Casual Furniture Market Sets Seminars, Events

August 27, 2014  by in Casual Furniture, Industry   

The market, held in Chicago's Merchandise Mart, runs Sept. 16-19.

Schedule events include: 

ICFA Industry Roundtable

Monday, Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Lounge 1447 Conference Center, 14th Floor

Share your ideas. Learn and network with fellow retailers and industry professionals in roundtable discussion. Followed by showroom receptions. Hosted by the International Casual Furniture Association (ICFA).

First-Time Attendee Welcome Gathering

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m.

ICFA Lounge 7th Floor

New to the market? First time attendees will feel right at home at the special welcome reception on the first day of the show. Stop in to meet some of the show and association leaders and learn handy tips and tricks for navigating your first Casual Market. Hosted by MMPI and ICFA.

Keynote Presentation

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m.

7th Floor

Antonia van der Meer, Editor in Chief of Coastal Living

"Trends in Casual Outdoor Spaces." 

Antonia van der Meer is editor in chief of Coastal Living, Time Inc.’s brand dedicated to all things coastal, from home design and travel to easy recipes, beauty and fashion.

Opening Night “Backyard BBQ” Party

Tuesday, Sept. 16  at 6-7:30 p.m.

South Drive

The opening night party will be a “Backyard BBQ” party taking place on the South Drive of The Merchandise Mart along the scenic Chicago River. Kick off your Market experience with some hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at this key networking event. Enjoy live music and mingle among well-curated furniture displays while enjoy “flame” manufacturers resented at the Show. Hosted by MMPI and sponsored by Hearth & Home Magazine.

ICFA Annual Meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 a.m.

Lounge 1447 Conference Center, 14th Floor

The annual meeting of the entire International Casual Furniture Association (ICFA) membership provides a forum for discussion of industry issues, election of Association officers/directors, an update on ICFA activities and membership benefits, and an Association financial review. Open to all ICFA members.

Keynote Presentation

Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 11:30 a.m. 

7th Floor

Additional info to be determined.

ICFA Awards Gala

Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. 

The Field Museum, Stanley Hall

The grandest event of the Market, the ICFA Awards Gala celebrates the casual industry’s great achievements. The Apollo Awards celebrate the top retailers in single and multi store categories. The 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees will be recognized and awards will also be presented for the Lillian B. Winchester “Best of Show” recipient, ICFA Sales Representative of the Year and the Manufacturer of the Year. 

Tickets required. Hosted by ICFA and MMPI.