Casual Market Atlanta Highlights Include Education & Events

Furniture World News Desk on 6/1/2023

A full calendar of education and events – including a special trend presentation by renowned designer and TV personality Vern Yip, an ICFA-hosted anniversary celebration and Awards Gala and guided exhibit floor tours - are among highlights of the inaugural edition of Casual Market Atlanta, July 10-13, 2023, at AmericasMart Atlanta.

"The debut of Casual Market Atlanta offers myriad opportunities for buyers and sellers to discover new product and forge new connections," said Karen Olson, IMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "The combination of exhibits, education and events makes AmericasMart Atlanta a must-attend for outdoor and casual furniture buyers and sellers alike this summer.” 

Learn With Vern Yip

Celebrity interior designer Vern Yip spotlights what's trending in casual furnishings and outdoor living spaces during a free, one-hour session, "Outdoor Living With Vern Yip," on Tuesday, July 11, at 2:30 p.m., in Building 1, 14th Floor Seminar Room.

Yip, owner of the Atlanta-based Vern Yip Designs, is well known for his four seasons on the original run of TLC's "Trading Spaces" and for his 10+ years as one of HGTV's most recognizable designers on shows including "Deserving Design with Vern Yip," "HGTV Design Star" and "Bang For Your Buck." His award-winning design work showcasing his eclectic style has been featured in House Beautiful, HGTV Magazine and Traditional Home.

New Buyer Welcome and Tour

A free, one-hour "Buyer Tour: Casual/Outdoor Furnishings" welcomes market-goers to Casual Market Atlanta’s new AmericasMart home. Led by Paula Eller-Cox, IMC marketing manager - casual, the guided tour offers buyers an overview of brands and products available in the new Casual Furnishings collection at AmericasMart Atlanta, as well as insider tips to make the most of time at market. Tours, which are offered at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 11, start at the ICFA Member Lounge on Floor 2 of Building 1.

Additional ICFA Special Events

New and longtime events hosted by the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) augment the Casual Market Atlanta sourcing and shopping experience this summer.

"Casual Market Atlanta will offer the industry a compelling combination of new experiences and time-honored traditions this summer in Atlanta," said Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of the ICFA. “We’re looking forward to presenting popular ICFA-hosted events, such as the annual Awards Gala and Annual Meeting, against the backdrop of a new city and in our new venue.”

An opening day ICFA 65th Birthday Bash, Monday, July 10, 6-8 p.m., Building 1, Floor 2, celebrates the milestone birthday of the outdoor furnishings industry's trade organization.

Casual Market Atlanta participants are invited to wear pink for Pink Out Atlanta all day on Tuesday, July 11, to spread awareness and show support for those affected by breast cancer. Those donating $50 or more to City of Hope, ICFA's philanthropic partner, will receive a pink stone bracelet or hot pink pocket square in the ICFA Member Lounge. To learn more or donate, visit https://OurHope.CityofHope.org/ICFA.

The grandest event of Casual Market Atlanta, the ICFA Awards Gala, Tuesday, July 11, 6:00 p.m. -10 p.m., at the Georgia Aquarium, celebrates achievements and excellence in the casual furnishings industry. During this very special evening, ICFA will announce winners of its Apollo Awards, recognizing retail excellence in the sales and marketing of outdoor furnishings, as well as recipients of ICFA’s 2023 Manufacturer of the Year Award and 2023 Sales Representative of the Year awards. Order tickets at https://www.icfanet.org/2023-awards-dinner-reservations/.

All Casual Market attendees are invited to the ICFA Annual Meeting, Wednesday, July 12, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Building 1, 10th Floor Meeting Room, to learn more about industry initiatives, upcoming activities and membership benefits, and for the election of the Association's 2024 officers and directors. Continental breakfast will be served at 7 a.m.

Casual Market Atlanta’s 50+ casual furnishings and outdoor furniture permanent showrooms, located on Floors 2-5 of Building 1, are open Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and will remain open through Monday, July 17, for the duration of the concurrent Atlanta Market. Some 100+ temporary exhibits, located on Floors 6 and 7 in Building 1, are open Monday, July 10 – Wednesday, July 12, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Thursday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. A full list of exhibitors is available at CasualMarketAtlanta.com/showroom-exhibitor-listing.

Casual Market Atlanta is a refreshed and reenergized outdoor and casual living trade show presented by the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA). Casual Market Atlanta is held in a dynamic new casual furnishings and outdoor furniture destination featuring six floors of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits at AmericasMart Atlanta. Registration for Casual Market Atlanta is open now at CasualMarketAtlanta.com.

As an added benefit, Casual Market Atlanta badges provide free access to the Atlanta Market also at AmericasMart Atlanta – giving buyers access to some 6,000 complimentary furnishings, gift, lifestyle, seasonal, housewares and gourmet lines throughout the July 11-17 buying event. A full list of Atlanta Market exhibitors is available at AtlantaMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.

About ICFA
 The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA), based in High Point, N.C., represents manufacturers, retailers, sales representatives and designers of outdoor furnishings plus suppliers to the industry. For more information, visit www.icfanet.org.

About International Market Centers
 International Market Centers (IMC) serves as the center of commerce for the wholesale furniture, gift, home decor and apparel industries. IMC has more than 60 years of relationships and experience creating scalable business platforms for wholesale commerce. Our premium showroom spaces spanning more than 20 million square feet in High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta, paired with our digital tools, connect the wholesale industries we serve. For more information, visit IMCenters.com.