Showtime in five-year contract at High Point  

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/11/2008 1:38:00 PM

High Point, N.C. -- Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. said it has signed a new five-year agreement with the International Textile Market Association to keep the biannual Showtime fabric fair in MMPI's Market Square and Suites at Market Square.

MMPI and the ITMA said they will work together to build attendance at Showtime, whose next edition is set for Dec. 7-10. MMPI also said it will support the ITMA Educational Foundation in initiatives such as publishing, seminars, internships and design competitions.

"This new agreement with MMPI creates an even stronger partnership between our organizations to work together to grow the Showtime events, to maintain our leadership position in the industry, and to enhance our educational offerings" said ITMA Director Catherine Morsell.

MMPI facilities have hosted High Point fabric events since 1990.

As part of its growth strategy, the upcoming Showtime will feature a new Eco area showing eco-friendly fabrics. The exhibit also will provide an educational forum on the importance of sustainability in the textile industry and on how companies can adopt sustainable practices.

"As eco awareness among general consumers grows, the demand for more sustainable products will increase," said Morsell. "We feel it is important for the ITMA to help educate the industry on the importance of this movement, and our new eco exhibit is the first step in accomplishing this."

(Reported by Furniture Today, a sister publication of HTT.)