Showtime Attendance Posts Increase

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

High Point, N.C. —

The addition of a window coverings segment helped push the number of buyers attending summer Showtime here last month up about 8% over previous shows, according to the International Textile Market Association, which sponsors the semiannual trade fair.

Nearly 200 ITMA members presented fabric, leather and trim introductions targeted to the home furnishings and other industries during Showtime.

Although the show historically catered more to furniture manufacturers, "our buying population has become more diverse, so we want to be sure we are meeting the needs of these other buying segments as well," said Catherine Morsell, director of ITMA.

Next year, the show will develop a top-of-the-bed segment, she added.

Also present at Showtime were the first-place winners of the 14th annual Virginia Jackson Student Design Awards. The winning designs in three categories — jacquard, dobby and print — were displayed at the show and the students were invited to meet with members of the industry and show their portfolios. The awards, which include cash prizes to students and their schools, are a major initiative of ITMA's Educational Foundation.