Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Casual Market Atlanta Releases Calendar of Education & Events
May 7,
2024 by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
Casual Market Atlanta releases its full calendar of education and events for the July edition, with highlights including the addition of a pre-market, ICFA-hosted, Retailer Roundtables & Think Tank, a fashionable outdoor trends presentation hosted by designer and TV personality Carson Kressley, guided exhibit floor tours showcasing the latest trends in outdoor furnishings, and two new events that foster dynamic synergies with the co-located Atlanta Market.
The second annual Summer Casual Market Atlanta runs July 15 – 18, in Building 1 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
"The casual industry has fully embraced, established and grown its presence in its new home at AmericasMart Atlanta,” said Karen Olson, ANDMORE℠ executive vice president and chief marketing officer.
"With more permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors augmented by a full schedule of education and events, Casual Market Atlanta will be a must-attend for casual furnishings and outdoor accessories buyers and suppliers this summer.”
Market Events Highlight Trends in Casual & Outdoor
Award-winning television personality and designer, Carson Kressley shines the spotlight on Fashionable Trends in Outdoor Living in a lively overview of the latest offerings in outdoor furnishings on July 17, 1 – 2 p.m., in the Building 3 Atrium.
Attendees can explore what’s new and next in casual furnishings and outdoor living products during 90-minute Trends in Outdoor Living Tours, July 15, and July 16, 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. These lunch & learn sessions begin with an overview of ICFA’s recent Outdoor Trend Report, followed by a tour of AmericasMart Atlanta’s seven floors of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
ICFA-Hosted Events Extend Industry Connections
The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) enhances the summer sourcing and shopping experience at Casual Market Atlanta with five hallmark Association-hosted events.
“The opportunity to network and socialize with industry peers is a highlight of attending Market,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, ICFA executive director. “We’ve planned a combination of business and learning activities with a variety of fun events.”
Casual Market Atlanta activities kick-off on July 14 – one day prior to opening of exhibits – with the popular ICFA Industry Roundtables & Think Tank. Following boxed lunches at 1 p.m., two consecutive one-hour Industry Roundtable discussions will explore current industry issues and opportunities.
At 4 p.m., a one-hour Think Tank encourages networking through conversation about business challenges, industry concerns and great ideas. Cost is $50 for ICFA members, and $75 for non-members, both of which include a $25 donation to City of Hope, ICFA's philanthropic partner. All pre-registered attendees will receive a travel incentive for Sunday night accommodation. Sign-up is available online at ICFA Industry Roundtables & Think Tank Registration.
An opening day ICFA Birthday Bash Kick-Off Party, on Monday, July 15, 6-8 p.m., celebrates the birthday of the outdoor furnishings industry's trade organization. All Casual Market Atlanta attendees are invited to socialize and enjoy drinks and light bites in the Building 1 Registration Lobby.
Pink Out! Atlanta, ICFA’s popular fundraiser for City of Hope, extends over the first two days of the Summer Market in 2024, to spread even greater awareness of and support for those affected by breast cancer. On Tuesday, July 16, market-goers are encouraged to wear pink, with all donors of $50 or more receiving a pink stone bracelet or hot pink pocket square. To learn more or donate, visit https://OurHope.CityofHope.org/ICFA.
The grandest event of Casual Market Atlanta, the ICFA Awards Gala, shifts in 2024 to the Mercedes- Benz Stadium – at the 50-yard line of the Atlanta Falcons playing field – with TV personality, celebrity designer and stylist, Carson Kressley as emcee.
The event, which runs July 16, 6 -10 p.m., recognizes Lifetime Achievement Award honorees plus winners of ICFA’s Apollo Awards for retail excellence in the sales and marketing of outdoor furnishings, as well as recipients of ICFA’s 2024 Manufacturer of the Year Award and 2024 Sales Representative of the Year awards.
Tickets can be ordered online at 2024 ICFA Awards Gala Tickets and event sponsorships are available at 2024 ICFA Sponsorship Levels & Benefits.
All Casual Market attendees are invited to the ICFA Membership Meeting, July 17, to learn more about industry initiatives, upcoming activities and membership benefits. Continental breakfast will be served at 7 a.m., prior to the 7:30-8:30 a.m. meeting.
Two New Events Spark Synergies Between Casual Market Atlanta & Atlanta Market
Two new events will create dynamic synergies between Casual Market Atlanta and the co-located Atlanta Market by introducing designers and gift and home retailers to AmericasMart Atlanta’s new Casual/Outdoor collection.
A new two-day initiative, Elevate Outdoor Designer Experience, July 18-19, will provide designers with educational resources, designer-specific sourcing incentives and opportunities to meet and mingle with peers. Programming details will be announced in the coming weeks.
A Cocktails + Casual reception and networking event, July 18, 3 – 6:00 p.m., will serve light bites and libations throughout AmericasMart Atlanta’s five permanent showroom floors in Building 1 devoted to casual furnishings and outdoor living products.
A full list of exhibitors is available at CasualMarketAtlanta.com/showroom-exhibitor-listing.
Fall Casual Market Atlanta will run September 16-19, 2024, at AmericasMart Atlanta. Programming will be announced in a few weeks.