KEM Announces That Long Beach Show Will Move To Los Angeles, CA

Furniture World Magazine

Karel Exposition Management (KEM), the nation’s largest producer of regional furniture and accessory markets, announced it will be moving its Long Beach show to Los Angeles next year due to a dramatic increase in demand for exhibitor space. The Los Angeles Furniture and Accessory Market will debut on March 13, 14 and 15, 2005 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, according to Larry Karel, president of KEM, which has been producing furniture shows since 1952.  A second show will take place from November 20, 21 and 22, 2005. “We have had one of our best years ever, capped off by the largest Long Beach show in the 15 years we’ve been out there,” said Karel.  “We simply couldn’t contain the amount of exhibitors wanting to participate this year in the main hall of the Long Beach Convention Center.” Because of the overwhelming demand for exhibit space, the outer lobby had to be opened up to accommodate more booths.  The market ended up exceeding 1,200 exhibit spaces, 300 more than KEM’s Long Beach show this past spring. The new Los Angeles Furniture and Accessory Market is the second major market announcement for KEM this year.  In July, the company announced it will be adding a brand new show – the Houston Furniture and Accessory Market – scheduled for May 22, 23 and 24, 2005 in the Reliant Center at Houston’s Reliant Park, one of the largest event venue sites in the world.   Karel and his company are on a roll with several consecutive packed houses at its venues in Edison, N.J.; Orlando, Fla.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Fitchburg, Mass. “The formula has been working to a tee these past couple of years,” said Karel, referring to the concept of producing regional furniture and accessory markets that are less expensive for exhibitors and more geographically accessible to buyers. In August 2004 alone, Karel Expo filled more than 1,500 exhibit spaces at its Orlando Furniture and Accessory Market and 1,100-plus spaces at its Edison Furniture and Accessory Market. “The Long Beach market followed suit,” said Karel.  “In addition to the show’s popularity, the rapid growth of the region and steady economic conditions in the furniture industry were big factors.  Manufacturers were writing up lots of orders and the feedback from buyers was extremely positive.” Based in Aventura, Fla., Karel Exposition Management produces a total of 10 furniture and accessory markets a year.  The markets showcase the latest trends in furniture, lighting, bedding and accessories and are open only to manufacturers, representatives, designers, furniture stores, distributors, retailers and specialty stores. For more information about Karel Expo Management or any of its scheduled shows, call (305) 792-9990 or visit www.kemexpo.com.