Full schedule of educational and networking events planned for Casual Market Atlanta

ATLANTA — Casual Market Atlanta’s 2024 slate of networking and education events July 15-18 features plenty of opportunities for every buyer, including the addition of a Retailer Roundtable and Focus Group pre-market, hosted by ICFA, an outdoor trends showcase hosted by designer and television personality Carson Kressley, exhibition tours showcasing the latest products and trends in outdoor furniture, and two new events that highlight business synergies with the co-located Atlanta market.

“The casual sports industry has fully embraced, established and grown its presence in its new home at AmericasMart Atlanta,” said Karen Olson, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Andmore. “With more permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors complemented by a full schedule of education and events, Casual Market Atlanta will be a must-see for buyers and suppliers of casual furniture and outdoor accessories this summer. »

Kressley, an award-winning television personality and designer, will offer an overview of the latest offerings in outdoor furniture from 1 to 2 p.m., July 17, in the Building 3 atrium.

Attendees can also learn about what’s new in casual furnishings and outdoor living products during 90-minute tours of outdoor living trends from noon to 1:30 p.m. July 15 and 16 . These lunch and learn sessions begin with an overview. of ICFA’s recent Outdoor Trends Report and continue with a tour of AmericasMart Atlanta’s seven floors of permanent exhibition halls and temporary exhibits. Prior registration is required as places are limited.

The International Casual Furnishing Association. offers five signature association-led events designed to enhance the summer sourcing and shopping experience at Casual Market Atlanta.

“The opportunity to network and socialize with industry peers is one of the highlights of participating in the market,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of ICFA. “We have planned a mix of business and learning activities with a variety of fun events.”

Activities at Casual Market Atlanta will begin on July 14 – one day before the exhibitions open – with the ICFA Industry panel discussions and think tank. Following the packed lunches at 1 p.m., two consecutive one-hour industry roundtable discussions will explore current industry issues and opportunities. At 4 p.m., a one-hour think tank encourages networking through conversations about business challenges, industry concerns and great ideas.

The cost is $50 for ICFA members and $75 for non-members, both including a $25 donation to City of Hope, ICFA’s philanthropic partner. All pre-registered participants will receive a travel bonus for Sunday evening accommodation. Registration is available online at ICFA Industry Roundtables and Think Tank Registration.

An opening day ICFA Birthday Bash Kick-Off Party, 6-8 p.m., July 15, is open to all Casual Market Atlanta attendees to socialize and enjoy drinks and light snacks in the building 1 registration hall.

Pink out! Atlanta, ICFA’s fundraiser for City of Hope, spans the first two days of the summer market to raise awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer. On July 16, market visitors are encouraged to wear pink, and all donors of $50 or more will receive a pink stone bracelet or hot pink pocket square. To learn more or donate, visit https://OurHope.CityofHope.org/ICFA.

Casual Market Atlanta’s main event, the ICFA Awards Gala, will take place this year at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – on the 50-yard line of the Atlanta Falcons’ home field – with Kressley as emcee. The event, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., July 16, recognizes recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award as well as winners of the ICFA Apollo Awards for retail excellence in sales and marketing of outdoor furniture, as well as the 2024 and 2024 ICFA Manufacturer of the Year Award recipients. Sales Representative of the Year Award. Tickets can be ordered online at ICFA 2024 Awards Gala Tickets, and event sponsorships are available at ICFA 2024 Sponsorship Levels and Benefits.

All Casual Market attendees are invited to the ICFA Membership Meeting on July 17 to learn more about industry initiatives, upcoming activities and member benefits. Continental breakfast will be served at 7:00 a.m., before the meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Two new events

Two new events are designed to create synergies between Casual Market Atlanta and the co-located Atlanta Market by introducing designers and gift and home retailers to AmericasMart Atlanta’s new Casual/Outdoor collection.

• A new two-day initiative, Elevate Outdoor Designer Experience, July 18-19, will provide designers with educational resources, designer-specific procurement incentives and opportunities to meet and mingle with their peers. Programming details will be announced in the coming weeks.
• A cocktail reception + casual reception and networking event, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., July 18, will serve light snacks and libations throughout AmericasMart Atlanta’s five-story permanent exhibit hall in Building 1 , dedicated to casual furniture and outdoor living products.

Casual Market Atlanta’s 70-plus permanent casual and outdoor furniture showrooms, located on Floors 2-6 of Building 1, are open Monday, July 15 through Thursday, July 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , and will remain open until Monday July 22. , for the duration of the concurrent Atlanta market. More than 150 temporary exhibitions, located on floors 7 and 8 of Building 1, are open from Monday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A list full list of exhibitors is available.

Fall Casual Market Atlanta will take place September 16-19 and the lineup will be announced in a few weeks.

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