Fla. reps concerned by new Tupelo dates
By Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, March 19, 2007
Tupelo, Miss. — Some Florida sales representatives are unhappy with the new August dates for this year's Tupelo Furniture Market because it now overlaps with a furniture show in Orlando, Fla., operated by Karel Exposition Management.
The Florida reps say they traditionally have attended both shows because, until this year, they weren't scheduled for the same week.
The Orlando show, which is run by the Karel organization and sponsored by the Florida Home Furnishings Representatives Assn., will take place Aug. 24–26. Tupelo's market is scheduled for Aug. 22–26.
"All of the Florida dealers I have spoken to are unhappy about this because it forces them to choose between Orlando and Tupelo," said Joe Cochran, a longtime Florida rep. "And I believe the dealers will choose Orlando."
Tupelo's 2007 summer market had been slated for June, but recently was moved to August after numerous requests from buyers and exhibitors, said Tupelo market President Bill Cleveland.
He said the Tupelo market can't be scheduled the week before the Orlando show because that would be too close to the summer Las Vegas Market, which ends Aug. 3.
And the week after Orlando would be too close to the Labor Day weekend, he said.
"We regret any inconvenience this may cause," Cleveland said. "But there's no possible way to change the dates of our August show."
Larry Karel, president of Karel Exposition Management, said it's impossible to change the Orlando shows dates on such short notice because the venue, the Orlando Convention Center, usually is booked five to 10 years in advance.
"So far, I don't think it has hurt me," Karel said of the conflicting dates. "There's still a lot of interest from exhibitors."
