Edenton, NC - SFC is offering members a not-to-be-missed experience at imm cologne 2016. Building on success established with the 2015 edition of imm cologne, Khoelnmesse is again offering SFC members a customized experience of the show. There is a package of compelling incentives for SFC members attending as buyers, and SFC member companies are also invited to be part of the show as exhibitors, with several last-minute spots available. The show runs January 18-24, and is well-known as a premier design event.
Companies that participated as visitors in the 2015 show were very pleased with their experience. Ashley Gill of Textile Exchange enthused, "I attended the fair on Thursday and Friday, arriving later than I expected to. Robert met me and was WONDERFUL! He made sure that I found where I needed to go, introduced me to other parts of the group, and organized activities and dinners for us while I was there. I made a lot of contact with companies using down and wool, and I look forward to seeing where those conversations go."
Programming on sustainability topics is expanded at imm cologne 2016, and includes an on-stage presentation by Susan Inglis, SFC executive director, covering the topic "Designing to Sustain a Healthy Future," with discussion to follow on Monday, January 18. The SFC contingent will enjoy VIP treatment and a variety of special events, including a special program at Ecosign Academy. Established in 1994, Ecosign Academy offers an interdisciplinary design program that addresses the environmental, social, cultural and economic challenges of our globalized world. The group will be welcomed by Bernd Draser, ecosign lecturer in design philosophy, and will also enjoy a talk by Felix Stark, ecosign lecturer in product design. The program will also include a tour of the Academy's permanent collection, and will conclude with refreshments.
Registration for the SFC Tour of imm cologne, which is free, is open on the SFC website. The SFC contingent will be provided the following:
- Complimentary exhibition ticket.
- A Welcome Reception.
- Special program and presentation at Ecosign Academy
- Exhibition and Showroom Tours, including to SFC members Calligaris, Ekornes, Jaipur, and Vispring.
- Invitation to the immDesign night (limited availability).
- Local Language Support.
- Travel & Visa Assistance.
- Free shuttle service to the event, including airport pick-up and transfer.
- A Global Networking Lounge.
- A Delegation Matchmaking service.
- Workshop Access.
- Business Meetings organized with buyers, associations, and Koelnmesse management.
- A unique cultural experience – dinner at one of Cologne’s breweries.
- Guided City Tours – Cologne, Düsseldorf, Berlin or Munich.
- Cologne Carnival Event.
Reflecting on the plan, Mette Petersen, President and Managing Director of Koelnmesse commented, "We are very pleased to be partnering with Sustainable Furnishings Council for the second year in a row - not only because SFC members have much to offer to and much to gain from being involved with our show, imm cologne, but also because we share the organization's values and are happy to partner on sustaining a healthy future."
One of several shows produced by Khoelnmesse, imm cologne offers a concentrated presentation of furniture, home accessories and interior design by manufacturers and designers from all over the world – ranging from the basics to high-design and luxury items. Products are shown in 17 exhibit halls and are organized into 9 segments including living room, bedroom, dining room, home office furniture, mattresses and sleep systems and one of a kind product and design installations by up-and-coming international designers. Participants in the SFC Tour will see best practices for sustainability highlighted throughout and will have ample opportunity to explore the solutions exhibiting companies offer.
