After 20 years, it’s the Big 4-0 (editions) for Showtime, the largest fabric event in the Western Hemisphere held here each June and December, and the show is celebrating with an exciting first-time trend event and the return of a longtime favorite.
New Trend Presentation
The first-time event, “AMAZED: A Visit to Ahhs,” inspired by the 70th anniversary of classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” is a specially focused 4,000-square-foot trend installation by designer Mike Farrell featuring iconic images created with witty, surprising materials to illustrate the value of change and irony. Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. is sponsor of the presentation, which also will incorporate Showtime’s traditional Trend Bank and Eco-Trend Bank.
Return of Panel Discussion
In addition, Showtime welcomes the return of Breakfast at Showtime, a panel discussion of central industry issues with Eric Schneider, publisher of Fabrics & Furnishings International, as moderator.
The topic is “Life After China: The Western Business Equation Changes Again” and Schneider promises that his panel of fabric purchasing professionals and suppliers will “tell it like it is.” Panelists include Zack Taylor, vice president of sales and marketing, Valdese Weavers; Bob Choppa, vice president, Lexington Furniture; Charles Adams, chief sales officer, Victor Group; Jason Carr, principal, Softline Inc.; and Jane Roberts, director of upholstery merchandising, Thomasville Furniture.
The event will take place 7-8 a.m., Monday, Dec. 7, at the String & Splinter Club’s second floor Tomlinson Room. Seating is limited and reservations can be made by contacting Eric Schneider at (917) 251-9922 or eric@sipco.net.
Educational Events
Showtime attendees will also have the opportunity to attend presentations by designer Jane Matteson and trend forecaster Ellen Gefen.
Matteson’s talk is titled “Fashion to Frame: Interpreting the Trends for Maximum Sell-Through” and will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 7, and 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8.
Gefen will present “Trendspotting” at 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 7, and 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8.
Social Events
As always, there’s a party every night during Showtime, giving attendees and exhibitors opportunities to relax, mingle and network in an informal atmosphere. All events are free to all.
On opening night, Sunday, Dec. 6, Showtime celebrates its 40th edition with “Fabulous at 40,” from 6-8 p.m. in The Factory at Market Square.
An industry mixer is set for Monday evening, Dec. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at The Factory.
On Tuesday night, Dec. 8, 5:30-7 p.m., MMPI sponsors “Get Twisted in the Land of Ahhs,” a Showtime social held in Suites at Market Square.
Background
Showtime boasts the most extensive presentation of fabric, leather and trimmings in the Western Hemisphere.
More than 800 buying companies attend Showtime from such markets as:
- Apparel and costuming
- Decorative accessory manufacturers
- Department stores
- Fabric retailers
- Furniture manufacturers
- Handbag and fashion accessory manufacturers
- Workrooms
- Window Coverings
- Linen Rental
- Lampshades
- Hospitality – hotels, resorts, et al
- Interior design
- Jobbers
- Mail-order catalogs
- Marine – boats, yachts, et al
- Outdoor and casual furniture
- Top of the bed and soft goods
- Transportation
The next Showtime takes place June 6-9, 2010.
Further information about ITMA and Showtime is available at www.itmashowtime.com or via email to itmashowtime@northstate.net or calling (336) 885-6842.