REVIEW
8-11 March 2018 Singapore Expo Halls 3-6 Singapore www . iffs . com . sg
According to the organiser , the Singapore government has recognised IFFS ’ continuing efforts at pushing Asian and international furniture trade .
The IFFS showcases a comprehensive and diverse range of furniture and furnishing designs from all around the world .
The IFFS will continue to support the development of the furniture industry with next year ’ s edition , set for March 9-12 .
REVIEW
Design-led furniture sourcing platform meets industry needs
“ THE trade exhibitions scene and exhibitors ’ needs are always evolving and we need to keep up with the times by embracing change . The challenge is in finding the right balance between staying ahead while still meeting our exhibitors ’ needs ,” said Ernie Koh , chairman of International Furniture Fair Singapore ( IFFS ), the organiser of the fair .
This year ’ s International Furniture Fair Singapore 2018 ( IFFS 2018 ) concluded yet another successful edition from March 8-11 at the Singapore Expo . The fair , along with the colocating 35th ASEAN Furniture Show ( AFS ) and NOOK Asia 2018 , attracted some 19,196 trade professionals from 89 countries representing the furniture , furnishing and interior design industries .
Koh promised that as the show continues to evolve , “ we will progressively reinvent ourselves to cater to the needs of our audiences ”.
Exchanges all around
Industry professionals reportedly left the fair with satisfaction about the quality of connections and conversations exchanged during the event .
“ This is our first participation and we ’ re very happy with the results ,” expressed Chirag Jain , director of Just Wood . “ As a manufacturer and exporter of Indian wooden furniture , my main objective is to meet importers and distributors who are keen on bringing our products to their markets . We managed to meet people from literally all over the globe , including buyers from the ASEAN region , Europe , Americas and Australia . We are 100 % certain of returning for the next edition .”
When asked about their experience at IFFS 2018 , visiting buyers echoed positive sentiments .
“ We confirmed orders with a supplier from Turkey and another from Indonesia within the first two hours of the show , so I ’ d say that we have been successful so far ,” explained Marion Horgan , owner of homewares and furniture retailer HORGANS . “ We like the high-end , international offerings here , and find many exhibitors who offer a good combination of quality and price .”
Design-focused features
The fair ’ s focus on design was demonstrated through its feature areas , displays and knowledge-sharing seminars , and visitors looking for content-rich features were treated to a variety of inspiring , engaging and immersive showcases that sparked conversations across the show floor .
Popular feature areas captured visitors ’ attention with their classy and sleek displays . These include the recordbreaking 15 Country Pavilions , which featured the debut of four new pavilions from France , Japan , Portugal and Turkey .
Since its inaugural edition in 1981 , IFFS has been cited to be one of the furniture industry ’ s choice sourcing platforms in Asia . This year , the fair features a comprehensive portfolio of 374 exhibiting companies from 26 countries , which put up an “ inspirational ” showcase of design-rich and innovative pieces .
As part of its rejuvenation efforts , IFFS 2019 will relocate to the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands . Set to take place from March 9-12 next year , the fair expects attendance from a new wave of participants and exhibitors alike .
Koh concluded : “ Over the past 37 years , IFFS has been a bridge linking the Asian furniture industry to that of the West . The fair is a great platform for buyers , visitors and exhibitors to make meaningful connections and enjoy exclusive networking opportunities . We believe that with our move to the Sands Expo and Convention Centre next year , we will be positioned to better cater to our exhibitors ’ and buyers ’ needs , deliver top-notch content , and invoke designcentric and innovative ideas .” ra
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