhibitor list for this year’s event is full of well-known names in the furniture circles in the UK, ranging from the likes of B4 Living Spa, Arya Designs, Alfrank Designs, among many others. Owing to the volatile state of affairs as far as COVID-19 is concerned, there are some protocols that those who wish to attend as visitors or exhibitors have to adhere to.
● Every individual wishing to be part of the Manchester Furniture Show must be vaccinated with both shots if they are 11 years and above. This has to be backed by a certificate that shows proof of the vaccination.
● Every attendee has to show proof of a negative NHS lateral flow test within 48hrs of landing in the United Kingdom. All these forms can be assessed from the NHS website for free.
Downtown Design Fair
Source: https://www.downtowndesign.com/
Date: November 8 - 12
Venue: Dubai, UAE
Dubai is known the world over for being one of the most famous attraction sites for business people looking to expand their horizons. The Downtown Design Fair will be held in the second week of November, and it is a meeting point for all stakeholders in the furniture industry worldwide. From furniture designers, manufacturers, artisans, and suppliers. It is the one place that any serious furniture enthusiast has to be part of if they are looking to go back home with something unique.
The entire event is funded by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Downtown Design Fair is the perfect place for creative artists who are involved in furniture and interior design to showcase their talent to the world in the hope that an investor sees that potential and bankrolls it, something that happens all the time. The exact venue of the event is in the famous Dubai Design District and is backed by a number of big brand names and media companies that ensure every exhibitor gets their chance in the limelight.
Design Shanghai
Source: https://www.designshanghai.com/welcome
Date: June 9 - 12
Venue: Shanghai
Design Shanghai is dubbed as one of the biggest furniture fairs in Asia, and when you look at the number of attendees and the caliber of exhibitors, you will quickly understand why that’s the case. The event is a melting pot where people from around the world come in huge numbers to witness the launch of new and innovative trends in the furniture world as well as interact with some of their favorite brands. Everything you would want is available under one roof, from traditional furniture, contemporary styles: luxury offerings and so many more.
The last edition attracted over 80,000 visitors per four days, and they spent that time meeting and talking with all kinds of exhibitors, learning more about the processes that take place behind the scenes to bring the furniture they use every day to live. In line with the prevailing conditions, visitors who choose to attend the event will have to conform to social distancing rules on top of being vaccinated. The event will also be transformed online for those that may not get the chance to attend it physically, so they don’t feel left out.
NeoCon
Source: https://neocon.com/
Date: October 4 - 6
Venue: Chicago, USA
NeoCon is among the pioneer events of furniture fairs in the world and has been active since 1969. For the years it has been operational, the event has served many exhibitors and attendees who frequent it every year to showcase and check out all the latest innovations in the furniture industry. It brings together all kinds of people from a diverse furniture world from furniture manufactures, flooring and interior designers, furniture technology, among many others.
The event provides exhibitors with the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to a wide audience who interact with them on a personal level. This also gives the attendees the opportunity to learn more about the furniture trends of the future, and for the lucky ones, they can also get their hands on some of the newest designs on the market ahead of the rest of the people at an affordable price.
The 2021 event will be held over two days, with the gates opening every day at 8:00 AM and closing at 5:00 PM. That’s more than enough time for exhibitors to set up their booths and display the best of the products and services as the attendees stream in all day.
Canadian Furniture Show
Source: http://www.canadianfurnitureshow.com/
Date: May 22 - 24
Venue: Ontario, Canada
The Canadian Furniture Show is another famous North American furniture fair that has been around for years, serving a diverse range of furniture players from around the world. Owned by the Quebec Furniture Manufacturer’s Association, the event is the meeting palace for retailers, designers, importers, and suppliers who are brought under one roof for the convenience of the thousands of attendees who frequent the event every year.
The event this year will be held in the last week of May for two days, and all types of furniture will be on show for all and sundry to come and see. Attendees will get the chance to buy what tickles their fancy at lower prices ahead of the rest of the world. The event will also be crawling with investors looking to bank on the next big thing, so if you are an exhibitor, make sure you come out all guns blazing if you want to leave an impression on the people.
Pandemic regulations have to be adhered to for the event, and only vaccinated people will be allowed entry as part of the measures to curb the spread of the disease. Thereof make sure you have all your proof in order if you want to be part of this exciting event.
How to Attend Furniture Expo
Source: https://unsplash.com/
Having figured out where the best furniture action will be this year, it is now time to start planning your attendance, either as a visitor or an exhibitor. One thing about trade shows, they require meticulous planning for success to be assured. There are some essential factors you have to take care of in advance, and they include the following.
For the Exhibitor
● Research the Trade Show: You simply don’t attend any trade show that pops up because everybody's doing it; it must serve your needs in the first place. The best way to figure out if the furniture show you plan to attend is good for you is by conducting exhaustive background research on the size of the venue, the average number of attendees, and how past exhibitors have fared before. All these will help you draw a conclusion that will help you make an informed decision.
● Book in Advance: To get the best-positioned booths, you have to be an early bird. All furniture fares have websites that people can use to book slots in advance to avoid losing out on space. Make sure you are among the first people to register for the event since they are usually on a first-come basis. Being last to the party will end with you getting the worst possible booth hidden away from human traffic.
● Budget Well: Furniture fairs are not cheap. Between booking flights, accommodation, shipping in the heavy products, and renting booths, among other expenses, you may find yourself in the red if you are not well prepared. Although the returns are big, make sure you are well prepared financially before embarking on taking part in a furniture show.
● Advertise in Advance: Most attendees come hoping to find something they like, and this means that they are usually not aware of what to expect. But if they know in advance what to go for then, they would come prepared to spend more. Take advantage of this by advertising your business and its participation in that particular future to hype up the interest. This is what will make visitors stream to your booth all day.
● Be Prepared: Dress the part, set up the booth in the best way possible, and carry as many business cards as possible. The secret to success in a furniture fair is to always anticipate everything and be ready for it. This is how you are able to stay a step ahead of your competitors, and visitors will always appreciate an exhibitor that is always ready to deal with emerging issues as they happen.
For Visitors
● Book Accommodation: You have to get good accommodation well in advance and booking that early will help reduce the headache that comes with overbooking. Furniture fairs are popular events, and if you waste time, you will find yourself without a place to stay by the time the date of the event comes around.
● Know the Map: Every furniture show comes with a complete map that shows the layout of the entire event. This is to pride visitors who may be new to the area with proper information regarding the booths they may have an interest in checking out. Ensure you get your copy when you enter the venue to avoid getting lost.
● Carry Money: You will come across things you want to buy more than once along with the best, and having the cash at hand to buy would be convenient both for you and the exhibitor. If the event is being held in a foreign country, ensure you exchange the currency advance to make the buying and selling much easier.
Conclusion
Attending a furniture fair is a big deal, especially if it is your first time as an attendee or an exhibitor. You have to prepare well in advance for it for the best chances of success. There are countless other furniture fairs for the rest of 2021 that you can still attend if you already missed others that have already taken place. For more information on the upcoming events and what you need to know in advance, check out our website at any time of the day.
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