MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – The online registration desk for the 2018 edition of the Canadian Furniture Show is now open for retail buyers, exhibitors, interior designers and other professionals wanting to attend this country's only national furniture industry event, which will be held at the International Centre here from May 25 to 27.
Click here to visit the show's registration desk.
The Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Association (QFMA), the owners and organisers of the annual event are promising that what's new is what will be 'in' at this year's CFS, which will feature a new Trends section. Located on the show floor, the section will present a curated collection of innovative and trendy product sourced from CFS exhibitors. These new items will also be featured on the show's web site, as well as on its Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.
"Visitors are increasingly interested in discovering trends and new products, showcased by top-notch exhibitors," Pierre Richard, president and chief executive officer of both CFS and QFMA. "Since 2015, we have been making changes and adjustments to the event based on the results of our annual surveys. The 2018 show will thus focus on quality exhibitors as well as on promoting their new products and displaying the latest trends.
"We will also continue to provide visitors with hotel room discounts and we will draw free accommodation packages. We are sparing no effort to create a successful event," he added.
Several features seen by attendees in 2016 and 2017 won't be part of the 2018 event, Richard told Home Goods Online in a telephone conversation. The industry bash won't be held this year, there won't be spa or a pub and the 'lunch and learn' seminar series won't return. The reason is simple, retailers surveyed after CFS 2017 didn't give them very high priority. "They basically told us, 'we don't want that'," he said.
What they do want is new product, so that's where the focus is going to be for 2018. Richard said the goal is to pull together a display of between 30 and 50 on-trend selections for the new product display. More detail on this effort will be unveiled as opening day approaches.
Although he admits CFS has undergone shrinkage in recent years, both in terms of exhibitors and attending retail buyers, Richard points out it has much to offer and is fairly unique in North America as no other event of its type is as able to connect the buyer with a new exhibitor.
He also noted many exhibitors are taking more space this year, including Palliser which will add some 3,000 square feet to its display this year. All three of the major furniture buying groups are also expected to have a presence at the show.
One incentive that is being held over for 2018 is the draw for 25 packages of two free hotel nights for retailers who register early for CFS. Hotel reservations much been made through Destination Hotels – the show's official housing agent – and in one of the selected hotels. The reservations must be made before April 27 and hotel discounts of up to 50% are currently being offered.
Richard also cautioned CFS attendees to ensure they are dealing with Destination Hotels as there have some cases of attempted fraud reported in prior years.
The Canadian Furniture Show has been held since 1972 and is one of the five largest trade shows held in Canada every year.