International Contemporary Furniture Fair Sees Double-digit Attendance, Showfloor Growth
June 2, 2013
George Little Management’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair is experiencing a growth streak, with the recent show scoring 12-percent growth in attendance and 14-percent growth for the size of the showfloor, both compared to the previous year’s show.
More than 29,642 attendees flocked to the 165,000 net square foot showfloor May 18-21 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
“We’re thrilled that the ICFF is experiencing this unprecedented growth spurt 25 years into its existence,” said Kevin O’Keefe, senior vice president of GLM.
He added, “The expansion speaks to the thriving nature of the global market for design, to the ICFF’s premier status as North America’s leading market for contemporary design, and for the show’s remarkable ability to pull in an ever-growing audience with the scope of its offerings.”
The show also had 570 exhibitors from 31 countries, nine contingents and 13 special features.
The 2012 event ranked No. 154 on the TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list.
Some of the features of the show included the ICFF Editors Awards 2013that honored 16 categories of contemporary product design.
ICFF also debuted Material Makers, a special feature that explored the hands-on process that is design innovation and product development.
In Material Makers, the ICFF matched material and fabricator exhibitors with select designers to develop ICFF-exclusive product for display.
Also launched at this year’s show was The Architect’s Newspaper’s and Mode Collective’s DesignX, a series of concentrated workshops devoted to digital design and fabrication technology.
The DesignX workshops – on the topics of parametric design, direct-to-fabrication and Web-based design apps – brought designers up to speed on the latest software and show them how to use fabrication technology to bring their ideas to reality.
ICFF also expanded its reach to a new continent with a feature that explored the African & African-Caribbean Design Diaspora (AACDD).
An initiative of the British European Design Group (BEDG), this addition to the show celebrated the multi-disciplinary creative talent emerging from the African and African-Caribbean craft traditions and included multiple freestanding exhibits with craftspeople showing off their skills.
Next year’s show will run May 17-20 at the Javits Center.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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