Showtime Sets Extensive Lineup of Social, Educational Events

November 23, 2016  by Larry Thomas in Industry, Special Events   

The show, which draws more than 800 buying companies interested in fabric, leather and trimmings, will take place Dec. 4-7. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 5 and 6; and 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

According to the International Textile Marketing Assn., the show’s producer, the following events are scheduled.

Social Events

As always, there are many networking opportunities at Showtime, giving attendees and exhibitors a chance to relax, mingle and network in an informal atmosphere. Events are free to all, and welcome everyone.

International Market Centers will be sponsoring “Happy Hour” each evening from 4-6 p.m. This is located throughout the Suites at Market Square. 

On Monday, Dec. 5, ITMA will be hosting the ITMA Awards Gala benefiting the ITMA Educational Foundation and celebrating the talent of the industry. The event will be held from 6-11 p.m. at the High Point Country Club. Tickets are required.

For more information, please contact the ITMA/Showtime office at 336-885-6842. This event is sponsored by De Leo Textiles, Sunbrella and Regal Fabrics.

Educational Events

There is a lot of competition for consumer dollars and having a compelling story to tell is more important than ever. Cindy Hodnett, editor-in-chief of Designers Today and upholstery and style editor for Furniture/Today, highlights what’s trending in the home furnishings category and why in a presentation titled “Lifestyle Trends: What Consumers Want at Home. It begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5.

A second educational seminar, “The Future is Now: Key Currents Shaping Design and your Business” will be presented by Deb Barrett, principal at Window Dressings, on Monday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.

This presentation will look at how social, technological and cultural currents are impacting design including advances in digital technologies like 3D printing and VR/AR. Barrett will also look at new consumer behaviors and how they are changing the way we do business.

Finally, through a look at the newest products and trends from some of the world’s leading design shows, Barrett will interpret how best practices and transformative changes from other industries can be applied to interactions with clients.

The third presenter, Kenneth Moyer, vice president of supply chain strategies for LJM Freight Auditing and Consulting, will discuss the new rate calculations for small parcel shipping and how this will affect the textile industry. His presentation, “Sheltering the Storm of 2017 Small Parcel Rates” takes place on Monday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. 

These increases could have a major impact on transportation and logistics budgets, and Moyer will provide details about 2017 increases from both UPS and FedEx, as well as offer strategies for mitigating them.

All presentations will take place on the top floor of the Suites at Market Square in space 1-1034.