Karel Exposition Management Presents Its First Furniture & Accessory Market in Houston, May 22-24

Furniture World Magazine

Given the expense of maintaining a permanent showroom, as well the rising costs of travel, an increasing number of buyers and retailers are turning to regional Markets to conduct their business. Filling this niche in the furniture and accessory market is Larry Karel, president of Karel Exposition Management (KEM), the nation’s largest producer of Regional Furniture and Accessory Markets. From Sunday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 24, retail buyers of furniture, lighting, bedding and accessories are expected to converge upon Houston’s Reliant Center at Reliant Park, North America's largest campus of event venues, for KEM’s first-ever Furniture and Accessory Market in Texas. “The response has been phenomenal,” says Karel. “We had anticipated filling one hall with exhibitors, but demand has been so great that we are flowing into a second hall, filling 200,000 square feet with a showcase of nearly 1,000 exhibition spaces.” Due to the initial success, KEM has already scheduled two more Markets in Houston for 200t6, in May and November. Karel refers to his Markets as the “Wal-Mart of furniture shows,” filling a need in the marketplace for both buyers and manufacturers alike. By offering reasonable exhibitor fees, KEM provides an affordable alternative for manufacturers who do not have a permanent showroom space as well as for those who simply want to enhance their exposure through Regional Markets. For buyers, there is an opportunity to attend a Market in their own geographic area, without costly travel expenses. “Houston is a natural choice for KEM’s expansion,” he adds. “Our decision to enter this geographic market was based in part on the city’s standing in the top ten index of total buying power and among the top ten for entrepreneurs. And, the general economic climate warrants greater concentration on reaching out to buyers, rather than expecting them to travel distances to go to the manufacturers.” The Houston Furniture & Accessory Market takes place from Sunday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 24 in the Reliant Center at Reliant Park. Hours are 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Sunday and Monday; 9:30 AM to 3 PM on Tuesday. It is open to the trade only, including retailers, buyers, distributors and designers. With headquarters in Aventura, Florida, Karel Exposition Management has been producing furniture and accessory shows, bringing buyers and manufacturers together for 53 years. The 2005 show schedule also includes markets in Edison, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida in August, Fitchburg, Massachusetts in September and Los Angeles in November. For further information, please visit KEM online at www.kemexpo.com or call (305) 792-9990. Karel Exposition Management, P.O. Box 80-1538, Aventura FL 33280-1538. (305) 792-9990 · info@kemexpo.com · www.kemexpo.com