IHFRA Announces New Dates and Format for 25th FIAG

May 17, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

The annual Gala, originally scheduled for April of 2020, was rescheduled due to concerns stemming from the pandemic. The new date and time—Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.—also debuts another first for the annual event—a virtual format. 

“While we are happy to see so many Americans getting the COVID-19 vaccination, the safety of our honorees and our attendees must always come first,” said Ray Allegrezza, IHFRA executive director. “With that in mind, we’ve opted to host this year’s FIAG as a virtual event to ensure the health and well-being of everyone involved.” 

Allegrezza added, “Another new component, and one that we are very excited about, is our support this year of the Malouf Foundation, which has a flagship cause to curtail child sexual exploitation.”

“This year’s FIAG would not have happened without the ongoing support of industry-leading players including Zenith, AICO, Southern Motion and Top 100 retailers including Nebraska Furniture Mart, “Allegrezza explained. “And our outstanding videos profiling this year’s honorees and once again being produced for us by Ted Gular and his outstanding team at Renaissance, part of the Reno Group, LLC.”

The support of these and other industry firms will allow IHFRA to broadcast this year’s FIAG free to everyone who wants to “virtually” celebrate this year’s honorees, a group of industry stars that Allegrezza says truly illuminates this year’s theme of  ‘Hooray for Hollywood.’

“When one looks at this year’s star-studded group of honorees, a Hollywood theme was the perfect backdrop for this year’s celebration,” added Allegrezza.

Shan Huei “Samuel” Kuo, co-founder and chairman of Samson Holding, Ltd.,  will receive the Pillar of the Industry award, Andrew Koenig, president of Top 100 City Furniture, will be presented with the Retailer of the Year Award,  Kathy Ireland, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Designer of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, will receive the coveted Icon Award, industry veteran Kevin O’Connor, who currently serves as a consultant to Samuel Kuo of Samson Holding, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, Geoff Weed, former IHFRA president and longtime rep for Ashley Furniture, will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award, Marty Libowsky will receive the Legacy Rep Award and Joseph Montero will receive the Rising Star Award. 

During the program, IHFRA will feature a video that details the outstanding work being done by the Malouf Foundation and provide information for those who want to donate to this worthwhile cause.

IHFRA will also be offering congratulatory ads in a new virtual program for those who want to personally recognize and salute this year’s honorees.