The 44th edition of the Canadian Furniture Show, the only national furniture show in the country and the 7th largest trade show in Canada, successfully concluded on Monday after three days of activities for industry professionals. Compared to 2015, attendance was up and the feedback to date has been generally very positive.

This year, thousands of attendees continued to feel the effects of the wave of renewal that swept through the event in 2015, with more than 65 new exhibitors on the show floor. The visitors’ experience was further enhanced by the addition of special activities and spaces that enlivened the 500,000 square feet of show floor set up by some 233 exhibitors.

The new initiatives marking the 2016 edition included two inspiring and well-attended presentations, one by media personality and acclaimed designer of the S&C brand, Steven Sabados, and the other by David Chilton, well-known for his role as a former “Dragon” on CBC TV’s Dragons’ Den and best-selling author of The Wealthy Barber. Plus, two unique design spaces were added: the FABX2016 booth dedicated to window coverings, wallpaper and fabrics, which also included a special event on Monday, May 30.

Innovative design was featured through L’Empreinte québécoise, which displayed avant-garde products co-created by designers from seven companies. Visitors also enjoyed the relaxation areas, including a spa, a Spanish pub, and a business lounge. The industry party on Saturday evening, featuring a live band and amazing finger food, was also a great success.

“We are pleased with this 44th edition. We had more visitors and buyers than last year, the atmosphere on the floor was great, and reports from most exhibitors we talked to were very positive! The Show was an opportunity for exhibitors to meet with their clients, in addition to opening many new accounts. There was also a significant increase in trade visitors from the United States. In short, having gone from a 4-day to a 3-day event, seems to have intensified traffic in the halls and generated good benefits to all,” stated Pierre Richard, the President and CEO of the Show. “In the next few weeks, phone and on-line surveys will be conducted with over 10,000 current and past Show participants. Our objective is to continue to foster the Show’s evolution by listening to the needs and desires of participants, and by adapting the best practices of the trade show world to our reality. That is why we constantly take the pulse of the industry. Our team will continue to expand the efforts needed to ensure the success and sustainability of the Show. This is and will continue to be our modus operandi.’’

The Canadian Furniture Show has been held since 1972 and is produced by the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers’ Association. The 7th largest trade show in Canada brings together industry professionals, manufacturers, importers, retailers, designers, and others, from Canada, the United States, and worldwide, to display their latest collections and conduct business. The 2017 Canadian Furniture Show will be held from May 27 to 29, at The International Centre, in Mississauga, Ontario.

(Source: furninfo.com)