IFDA Members and The Industry Benefit from over 100 Development, Education and Networking Events in 2023
Furniture World News Desk on
12/8/2023
IFDA, the International Furnishings and Design Association, is wrapping up 2023 as a banner year for programming and events. The association developed and hosted more than 100 programs and events for members and the industry at large. Designed for all facets of the home décor and design industries as a way to build connections, enhance resources, and provide student and professional growth, the programs also serve as one of IFDA’s most vital and visible missions.
In 2023, programming was offered on a local, national and international scale. In May, IFDA held Japan Fair in New York City. It was a series of seminars and presentations created by IFDA Japan on topics such as Chinoiserie design, biophilia/flower arranging, traditional ceramic making, preserving traditional architecture, and even tea tasting.
From Arizona to New England to south Florida, IFDA events meet members and the industry where they live and conduct business.
Boston and IFDA New England played host to the 2023 Awards Gala. Honoring the industry’s most stellar leaders for their trailblazing accomplishments, the sold-out event handed out more than 20 awards for design, architecture, and lifetime achievements.
The Fall Tabletop Show in Richmond, Virginia, gave industry vendors an opportunity to interface with designers to showcase their offerings and learn how they can better collaborate. And in High Point, the organization’s chapter based there presented its 11th annual Night of Luminaries and Rising Stars. This signature event recognizes the most outstanding senior undergraduate
design students from universities across the two Carolinas and presents the Luminary Award to an industry figure of distinction and merit.
Additionally, many IFDA programs are available online for all US and international members to attend. Educational programming is recorded so that any IFDA member can have access to it 24/7 through the organization’s member portal.
Cocktails, Conversations and Connections is a regularly scheduled networking event that various IFDA chapters coordinate locally. These events focus on fostering new and existing relationships and creating community. IFDA New York puts its unique spin on it by hosting their events at the hottest new spots around the City.
“IFDA has always been a leader in professional development and education. It was a pillar of our organization's founding in 1947 and continues to this day,” said Dawn Brinson, IFDA Board President. “The breadth, quality and diversity of topics our chapters and international organization have provided this year is nothing short of remarkable.”
To learn more about becoming an IFDA member or to join IFDA, visit their website here.
About IFDA
Founded in 1947, IFDA began with its stated goals to “increase the prestige and broaden the potentialities of the women in the industry; to bring together women in related fields to exchange ideas; to meet established professional women through lectures, forums and other programming; and to offer opportunities and training for members and others who would like to advance themselves through clinics and scholarships.” Through the years, IFDA grew to include men, build a powerful philanthropic arm, and reach members across the globe. Their mission to bring prestige and professionalism to its members and to the home furnishings world continues to resonate now more than 75 years later. For more information, visit IFDA.com.