Unfinished Furniture Convention 2004 A Great Success

Furniture World Magazine

The Unfinished Furniture Association (UFA) took over the Memphis Cook Convention Center to host the fourteenth annual UFA National Convention & Trade Show recently. The Rock "N" Memphis themed exhibit attracted more than 750 unfinished furniture professionals from across the country. The success of the 2003 event at Indy was no match for the success of this year's convention. Memphis featured 70 exhibitors, 15 of which were new companies introducing more than 2,000 new products - twice as many as in previous years. More than 250 industry companies were represented at the event, and retailers are still raving over the success! This premier event included educational sessions, round table discussions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders from across the country. Willie Davis, Director of Marketing and Account Manager for R&A, was the keynote speaker, divulging R&A's Theory of Unfinished Furniture Relativity. In his presentation, Davis offered valuable business building strategies, and suggestions for retailers looking to connect with customers. Other highlights to the UFA Convention & Trade Show included the New Product Showcase and the Best Ad Competition. Arthur W. Brown earned bragging rights for best ad, and placed first in the New Product Showcase featuring their top-notch partition bookcase. Placing second for Best Overall Product was Maco's Alder 60" Corner Armoire, and American Loft & Lounge took third place for their Total Room Solution. Briwax placed second in the Best Ad Competition, while Maco followed closely in third. Sponsors contributing to the success of this year's event included Archbold Furniture Company, Arthur W. Brown, Inwood Furniture Manufacturing, John Greenleaf Furniture, Khoury, Inc., Westview Products, Whitewood Industries, WoodAmerica Furniture Corporation and Woodcraft Industries, Inc. While retailers and their businesses benefitted from the event, the influence of the UFA Trade Show & Convention did not end there. The Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, Inc. was selected as the official UFA Charity of Choice, receiving more than $50,000 worth of unfinished and finished furniture products at the trade show's completion. Founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1891, the organization provides residential care to orphaned, neglected, abandoned, and abused children. "The 2004 UFA Convention & Trade Show brought unfinished furniture professionals from across the country together to network and share valuable industry insight," says Dave Sommer, UFA President. "We are thrilled with the success of this year's event and are anxiously looking forward to next year's Trade Show & Convention in Columbus, OH." UFA is a national trade association of more than 650 retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives in the United Sates, Canada and Bahamas whose mission is to support the growing unfinished furniture industry. For more information on becoming a member of UFA, or for information on other UFA programs and services, contact UFA, 17000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054; phone: 800-487-8321; fax: 856-439-0525; or visit www.unfinishedfurniture.org .