It's almost Showtime
First June show to draw 2,500-plus
By Susan M. Andrews -- Furniture Today, June 5, 2006
High Point — Early registration is running strong for the upcoming Showtime fabric market here. The June 4–7 event will be the first Showtime held in June, and is expected to draw more than 2,500 participants.
The International Textile Market Assn., which organizes the event, last year changed the show's schedule to June and December from its traditional January and July dates after surveying exhibitors and buyers.
"From what I am hearing, most everyone feels that June will work better than July did," said ITMA Executive Director Catherine Morsell. "It's a year of transition for exhibitors and buyers. It will take getting this year under their belts to really adjust to the change."
At least 216 of ITMA's 244 members will exhibit at the show. Companies from some 17 countries will be present, and the event will include nine new exhibitors from the United States, Australia, India and Turkey.
Participants can take advantage of free legal assistance offered by attorney Richard Taffet, who will be in the sales office of the Suites at Market Square beginning June 6.
On tap is the popular Runway Fashion Show, sponsored by Furniture/Today, ITMA and ITMA Educational Foundation sponsors, which will take place on Monday, June 5, at Showplace.
Other events include a breakfast panel discussion on how small to midsized furniture manufacturers are surviving in the upholstery market, and the Home Color and Trends Forecast by Cotton Inc.
Founded in 1990, ITMA is a trade association of mills, converters, tanneries and trimming manufacturers that supply decorative coverings for the home furnishings industry, and whose main objective is to stimulate growth in the home furnishings industry.
For more information, call (336) 885-6842 or visit www.itma-showtime.com.
