Special Events Enhance Casual Market Chicago Experience
CHICAGO – Casual Market Chicago is the world’s largest marketplace for the newest and most innovative products available in the category of casual furnishings, and this year’s show promises to be better than ever before. Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights during the much-anticipated four-day event, set for September 20-23, 2016 at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.
ICFA Industry Roundtable
Monday, September 19, Noon
The International Casual Furnishings Association will host its 4th Annual Industry Roundtable prior
to the start of Casual Market Chicago.
The event will include discussions of topics including:
- Marketing to Younger Consumers Through Social Media
- Understanding Key Performance Indicators
- Marketing/Selling on the Internet
- Consumer Financing Opportunities
- Special Events and Promotions
- Handling Transportation and Logistics
- Recruiting Great Sales Associates
Registration for the event is $25 for ICFA members and $50 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.icfanet.org.
First-Time Attendee Gathering
Tuesday, September 20, 11am, ICFA Lounge 7th Floor
Hosted by theMART and ICFA.
An essential stop for the first-time attendees, this is your opportunity to get insider tips for navigating Casual Market Chicago and learn about resources and events.
Opening Night Backyard BBQ Party
Tuesday, September 20, 6pm, Mart’s South Drive, Riverside
Sponsored by Hearth & Home Magazine and The Merchandise Mart.
Kick off your Market experience with BBQ- inspired cuisine and cocktails at this key networking event. Enjoy live music and mingle among well-curated furniture displays while enjoying “flame” manufacturers represented at the show.
Keynote Presentations
Join us for compelling and informative presentations by some of the industry’s most renowned names. The featured speakers include Libby Langdon, Libby Langdon Outdoor for NorthCape, Jennie Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer of Retailer Web Services, and Margot Shaw, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of flower Magazine. All presentations will be located in Presentation Room on Floor 7.
Visit www.casualmarket.com for more keynote presentation information.
Interior Design Meets Exterior Design:
Tips and Tactics on Blurring the Lines Between Indoor and Outdoor Décor
Tuesday, September 20, Noon
Presented by: Libby Langdon | Libby Langdon Outdoor for NorthCape
Every Consumer is a Digital Consumer:
How Technology Has Changed Durable Goods Retail
Wednesday, September 21, Noon
Presented by: Jennie Gilbert | Chief Operating Officer, Retailer Web Services
The Magic of Outdoor Living
Thursday, September 22, Noon
Presented by: Margot Shaw | Founder/Editor-in-Chief, flower Magazine
ICFA Awards Gala
Thursday, September 22, 6:30 pm, The Field Museum
Hosted by ICFA and The Merchandise Mart. Tickets required. Contact Jackie Hirschhaut to purchase tickets. The grandest event of Casual Market Chicago, the ICFA Awards Gala celebrates the casual industry’s great achievements. The Apollo Awards honor the top retailers in single and multi-store categories, while the Lillian B. Winchester “Best of Show” recipient will be named as will the Manufacturer of the Year. A fabric fashion show, presented by Casual Living, will also be featured.
“The ICFA Awards Gala celebrates excellence throughout the world of outdoor furnishings, from exceptional retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives, to superior product designs. We will honor two legendary individuals with our Lifetime Achievement Award, and introduce a new recognition for Outstanding Retail Merchandising named in memory of Mary Fruehauf, an active and dedicated ICFA member and president and owner of Fruehauf’s Patio and Garden Center who passed away in May 2015,” said Jaclyn C. Hirschhaut, Executive Director of the ICFA.
“Each of these valuable events showcases the important educational and networking opportunities that Casual Market Chicago provides,” adds Julia Chappell, Managing Director, Marketing for The Merchandise Mart. “Both our city and renowned building offer the most comprehensive, must-attend event in the casual industry. We are anticipating a very successful 2016 Market.”
Complete show information can be found at www.casualmarket.com
SOURCE: Casual Market Chicago