May 31, 2023

Casual Market Atlanta special events calendar debuts

A full calendar of education and events are will take place at the inaugural edition of Casual Market Atlanta on July 10-13 at AmericasMart Atlanta.

“The debut of Casual Market Atlanta offers myriad opportunities for buyers and sellers to discover new product and forge new connections,” said Karen Olson, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of International Market Centers (IMC). “The combination of exhibits, education and events makes AmericasMart Atlanta a must-attend for outdoor and casual furniture buyers and sellers alike this summer.”

Learn with Vern Yip

Celebrity interior designer Vern Yip spotlights what’s trending in casual furnishings and outdoor living spaces during a free, one-hour session, “Outdoor Living With Vern Yip,” on Tuesday, July 11, at 2:30 p.m., in Building 1.

Yip, owner of the Atlanta-based Vern Yip Designs, is known for his four seasons on the original run of TLC’s “Trading Spaces” and for his 10-plus years as one of HGTV’s most recognizable designers on shows including “Deserving Design with Vern Yip,” “HGTV Design Star” and “Bang For Your Buck.” His award-winning design work showcasing his eclectic style has been featured in House Beautiful, HGTV Magazine and Traditional Home.

New buyer welcome and tour

The free, one-hour “Buyer Tour: Casual/Outdoor Furnishings” welcomes market-goers to Casual Market Atlanta’s new AmericasMart home.

Led by Paula Eller-Cox, IMC’s marketing manager of casual, the guided tour offers buyers an overview of brands and products available in the new Casual Furnishings collection at AmericasMart Atlanta, as well as insider tips to make the most of time at market.

Tours, which are offered at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 11, start at the ICFA Member Lounge on Floor 2 of Building 1.

Additional ICFA events

New and longtime events hosted by the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) augment the Casual Market Atlanta sourcing and shopping experience this summer.

“Casual Market Atlanta will offer the industry a compelling combination of new experiences and time-honored traditions this summer in Atlanta,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of the ICFA. “We’re looking forward to presenting popular ICFA-hosted events, such as the annual Awards Gala and Annual Meeting, against the backdrop of a new city and in our new venue.”

An opening day ICFA 65th birthday celebration on July 10 at 6 p.m. commemorates the milestone birthday of the outdoor furnishings industry’s trade organization.

Casual Market Atlanta participants are invited to wear pink for Pink Out Atlanta all day on July 11 to spread awareness and show support for those affected by breast cancer. Those donating $50 or more to City of Hope, ICFA’s philanthropic partner, will receive a pink stone bracelet or hot pink pocket square in the ICFA Member Lounge.

The ICFA Awards Gala on July 11 at 6 p.m. at the Georgia Aquarium celebrates achievements and excellence in the casual furnishings industry. During this evening, ICFA will announce winners of its Apollo Awards, recognizing retail excellence in the sales and marketing of outdoor furnishings, as well as recipients of ICFA’s 2023 Manufacturer of the Year Award and 2023 Sales Representative of the Year awards.

All Casual Market attendees are invited to the ICFA Annual Meeting on July 12 at 7:30 a.m. to learn more about industry initiatives, upcoming activities and membership benefits, and for the election of the association’s 2024 officers and directors.