Regional Shows In Florida And New Jersey Break Records For Karel Exposition Management

Furniture World Magazine

Two record-breaking summer shows by Karel Exposition Management in Florida and New Jersey brought together thousands of furniture buyers and manufacturers. "These shows indicate that consumer buying will be very strong this fall," said Larry Karel, president. "Our exhibitors wrote a lot of business at both shows, and that means the retailers were confident about having a good season." More than 5,000 buyers attended the Orlando Furniture & Accessory Market held Aug. 27-29 in the Orange County Convention Center. "This was the best Orlando show in years," said Vern Kohn, Coaster Company of America, one of the exhibitors. "Karel's shows just keep getting better." Added Joyce Frazier, Eagle Industries: "This great show gave us exposure to many dealers who are unable to attend the out-of--state markets," The Orlando market was Karel Exposition Management's largest show ever in Central Florida with more than 1,100 exhibitor spaces. "Our show was so successful, we secured larger space in this facility for next year," said Larry Karel, president. "We will have more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit space for our Aug. 25-27, 2000 show, and we advise potential exhibitors to circle those dates." Earlier in the month, the Mid-Atlantic Furniture & Accessory Market, held August 8-10 in the New Jersey Convention Center, Edison, NJ, was also a sell-out with 700 booths. Buyers from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania had an opportunity to see the latest merchandise from across the United States, as well as exhibits from international manufacturers. "The Karel show has given us a great opportunity to introduce our new products to regional customers who can't always go to High Point," said Morty Dougatz, Viva Trade -International Furniture Sales. "We wrote a lot of business with old and new accounts and had a great show." Fred Farra, Michelangelo Design, said the Mid-Atlantic market is important to buyers throughout the tri-state area. "It shows the trends, the tastes, the designs the community is moving to - plus it adds sales." Karel said the next Mid-Atlantic Furniture & Accessory Market - to be held February 6-8, 2000, in the same location - is nearly sold out. "We advise exhibitors to reserve their space now," he said. Founded in 1952, Karel Exposition Management, based in Aventura, Florida, is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory markets. In 2000, Karel Exposition Management, will be holding eight regional markets in Edison, NJ; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Fitchburg, MA; Las Vegas, NV; Orlando, FL; and Pomona, CA. For information, call Karel Exposition Management at (305) 792-9990 or by fax at (305) 792-9898 or visit the website at www.kemexpo.com.