An incredible business-building opportunity at SURTEX

25 Jun '08

4 min read

An expansive and diverse range of original art and design resources – combined with a powerhouse conference program – triggered a 10% surge in attendance at SURTEX, May 18-20, 2008. In total, some 5,200 art buyers and licensees descended upon New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to source new introductions from the market's 300 plus exhibitors.

“As the annual event for the international art and design industry, SURTEX provided a vital, upbeat and unique market to the commercial design and art licensing sectors,” said Gina DeLuca, show manager. “With the best resources from around the world – including contemporary artists, photographers, illustrators and traditional textile designers – the show floors were abuzz with energy, and business deals being conducted by leading manufacturers in all product categories.”

Attendee response to the show was overwhelmingly positive. “Although I attend a number of trade shows throughout the year searching for the next new and exciting thing, SURTEX is the one show that I can absolutely count on,” said Susan January, vice president, product management, Leanin' Tree. “Each year I come away with something big. It might be an undiscovered artist, a new fashion trend or an important business contact. SURTEX, simply put, is the premiere show for anyone looking for the best in licensable art.”

The show's attendance saw particular growth in the home furnishings, paper-related and giftware categories, including such companies as American Greetings, Amscan, Boston Warehouse, Caspari, Colorbok, Croscill, Demdaco, F. Schumacher & Co., Giftco Inc, Hallmark Cards, Jonathan Adler, Lenox, Lifetime Brands, Mikasa, Oneida, Portmeirion USA, Silvestri, Walt Disney World, WestPoint Stevens and York Wallcoverings. A strong retail presence included ABC Carpet & Home, Anthropologie, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, Frontgate, Garnet Hill, Hanover Direct, Ikea, J.C. Penney, Kohl's, LL Bean, Macy's, Nordstrom, Papyrus, Pier 1 Imports, Sears, Staples, Target, Urban Outfitters, Wal-Mart, Williams-Sonoma and West Elm. (Note: A sampling of attending companies is attached.)

The SURTEX exhibitor base included 92 first-time companies with innovative takes on original art and design for every product category, including home fashions, paper/stationery, tabletop and residential and commercial furnishings. Exciting new directions were unveiled for 2009, including bolder, brighter color, increased use of pattern, and trends in several categories including contemporary botanicals, eco-friendly themes and nature and natural designs.

International participation included 83 exhibitors from 13 countries outside the United States, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The show's renowned conference program attracted nearly 550 attendees for a total of nine seminars organized into three key tracks – Business, Licensing and Trends – addressing the latest art and design developments. Leading international trend forecasters Milou Ket Styling & Design of The Netherlands and Parisian-based Promostyl headlined the 2008 conference program.

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