Real Wood Furniture Finished Your Way® Trade Show Reports Excellent Attendance

Furniture World Magazine

The Unfinished Furniture Association (UFA) Real Wood Furniture Finished Your Way® Trade Show returned to Columbus, Ohio for the third consecutive year, June 24 – 26, 2007. More than 400 industry professionals took part in the “Carnival of Color”, which was viewed as an overwhelming success by all in attendance. The UFA reported that manufacturers embraced the color concept showing their products in a variety of finishes and colors with perfect accents and accessories, while retailers were pleased with the new product offerings across the board. “The response to the new products by the companies I represent was great,” commented Mark Smith of Marketing Direct Sales. The Show kicked-off on Sunday evening with a keynote presentation by Ken Guerrero. The session attracted record crowds, and allowed for standing room only in this informative and dynamic presentation. “This was one of, if not the best, educational presentations I’ve ever attended,” noted Helen Blankenship of Wood You. “I’ve been challenged to think differently and have a bunch of ideas to explore when I get back home.” The evening continued with the sundown party and sneak-peak of the Show floor. Close to 300 attendees dined on carnival fare and networked with colleagues—taking a break every now and then to compete in a round of ring toss or the golf-challenge. As the festivities concluded, partygoers had a chance to get a sneak-peak at the products and walk the show floor. “Since this was our third time in Columbus, the trade show committee wanted to provide attendees with a unique, laid-back and fun networking experience,” stated Jack Campbell, committee chair. “And I think we succeeded!” The educational programming continued Monday morning with Fred Moriarty of Creative Woods, and his session titled “Boost Sales by Developing Your Marketing Message.” Nearly 200 people heard first-hand the story of how one store completely changed its marketing message resulting in a large improvement in sales. Another popular session focused on advertising, and answered questions about advertising with Google, and whether it is an affordable option. Sponsors contributing to the success of this year’s event included: Archbold Furniture Company, Inwood Furniture Manufacturing, John Greenleaf Furniture/Whittier Wood Industries, Unfinished Furniture Showcase, Whitewood Industries and Woodcraft Industries. This year, UFA’s Charity of Choice was the Material Assistance Providers (MAP). The mission of MAP is the serve the local Columbus community by providing a free furniture bank for families and individuals in need. Last year, MAP assisted 93 families in the local area that were displaced or relocated due to Hurricane Katrina. Through the generosity of our exhibitors, MAP was able to help nearly a dozen families in need. A total of 109 products were collected—including bookcases, bedroom sets and rockers. UFA and MAP would like to acknowledge the following companies for their generous donations: Archbold Furniture Co., Bridgetown Furniture, Catskill Craftsmen Inc., Hardwood Specialties, Khoury, Inc., Tennessee Enterprises, Inc., and Woodcraft Industries. UFA is a national trade association of more than 350 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 UFA or its programs and services, contact UFA, 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054; phone: 800-487-8321; fax: 856-439-0525; or visit www.unfinishedfurniture.org .