Casual Market Sets Events Schedule

September 10, 2015  by in Industry, Market, Special Events   

The Market, which runs Wednesday through Saturday, offers attendees compelling keynote speakers and events.

Here’s the lineup of events.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

° ICFA Industry Roundtables

Noon – 6 p.m. | 8th Floor

Share your ideas. Learn and network with fellow retailers and industry professionals in roundtable discussion. The event will include discussions of topics including:

Targeting the Younger Customer

Cutting Costs and Increasing the Bottom Line

Best Practices in Marketing

Transitioning Online Sales from Your Website

Managing Store Growth/Opening Multiple Locations

Handling Transportation and Logistics.

Of special interest to dealers, Mike Becher, Senior Projects Director of Industry Insights, will share understanding of the results of the 2015 ICFA Retail Benchmarking Survey. Retailers are invited to bring their company’s report for individualized analysis of store operations.

Hosted by the International Casual Furniture Association (ICFA).

Wednesday, Sept. 16

° First-Time Attendee Welcome Gathering

11am - Noon | 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 the Mart and ICFA.

° Keynote Presentation

Noon – 1 p.m. | 7th Floor Presentation Room

Celebrity Designer Celerie Kemble Q&A with Casual Living and Coastal Living

Join Celerie Kemble, principal of Kemble Interiors, as she shares her latest discoveries in outdoor design trends. Together with Cinde Ingram, Editor-in-Chief of Casual Living and Ellen McGauley, Homes Editor ofCoastal Living,  Kemble will focus on retail and shopping strategy, color inspiration and how interior design resonates to the outdoors.  This is a unique and exclusive Q&A with one of the largest trendsetters in the design industry.

° Opening Night “Backyard BBQ” Party

6-7:30pm | South Drive

The Opening Night party will be a “Backyard BBQ” party. It will take place on the South Drive of The Merchandise Mart along the scenic Chicago River. Kick off your Market experience with BBQ- inspired cuisine and cocktails at this key networking event. Enjoy live music and mingle among well-curated furniture displays while enjoying “flame” manufacturers represented at the Show.

Presenting Media Partner: Hearth & Home Magazine

Thursday, Sept. 17

° ICFA Annual Meeting

7:00 – 9:00 a.m.| 7th Floor Presentation Room

The Annual Meeting of the entire International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) membership provides a forum for discussion of industry issues, election of Association officers and directors, and an update on ICFA activities and membership benefits. All ICFA members and interested prospective members are invited.

° Keynote Presentation

Noon – 1 p.m. | 7th Floor Presentation Room

The “Cool” Side of Grilling by Ryan Bloom

Ryan Bloom, founder and president of Urban Bonfire Inc., will present an interactive presentation on the future of grills, outdoor kitchens and the growing trend of outdoor cooking. We will focus on trends in equipment, marketing, content creation and marketing to the modern educated consumer. This is a must-attend presentation for anyone in the grill/BBQ market looking to engage and delight their staff and customers to maximize experience and revenue. 

Thursday, Sept. 17

° ICFA Awards Gala

6:30pm – 10 p.m. | The Field Museum, Stanley Hall

The grandest event of Casual Market Chicago, 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 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees will be recognized, and awards will be presented for the Lillian B. Winchester “Best of Show” recipient, the Sales Representative of the Year and the Manufacturer of the Year. A fabric fashion show, presented by Casual Living, will be featured during the 2015 ICFA Awards Gala.

Tickets required. Hosted by ICFA and the Mart.

A full list of showroom parties and special events is available online.