ITMA Announces Winter Showrtime Schedule

Furniture World News

The International Textile Market Association will host its semiannual ShowtimeTM fabric market from noon Sunday, Dec. 7, through 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in High Point. At Showtime, the mills, converters, tanneries, trimming manufacturers and Studios that are members of the International Textile Market Association present their new lines to their primary customers: the home furnishings industry. More than 800 buying companies typically attend. An Eco-Friendly Trend Bank is a new addition to the event this year. The display will focus on fabrics and trimmings that are environmentally produced by about a dozen member companies. Each supplier will show product samples, accompanied by an explanation of their “Green” story. “For several years, members of the textile industry have been exploring what it means to be a “green” producer,” says Keri Scott, ITMA coordinator of the Trend Bank. “The possibilities range from organically grown cotton to synthetic fabrics made of recyclables and minimal product waste, but there is no current industrywide definition. We want to stimulate a dialog by showcasing how some companies are shrinking their environmental impact.” Also at Showtime: ·A benefit auction of clothing and accessories, custom designed using fabrics from industry sponsors, will run Dec. 8- Dec. 18. Items will be available for preview online beginning Nov. 26 at www.itmashowtime.com. Sue Patrolia, founder of SWIFT, and Susan Inglis of the Sustainable Furnishings Council will speak on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, respectively. Design Options, a Los Angeles-based forecasting firm, will present “Spring/Summer 2010, the West Coast Perspective on Color and Trend for the Home Markets.” To register for one of the Tuesday sessions, send email to design@design-options.com or call 231-622-9094. At The Studio at Showtime, open daily in the Suites at Market Square, internationally respected textile design studios exhibit original artwork and antique documents for use in product development. The Showtime directory will not be mailed in advance of the event. Instead, buyers can pick up copies of the directory at registration. For the convenience of guests flying into High Point, a shuttle to Showtime is available by reservation, which must be received by Dec. 3 (online at /www.itmashowtime.com – click on Travel Plans - or by phone 336-434-3867). Founded in 1990, the ITMA is a non-profit trade association whose mission is to promote growth and development within the home furnishings industry. In December and June, the ITMA produces Showtime, the largest textile market in the Western Hemisphere. For more information, call 336-885-6842 or visit www.itma-showtime.com.