IFDA panel: “Inside the Show House Business”

-- Home Textiles Today, 4/24/2009 12:48:00 PM

Charles Pavarini III

New York -- The New York Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) will host a panel discussion on “Inside the Show House Business” on May 1 at the Steelcase Showroom, 4 Columbus Circle, near 58th Street.

Eileen Kathryn Boyd

The event starts with a cocktail networking reception from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. followed by a designer panel discussion until 5:30 p.m.

Featured panelists include three of this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House participants: Jamie Drake, Eileen Kathryn Boyd and Charles Pavarini III. Each will discuss their experiences in preparing for this major event and how it impacts their business. 

Drake will discuss managing expenses to get maximum exposure as well as how creating "design magic" in a showhouse becomes the best marketing tool for the project. Boyd will talk about dealing with unforeseen mishaps and pressure. Pavarini will focus on time management and how to implement plans in a cohesive and timely manner. A question and answer session will follow.

Jamie Drake

IFDA is also offering tickets at special rates for  May 1 admission to the 37th Kips Bay Decorator Show House – which opens at 11:00 a.m . The show is located in a five-story townhouse at 22 East 71st St.  

Tickets for IFDA members are $25 in advance or $30 at the door while guests are $27 in advance and $30 at the door. 

To attend the Designer Networking Reception later in the day, tickets for IFDA members are $25 in advance or $35 at the door while guests are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. IFDA student members cost is $10 in advance and $20 at the door, non-member student prices are $15 in advance and $25 at the door.

Call 212-686-6020 or email ifdanyny@verizon.net.