Singapore-Based Furniture Show Invites Cebuano Makers to Join in 2014

In the launching of the International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) recently at the Waterffront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, the organizers invited Cebu furniture makers to join their next show on March 13-16 next year. Also called the ASEAN Furniture Show (AFS), it will be a trilogy of events along with The Decor Show and the newly added Hospitality 360 (degrees).

Took place last March 9-12 this year in no less than the bustling cosmopolitan Singapore, IFFS opened to a good flow of visitors. With 466 exhibitors from 26 countries, it welcomed a total of 20, 893 guests from 102 countries which included 118 buying delegations. Spot orders in the region of US$297 million were done at the fair, and follow-on sales are expected to reach US$3.3 billion.

The International Furniture Fair Singapore has nearly three decades or 30 years of experience in the exhibition industry thus, regarded by experts as Asia’s premier sourcing platform and design-led exhibition. It remains the most distinctive channel for regional and international companies to penetrate the global market.

The trilogy of shows–IFFS/AFS, The Decor Show and The Hospitality Show–features a comprehensive range of furniture by a diverse portfolio of quality exhibitors, and attracts a healthy and well-represented attendance of trade buyers and visitors. The event’s conference segment (Hospitality.Design.Furniture) and numerous design initiatives (SingaPlural, D’Space, Furniture Design Platform and Furniture Design Award) offer added depth and dimension, raising its profile as a must-go show.

Last March was the first time Philippine-based firms went in full force in the IFFS/AFS with a Philippine pavilion which occupied more than 300 square meters of space in the venue. 12 local companies in the industry situated themselves in the very ow pavilion. This year, WE-LINK, which is the representative of the show in the Philippines, eyes for a bigger and better exposure for next year.

Candice Chiang, executive for sales & marketing of IFFS Pte. Ltd., hopes to showcase the Filipino’s ingenuity in the global arena. “The Philippines has long been considered the hub of great designs here in Asia and we want the buyers who come regularly to our show in Singapore to get a taste of the unique flavor that Filipino manufacturers offer in their pieces,” said Chiang.

IFFS Pte. Ltd is partly owned by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) and MP International Pte Ltd. For more info on how you can join the IFFS 2014, email We-LINK at wilbert.novero@we-link.gesi.com.ph. The IFFS 2013 Philippine Pavilion included Aerostone Inc., Asia Ceramics Corporation, Celestial Arts Inc., Chrysara Carat Mfg. Inc., Jireh Forge, Komodo Artcrafts, Inc., A Garcia Crafts, Diretso, Far East Furniture, Gardini Picanti, Pacific Traders, and Triboa Bay Living. (With Press Release)

Merril Yu, Managing Director, GHM Hotels Philippines (Photo by Gabriel Gealogo)

Wilbert Novero, General Manager, Worldwide Exhibitions Linkage Services (WE-LINK) (Photo by Gabriel Gealogo)