December Showtime attendance up 7%
Exhibitors pleased by response
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, December 27, 2007
HIGH POINT — The final count of buyers attending the semiannual Showtime fabric show in December was up about 7% over previous shows in recent years, according to the International Market Assn., which sponsors the semiannual event.
Showtime features the latest fabric, trim and leather introductions from its 200 members and is recognized as the largest textile show in the Western Hemisphere.
"The quality of buyers is as important to a successful show as the quantity,” said ITMA Director Catherine Morsell. “As part of the organization’s mission to create and maintain a valuable venue, we continue to identify and invite preferred customers who are looking for the kinds of products offered by our member companies.”
Sunil Eamani of Georgia-based MDS Fabrics, manufacturers of crewel, silk and velvet, presented fabrics for the first time at the most recent Showtime. The response from buyers, he said, was “off the charts."
“As a result of a direct mail and e-mail campaign prior to Showtime, we saw more qualified buyers than at any show we’ve ever attended," Eamani said. "We made contacts with so many leaders in different market segments. You don’t get that level of diversity at other shows, where you may get a lot of traffic, but not as many orders. Our experience was awesome.”
Founded in 1990, the ITMA is a non-profit trade association that produces Showtime for its member companies, mostly home furnishings textile manufacturers. The next Showtime will be held June 1 to 4, in High Point.
