Singapore event ends on a high

After four full days of business meetings, networking and design-related activities, the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2013/30th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2013), The Décor Show 2013 and The Hospitality Show 2013 ended on a positive note, reports the fair’s organiser IFFS Pte.

ekonglong fashionable reception desk

The trilogy of events opened to a good flow of visitors through its doors, despite the weekend start. Anchored by 466 exhibitors from 26 countries, IFFS/AFS welcomed a total of 20,893 visitors from 102 countries to the annual international event, which included 118 buying delegations. This year, spot orders in the region of US$297m were reportedly transacted at the fair, and follow-on sales are expected to reach US$3.3b.

Over the years, IFFS/AFS has developed a reputation as a respectable show that attracts a wide range of quality exhibitors. The extensive portfolio of exhibits helps to draw buyers, making it a well-attended show that is fruitful for all participating companies.

Mike McKeever, vice-president of Les Jardins (America), says: “We wanted to expand our distribution in Asia, and we’re satisfied to have obtained customers from new markets. Singapore is a vibrant place that attracts many of our potential partners from Australia. We’ve also seen people from Papua New Guinea, India, North America and Europe.”

Also happy with the results of his company’s first-time participation is Amit Gupta, director of Ava Handfab (India). He agrees: “There is a good variety of customers here at IFFS. Around 70-80% of the people we’ve met are serious buyers.”

As much as it is an attractive event for furniture manufacturers, IFFS/AFS proved equally appealing for visitors. Ernie Koh, chairman of IFFS Pte says: “Increasingly, exhibitors are providing visitors with a full experience of their exhibit pieces. Instead of simply displaying a piece, more participating companies work hard at demonstrating how their pieces come together as a collection. The fact that exhibitors put more thought to their booths, and how they choose to return each year, tells us that they see value in their IFFS/AFS investment!”