Northwest Home Furnishings Show Postpones March Event And Relocates to Seattle in 2003

Furniture World Magazine

San Francisco: Universal Shows, Inc. (formerly Western Exhibitors, Inc.) announced its decision to postpone the Northwest Home Furnishings Show slated for March 9-11, 2002 at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon and will relocate the market to Seattle in 2003. The rescheduling of the March event comes after much discussion with exhibitors in response to their concern about the economic climate as well as the ability to secure appropriate future dates at the Oregon Convention Center in 2003 and beyond. "Universal Shows, Inc. is sensitive to the home furnishings industry, which has been hit particularly hard by the recent economic slowdown. Although the Portland venue was an easy shopping environment, met our needs and the show grew there, many of the exhibiting companies expressed a desire to relocate the Northwest Home Furnishings Show to a larger market base in order to reach a broad range of retailers," stated Mike Dean, President, Universal Shows, Inc. "To accomplish our goals and re-launch effectively, we must guarantee date consistency," continued Dean. "As trade show producers, we know that good exhibitors and strong buyers drive the market. After interviewing many manufacturers and retailers that normally attend the Northwest Home Furnishings Show, it became apparent that postponing the March 9-11, 2002 event would secure a strong future for the show," said Joan Stockton, Show Manager, Universal Shows, Inc. "We have had discussions with several buyers and exhibitors about what will meet the needs for the industry and bring a viable show to the retail community. The consensus was that relocating the show to Seattle in 2003 would help us achieve both of the objectives set forth by our clientele," continued Stockton. Exhibitor Information: For exhibitor information about the Northwest Home Furnishings Show, please contact Joan Stockton, Show Manager, at Universal Shows, Inc., 2181 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, CA 94123. Telephone 415.447.3233. Fax 415.346.4965. E- mail joan@weshows.com. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Western Exhibitors’ Web Site at www.weshows.com. Buyer Information: Retailers requiring more detailed information can contact Customer Service at 800.346.1212 (outside of the Bay Area) or 415.346.0168 (with in the San Francisco Bay Area). Fax 415.346.4965. Contact Universal Shows, Inc. via e-mail at showinfo@weshows.com. Web-site: www.weshows.com. Management Information: The Northwest Home Furnishings Show is produced by Universal Shows, Inc. (formerly Western Exhibitors, Inc.) of San Francisco, California. E-mail: stacey@weshows.com