Surtex opens in NYC on Sunday

300 exhibitors lined up

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/18/2012 11:55:33 AM

New York - The 26th edition of art and design market trade show Surtex will take place here May 20 to 22 at the Javits Convention Center.

Some 300 exhibitors from 13 countries across Europe, Asia, and North and South America will show their new collections of original art and design.

This year's Surtex exhibitors include designers, artists, studios and agents who sell or license artwork for a broad spectrum of markets, including decorative fabrics, linens and domestics, wall coverings and floor coverings.

Expected to attend are about 6,000 manufacturers, retailers and marketers seeking ideas for these markets as well as for apparel textiles, stationery, greeting cards, gift wrap and other paper products, tabletop, giftware, toys, ceramics, packaging and publishing.

Penny Sikalis, manager of Surtex and vp of the show's producer, GLM, said attendee pre-registration for the upcoming event is 30% higher than 2011.

"Plus, 33% of the exhibitors this year are participating for the first time, bringing their creative energy and perhaps entry into new licensing markets," she added.

Also new this year is the Trend Theatre, within the ReSource Hub on the show floor, where nine top trend experts from Europe and the U.S. will conduct a 17, 30-minute presentations. Each day, they will share timely trend information impacting home and accessories, textiles, tabletop, fashion, paper, stationery, packaging and gifts.

All presentations are free to exhibitors and attendees.

Also, artist signings and events in booths will be held daily.

And the Surtex Conference program will feature 10 sessions for learning the basics through the current issues affecting art and design businesses. Sessions will be presented by industry professionals in the areas of art licensing, licensee /licensor relationships, legal considerations and strategies, e-tailing, e-communications and social media, as well as a look at future business trends affecting the art and design industry. Conference registration is not included in show registration and requires a separate fee of $90 per session with special rates for daily tracks and the full conference program.