Marketing Manual 2014 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market

Marketing Manual
2014
International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market
September 16-19, 2014
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Show Dates and Hours
3
Contact Information
3
On-Site Directory and Preview Guide Advertising
4
Magazine Partner Advertising
5
Call for Photography – FREE OPPORTUNITY
7
Promotional Tools – FREE OPPORTUNITY
8
Sponsorship Opportunities and Order Form
9
New Product Gallery and Order Form
14
Design Excellence Awards and Entry Forms
18
Merchandising Excellence Awards and Entry Form
29
Showroom/Exhibitor Market Event Submission Form – FREE OPPORTUNITY
31
Press & Publicity – FREE OPPORTUNITIES
Important Public Relations Information and How To’s
Call for Product/Trend Releases and Photos Form
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GENERAL INFORMATION
SHOW DATES & HOURS
International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market™
Tuesday, September 16 – Friday, September 19, 2014
The Merchandise Mart, Chicago
Permanent Showroom Hours:
8:30 am – 6 pm (Tuesday - Thursday)
8:30 am – 2 pm (Friday)
Temporary Exhibitor Hours:
8:30 am – 6 pm (Tuesday – Thursday)
8:30 am – 2 pm (Friday)
CONTACT US
Marketing:
Julia Chappell, Managing Director, Marketing
312.527.7643
jchappell@mmart.com
Sales & Leasing:
Byron Morton, Vice President Leasing
312.527.7701
bmorton@mmart.com
Madeleine Tullier, Director of Sales
312.527.7583
mtullier@mmart.com
Executive Management
Susan McCoullough, Senior Vice President
312.527.7756
smccullough@mmart.com
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ON-SITE DIRECTORY AND
PREVIEW GUIDE ADVERTISING
Casual Market Preview Guide and On-Site Directory Advertising with Ascend Media
Print Advertising
Sell your products before, during and after market as buyers use the 2014 Casual Market Preview Guide
and On-Site Directory to plan for market and as valuable resources throughout the year. Take advantage
of these effective marketing tools and make sure you're capturing buyers’ attention at the very moment
they're ready to buy!
Preview Guide- Mailed to 20,000 registered buyers and buyer prospects two months prior to market, the
Preview Guide will generate early awareness of your newest products and increase traffic to your exhibit
at market. Offers Buyers abbreviated exhibitor listings, information about market and a glimpse of the
hottest NEW products.
On-Site Directory - Distributed at registration and at key points at the Merchandise Mart, the On-Site
Directory offers buyers expanded exhibitor listings, floor maps, and product category listings. One price
affords you an ad in both the Preview Guide and On-Site Directory. Space reservation is due July
28th. Artwork is due August 4th.
Online Product Locator
Available 365 days a year, the Online Product Locator is a vital time-saving tool that allows buyers to
locate products, services and company information. By purchasing one of the many effective 6-month
advertising listing upgrades, you can be sure customers have fingertip access to your hottest products at
the very moment they're ready to buy!
Tower and Leader Board Banner Advertising - These unique Online Product Locator advertising
opportunities are visible on all pages and are an excellent place for powerful brand, product message or
exclusive offers. Limited to three advertisers.
eBlast Advertising
With an above industry average open rate of 42.9%, the Casual Market eBlasts offer exhibitors an
excellent marketing tool to reach buyers before market.
Four timely email blasts will be delivered to 10,000 registered buyers prior to market keeping them
informed of HOT new products, categories, updated market information, instructions on how best to use
the Online Product Locator. Scheduled for June, July , August and September 2014, each eblast offers
four exclusive banner advertising positions allowing you to give buyers another reason to visit your
website and stop by your exhibit at market.
Leaderboard Banner Advertising – Positioned above the content of the email blast. Limited to one
advertiser.
Tower Banner Advertising - Prominent, vertical right-hand positioning. Limited to one advertiser.
Rectangle Banner Advertising - Positioned directly below featured product categories. Limited to two
advertisers.
For information about the above advertising opportunities, please contact Dee Busby at
913.344.1411 or dbusby@ascendintegratedmedia.
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MAGAZINE PARTNER ADVERTISING
Casual Living
In the continuing effort to promote the casual furniture industry, MMPI has again partnered with Progressive Business
Media— Casual Living, Furniture Today and Home Accents Today—in order to increase exposure and reach
furniture and specialty stores.
The September issue of Casual Living will include a special section on Hot Products at the International Casual
Furniture and Accessories Market, which will feature furniture, accessories, garden and tabletop products at the
Casual Show. In addition Casual Living publishes the only show daily newspaper that is distributed at the show.
These could be excellent ways of promoting your products to key industry executives.
Electronic Opportunities
Progressive Business Media provides a wide variety of electronic marketing opportunities to reach your customers.
Whether it is electronic direct mail (e-blast), e-weekly newsletters, breaking e-news, and website placement or web
casts (online videos of your showroom), Casual Living magazine can get your message to the key decision makers in
the casual market place. Call Doug Dauray today for complete information on electronic marketing, at 336.605.3790.
In order to make a significant impact and help grow the home furnishings industry, your advertising support would be
greatly appreciated. Special package rates are available from our partners at Progressive Business Media. You can
expect a maximum return on your advertising investment with these leading publications.
We hope you will support Progressive Business Media in our joint pursuit of promoting to the home furnishings
industry. Please direct inquiries to us by calling Doug Dauray at 336.605.3790 or reach him at
ddauray@casualliving.com or faxing inquiries to 336.605.1143 or write us at Casual Living, 7025 Albert Pick Rd.,
Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27409.
Garden Center
Garden Center magazine is known for providing a stream of useful, proven, smart ideas for independent retailers. In
addition to featuring unparalleled editorial coverage of business, retailing and new products and varieties, each issue
focuses on the latest trends and provides timely coverage of critical seasonal issues. Garden Center magazine
reaches the top 5,000 qualified subscribers with our print edition and is also distributed digitally to over 20,000. Visit
us at www.GardenCenterMagazine.com.
Hearth & Home magazine, the Voice of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Industries
Marketers: Deliver your sales message to multiple target audiences with your ads in Hearth & Home. You’ll reach
specialty retailers, furniture stores, residential, hospitality and landscape architects and designers, along with industry
reps throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Highlights:
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New advertisers receive an introductory discount on their first standard display ad.
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Three print ad formats available to accommodate most advertising budgets.
•
Free new product coverage
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Two electronic advertising options
•
Free ad size upgrade program to increase advertising impact.
•
Magazine distribution at major industry shows.
Among competing publications, Hearth & Home reaches the largest number of retail buying entities and the largest
number of residential, hospitality and landscape architects and designers who currently specify product for the
outdoor room.
Marketers: Deliver your sales message to multiple Readership:
•
Independent surveys conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association show that more than 9 out 10
of their trade show attendees read Hearth & Home regularly; that’s more than twice the number who
regularly read the closest competing publication.
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Make sure your sales message is present when industry professionals turn to Hearth & Home for the latest sales
data, product trends, information and thought-provoking articles. Call today for advertising information: 1-800-2583772.
HFN
HFN is the only total home magazine dedicated to providing the latest breaking news and information for all
categories of home furnishings retailing: Furniture, housewares, floor covering, lighting, tabletop and more. Targeting
senior management decision-makers, category buyers and leading manufacturers, HFN provides these executives
and retail store owners with important information that affects the industry across all channels of distribution. With a
particular focus on market trends and the hottest new products in the industry, HFN also reports on marketing and
merchandising strategies, finance, mergers and acquisitions, personnel and all other issues impacting the business of
total home furnishings.
In today's changing retail market, HFN is the only publication that delivers quality content reaching tomorrow's
customer today. Ask about discounted rates for Casual Market Showrooms and Exhibitors. Contact: Joe Sgammato,
Associate Publisher, 646.274.3791, JSgammato@hfnmag.com.
Hospitality Design
Hospitality Design (HD) magazine is the premier trade magazine serving the field of hospitality design. It connects
owners, operators, purchasing agents, designers, and architects involved in the design of hotels, resorts, restaurants,
cruise ships, nightclubs/lounges, spas, and all other hospitality-oriented projects. HD continues its 30-plus-year
mission to publish the accomplishments of various design teams that collaborate to bring the most innovative
examples of new construction and renovation to the industry. To learn more about advertising opportunities contact
Paul Bienkowski, Publisher, 860-644-3861, pbienkowski@cox.net.
Landscape Architecture Magazine
Founded in 1910, Landscape Architecture Magazine (LAM) is the monthly magazine of the American Society of
Landscape Architects. LAM is the only paid subscription, AAM-audited magazine in the landscape architecture
industry, connecting you with more than 60,000 readers who specify over $140 billion in products and services each
year.
LAM is available in digital subscription format via Zinio, adding valuable interactive capabilities such as free links to
advertiser web sites. To advertise in the Landscape Architecture Magazine please contact Vivian Thompson at
vthompson@asla.org or 202.216.2335 to be directed to your advertising representative.
Patio & Hearth Products Report
Patio & Hearth Products Report is a tabloid-sized publication for owners and managers of specialty casual furniture
stores, retailers and dealers of patio, hearth, barbecue/grill, outdoor-kitchen and outdoor-living products.
Total circulation is 15,000. Each bi-monthly issue includes feature articles and departments on outdoor furniture,
hearth products, outdoor-kitchens, outdoor-living products, as well as trends within the patio, hearth and barbecue
industry. In addition, each issue of P&HPR features Product Profiles (our new products section), as well as Industry
News (our news section).
With each ad, advertisers receive two product releases in Product Profiles (our new products section). In addition,
ads and product profiles are included with the online digital-editions of P&HPR, which includes direct links to the
advertiser's website. The July/August issue of P&HPR receives bonus distribution at Casual Market in Chicago in
September. Extra copies of the July/August issue are distributed from our exhibit booth, in addition to the publication
bins that are located throughout the Merchandise Mart. Ad closing is June 29 with ad materials due by July 9. To
reserve ad space or obtain additional information about advertising, contact Tony Ramos, Publisher, 310.792.7448,
tramos@peninsula-media.com.
RetailerNOW
RetailerNOW is a bold new publication brought to you by the National Home Furnishings Association and Western
Home Furnishings Association. Developed for a specialized community, RetailerNOW brings a unique editorial focus
on progressive and relevant issues concerning the home furnishings industry. Written for, by and about the
progressive leaders in the home furnishings industry, RetailerNOW will elevate and inspire our industry to think
beyond traditional boundaries and expand conversations to create the vision that will shape our future.
Published 10 times a year to 12,000 readers, RetailerNOW offers advertisers an expanded audience of innovative
home furnishings professionals eager to succeed in business today. It is the only association publication in the
industry and is delivered to dedicated members nationwide. Special product focuses and Market issues gives you
more opportunities to reach your target audience and a robust, interactive website provide more opportunities to
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reach that tech-savvy retailer. To learn about advertising opportunities please call 1.800.888.9590 ext. 6177 or email
lcarroll@nhfa.org.
CALL FOR PHOTOGRAPHYFREE OPPORTUNITY
Don’t miss your chance to promote your products in the 2014 International Casual Furniture &
Accessories Market 2014 campaign.
We are currently soliciting manufacturer’s color, digital product photography for use in Casual Market
marketing materials – on-site Directory, email campaigns and direct mail pieces. This is a great free
opportunity to shine the spotlight on your products before the show!
Photo Requirements a. Only digital images will be accepted. Images must be a PhotoShop File at least 300 dpi in
eps, jpeg, or tiff formats. The images should be at least 10” wide/long and 2MB or larger. b. Images should be sent on a CD; CD’s will not be returned. c. Please include a print out of the images you’re submitting, preferably as a contact sheet with
color thumbnails. d. Photos of product set in an environment are preferred, particularly those that are shot in
settings that do not include people/animals. For example, furniture groupings shot outdoors, in a
backyard, on a patio, by a body of water or in an outdoor room. Silhouettes will still be accepted
and utilized. e. Photos should not include logos or text on the image f. There is no limit to the number of submissions you may make. If you have multiple shots of a
particular product, i.e. some with more background then others, different angles -- submit all. This
gives us more options. g. Please clearly label the CD with your company name. If you have an outside firm create your
CD, please be sure that they mark the CD with your company information, not their company
information. h. By submitting your images, you authorize MMPI to reproduce, create derivatives and print any
submitted photos in whole or in part and any medium, at its sole discretion. Deadlines: • Please note that images will be accepted throughout the entire year but the earlier you
submit your images the more likely you are to be considered in all 2014 marketing
materials and opportunities Send your CD to: Kelsey Tracy International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470 Chicago, IL 60654 Please note MMPI makes every effort to include all images submitted, however, we cannot guarantee
that your photo(s) will be used. To maintain fairness, images selected for the main creative may not be
credited. Also, you must be a current showroom or exhibitor in good standing for your photography to be
considered. By submitting these photos or images, you here by authorize us to use the photos for
marketing purposes and you represent that you have the authority to allow our use and indemnify us for
any claims otherwise.
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FREE PROMOTIONAL TOOLS
Free promotional tools are available to help you promote yourself before the Market. Including:
FREE International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market Logo
Sending out an e-mail or creating your own direct mail piece? Be sure to include the FREE International
Casual Furniture & Accessories Market logo to use when creating your own marketing materials. This
logo can also be placed on your web site or email and link back to the Casual Market Web Site. Logos
will be sent via e-mail. Please email casualmarket@mmart.com to request the logo
FREE Customizable Email
Send your buyers an email inviting them to see you at the Casual Market. A customizable template
featuring the 2014 show creative will be sent out to all exhibitors and you can customize with your own
text and images to send to your database. Instructions and the customizable email will be emailed to all
exhibitors and showrooms at the end of June.
FREE Web Site Link
If you are a current exhibitor for the 2014 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, your Web
site should already be linked to the Market Web site. If not, please email casualmarket@mmart.com or
call 312-527-7764.
FREE – Connect on Facebook
If your business has an active Facebook page, you should log-in to your Facebook account and “Like” the
Casual Market’s Facebook page. Doing so could create social networking opportunities for you, and we
will “Like” your Facebook page in return as well as attempt to post or tag relative information on your
page. We will also help promote your Facebook page to select media / magazines, etc.
Casual Market Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Casual-Furniture-AccessoriesMarket/226334859049
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Want to increase your visibility and brand awareness during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories
Market? Sponsorships are a powerful traffic booster! Sponsor an event, create a furniture display on the first floor,
display your logo or product image on show banners or choose from any of our other creative cross-promotional
opportunities.
All opportunities are first-come, first-served. Contact Julia Chappell at 312-527-7643 or jchappell@mmart.com to
inquire about availabilities.
Opening Night Backyard BBQ Party
More than 1,000 guests attend the Opening Night Party each year. This key networking event takes place on the
South Drive of the Merchandise Mart along the scenic Chicago River and we expect even more excitement
surrounding this key networking event. Sponsors will be listed in the On-Site Directory, event HTML, market website,
and event press release. Several sponsorship opportunities are available to help you generate excitement for your
brand marketing including:
Opening Night Product Vignette Showcase
Set the scene for the Market’s hottest outdoor party by being a featured product sponsor at the Opening Night
Backyard BBQ Party. Showcase your product in one of our four vignette’s along the Chicago River. Each Product
Vignette Showcase will consist of a Shade Sponsor, Rug Sponsor, Furniture Sponsor and Grill/Fire Pit/Flame
Sponsor
Grill, Fire Pit and Flame manufacturers can own your own 200 square foot vignette and display only your products.
Open to: Shade Sponsor, Rug Sponsor, Furniture Sponsor and Grill/Fire Pit/Flame Sponsor
Grill/ Fire Pit/ Flame Manufacturer
Grill, fire pit and flame manufacturers can have additional opportunity at this year’s Market to participate in our “Open
Flame” showcase during the Opening Night Backyard BBQ Party. Cook on your grills, showoff your new fire pit…the
possibilities are endless.
** Available Only to manufacturers who lease a 10x20 (200 sq. ft.) minimum space on the show floor
2 Different Packages:
1.) Display your Grill, Fire Pit or Flame product in your own 200 square foot vignette for $2,500
2.) Display your Grill, Fire Pit or Flame product as part of a product vignette showcase for $1,250/ Vignette (see
product vignette showcase description for more information)
Product Vignette Showcase
Each product vignette consists of Flame, Furniture, Rug and Shade feature designed by Merchandise Mart
Merchandising Team. For more information please see shade, rug, and furniture sponsor descriptions below.
Shade Sponsor
Offer party goers a place to take a break from the sun underneath your latest shade product. Supply your umbrella,
canopy or other shade element for the party.
Promotional Fee: $1,250/Vignette. Call for complete details.
Rug Sponsor
Showcase your unique rug perfect for patio, garden and other outdoor living spaces.
Promotional Fee: $1,250/ Vignette. Call for complete details.
Furniture Sponsor
Supply your latest furniture for the party lounge and speak with attendees about your product.
Promotional Fee: $1,250/ Vignette. Call for complete details.
Seminars
Industry Presentation Sponsor
Sponsor 1 of our 2 industry presentations/seminars during the Casual Market. You will be listed as the sponsor of the
seminar in the presentation e-blast, in the Directory and Web site under Event description and in signage on-site.
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Sponsor will have the opportunity to introduce the speaker, have collateral materials and signage available during the
seminar.
Promotional Fee: $1,500 (Limited to 1 sponsor per seminar). Call for complete details.
Outdoor Sponsorships
South Drive Banners
Provide your company maximum exposure through the South Drive banner sponsorship on the prominent façade of
The Merchandise Mart. All Casual attendees, Mart visitors, Chicago River traffic and Wacker drive traffic will view
your brand.
Promotional Fee: $5,000
Kinzie/Wells Entrance Outdoor Display Vignette
While breaking from the Casual Market, attendees are seeking some fresh air. Create a seating vignette or
installation in the space outside this highly visible entrance for unparalleled exposure to Casual Market attendees and
thousands of passers-by.
Promotional Fee: $2,500
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1 Floor Sponsorships
Merchandise Mart South Lobby
The South Lobby has been transformed into a high-end lounge area at The Mart that is open year round to visitors.
This sponsorship is a great way to showcase your furniture to attendees and building visitors and give them a place
to relax and enjoy your collection. Vignette areas are available with 2 in the South Lobby East and 2 in the South
Lobby West. Sponsorship also includes on-site signage in the lobby.
2 Different Packages:
1.) All 4 South Lobby vignette’s for $20,000
2.) 2 South Lobby vignette’s for $10,000
Starbucks &East Pass-Through
Ideal for creation of a Lounge using shade or furniture. This pass-through is located across from Starbucks and Argo
Tea, and would be a popular respite. This area will get noticed time and again by all Casual Market attendees and
Mart visitors. The visibility is exceptional!
Shade | $1,500
Furniture | $1,500
East Central Pass-Through
This major thoroughfare stretching the length of The Mart, allows a sponsor the opportunity to showcase anything
from untraditional furniture vignettes hung from walls, to mosaics of products / story boards / projections, etc. All
Casual Market attendees would see this repeatedly and the impact would be spectacular.
Promotional Fee: $3,000
Kinzie/Wells Entrance Display
The Kinzie/Wells Street entrance is the most highly used entrance to Market, right by the popular Mart Parc Wells
parking garage. This is an ideal location to showcase your umbrellas, furniture or accessories to thousands of
retailers – and daily visitors – coming to and leaving the mart.
Promotional Fee: $1,500
Coat/Luggage Check
Brand the coat/luggage- check tickets with your company name, booth, and showroom location: Fee includes printing
of coat/luggage- check tickets with your company logo. Sponsor responsible for branded signage at Coat-Check
Promotional Fee: $1,500
Hotel Keycards
This opportunity allows the sponsor to advertise and promote their involvement with Casual Market on 10,000 hotel
guestroom keycards. Sponsor supplies the artwork for the keycards. Fee includes all processing, coordination with
hotels and production of keycards.
Promotional Fee: $1,000 (Limited to 1 sponsor)
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7 Floor Sponsorships
Garden & Accessories Courtyard Cafe
Create a memorable Casual Market experience. Opportunity to showcase your furniture in a branded café or lounge
area, which will be named the [Your Company] Café or [Your Company] Lounge. Sponsor may provide branded
napkins, creative giveaways, wall décor, installations, and more*. Lounge must provide an amenity to attendees.
Promotional Fee: $1,000 + Column Signage (5 columns) (Limited to 1 sponsor)
Press Room Furniture Display
Sponsor the Market Press Room and get your product in front of the key editors writing about the International Casual
Furniture & Accessories Market. Sponsorship also includes on-site signage and the opportunity to distribute your
company giveaways, i.e. pens, paper, etc. in the room
Promotional Fee: $1,000 + Furniture
Multi-Floor Sponsorships
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th
Promotional Signage in Stairwell Connecting 15 and 16 Floors
th
th
Showcase your product in the stairwell connecting the casual showrooms between the 15 and 16 Floors. Buyers
will be using this convenient stairwell to shop the Market and visitors to the building use this stairwell year round. This
is a great way to get exposure in a popular stairwell. Sponsor will also receive signage.
Promotional Fee: $500 + Production and Installation
Elevator Bank Sponsorship
Take advantage of this offering and brand one of the Merchandise Mart’s elevator banks with elevator door decals.
Invite hundreds or thousands of people that will be riding your elevator to your booth or showroom. Sponsor has an
opportunity to design the door decal for select elevator doors on floor 7*.
Promotional Fee: $1,500/ Bank + Production & Installment
Official Market Bags
This walking promotional vehicle is distributed to the Casual Market attendees throughout the Merchandise Mart and
will long outlive the life of the show. Bags will be placed in bins. Fee does not include bag production.
Promotional Fee: $2,500 + Production (Limited to 1 sponsor)
Official Market Lanyards
One of the most visible sponsorships at the Market. Badge lanyards are clipped to attendee badges and worn
throughout the Market. The badge strands can display your logo, showroom/ space number, phone number, Website,
etc. for everyone to see.
Promotional Fee: $3,500 plus the cost of materials (Limited to 1 sponsor)
Branded Bottled Water
Quench your buyers thirst during a busy day of shopping with a customized bottle of water featuring your company
logo and space/showroom number. Water bottles will be distributed in Attendee Registration, Press Room and ICFA
Lounge. Fee does not include water bottles fee.
Promotional Fee: $2,000 plus the cost of materials (Limited to 1 sponsor)
Online/Email Advertising
Web Site Advertisement
Send us your logo and showcase your brand on the official Casual Market web site. Attendees utilize the web site as
a resource to help plan their time before they get to Market.
Promotional Fee: $1,000 per ad (Limited to 3 sponsors for a rotating ad space).
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ORDER FORM
To participate in one or more of the promotional opportunities available at the 2013 Casual Market, please complete
this form and return it to our office. All opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served
Opening Night Backyard BBQ Party
Product Vignette Showcase
Grill/ Fire Pit/ Flame Manufacturer
Display Product in your own 200 square foot vignette- Promotional Fee: $2,500
Display product as part of a product vignette showcase- Promotional Fee: $1,250/ Vignette
Shade Sponsor-Promotional Fee: $1,250/ Vignette
Rug Sponsor- Promotional Fee: $1,250/ Vignette
Furniture Sponsor- Promotional: $1,250/ Vignette
Seminars
Industry Presentation Sponsor- Promotional Fee: $1,500
Outdoor Sponsorships
South Drive Banners- Promotional Fee: $5,000
Kinzie/Wells Entrance Outdoor Vignette- Promotional Fee: $2,500
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1 Floor Sponsorships
Merchandise Mart South Lobby
All 4 South Lobby vignettes– Promotional Fee: $20,000
2 South Lobby vignettes- Promotional Fee: $10,000
Starbucks & East Pass Through
Shade Sponsor- Promotional Fee: $1,500
Furniture Sponsor- Promotional Fee: $1,500
East Central Pass-Through- Promotional Fee: $3,000
Kinzie/Wells Entrance Display- Promotional Fee: $1,500
Coat/Luggage Check- Promotional Fee: $1,500
Hotel Keycards- Promotional Fee: $1000
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7 Floor Sponsorships
Garden & Accessories Courtyard Café- Promotional Fee: $1,000 + Column Signage (5 Columns)
Press Room Furniture Display- Promotional Fee: $1,000 + Furniture
Multi-Floor Sponsorships
Promotional Signage in Stairwell Connecting 15th & 16th Floors- Promotional Fee: $500
Elevator Bank Sponsorship- Promotional Fee: $1,500/Bank + Production & Installation
Official Market Bags- Promotional Fee: $2,500 + Production
Official Market Lanyards- Promotional Fee: $3,500 plus cost of materials
Branded Bottled Water- Promotional Fee: $2,000 plus cost of materials
Online/Email Advertising
Web Site Advertisement- Promotional Fee: $1,000 per ad
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Please print or type the following information:
Sponsorship(s) Requested:
Company Name:
Company Contact:
Address:
City/State/Zip/Country:
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature:
Method of Payment: Please þ the appropriate box. Amount Payable $
Visa
American Express
MasterCard
Check Enclosed
Card Holder Name:
Card Number:
Expiration Date:
Signature:
We understand that a check in US Dollars for a minimum of 50% of the sponsorship total cost must be
received within 10 business days of receipt of signed agreement by Show Management. The balance must be
PAID IN FULL by July 25, 2014. If payment is not received per these dates, sponsorships may be reassigned
at MMPI’s sole discretion.
Payments made by credit card will be charged for 50% of the sponsorship total cost within 10 business days
of receipt of signed agreement by Show Management. The balance will be charged on July 25, 2014. Please
make checks payable to MTS-MM LLC and reference “Casual Market Sponsorship”. All payments are nonrefundable and non-transferable.
Signature:
EMAIL, FAX OR MAIL ORDER TO:
Julia Chappell
Managing Director, Marketing
Vornado | Merchandise Mart
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Suite 470
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Tel: 312.527.7643| Fax: 312.527.0021
JChappell@MMart.com
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NEW PRODUCT
GALLERY
Gain additional buyer exposure by displaying your new product in the International Casual Furniture & Accessories
™
Market New Product Gallery, located on the first floor, North Corridor of The Merchandise Mart during Market,
September 16-19, 2014.
This year’s New Product Gallery will display a wide range of casual indoor and outdoor furniture and related
accessories from the Market exhibitors in the Market Suites and permanent showrooms. Products will be identified
by signs and in a special handout that will be available on-site at the display.
Participants must meet the following requirements:
•
Only one (1) item per manufacturer will be accepted. We are limited to 50 products. Participation is
on a first-come, first-served basis.
•
The New Product Gallery will be displayed in multiple locations on the First Floor of the Merchandise
Mart, including but not limited to: North Lobby under the escalators, North Lobby Corridor, East
Pass Through and North Lobby across from registration. Spaces subject to change. Manufacturers
cannot specify their location.
•
Participation is limited to The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market 2014 exhibitors and
participating permanent casual showrooms.
•
Product submitted must be NEW for the September 2014 Market.
•
The reservation form, photo of product and a payment of $175 per item must be received on or before
August 15, 2014. Credit cards are preferred; checks are acceptable and should be made payable to MTSMM LLC and reference “Casual Market New Product Gallery”. Checks for the total cost must be received
within 10 business days of receipt of signed agreement by Show Management. Payments made by credit
card will be charged the total cost within 10 business days of receipt of signed agreement by Show
Management. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
•
Product must arrive fully assembled. If not, you will be charged a fee for the time to assemble your
product.
•
No promotional materials or additional signage is permitted in the display.
•
Due to space and weight limitations, product submitted must be limited in size to approximately 3’ wide by 3’
long. For example, a chair or a highboy table is acceptable. In addition, all items submitted should be easily
maneuvered by two people.
•
Umbrellas are acceptable for the display and need to fit within specific size limitations; however, we are
limited to three (3) umbrellas within the display areas. Umbrellas will be displayed on a first come, first
served basis upon submitting this form. If additional umbrellas are submitted they will be placed in the
“Umbrella Row” in the North corridor.
•
Rugs are acceptable for the display and must be 5’x8’ or smaller. We are limited to three (3) rugs in the
display. Rugs will be displayed on a first come, first served basis upon submitting this form.
•
Product must be able to be displayed as product would be in use. If for any reason a product is determined
not to fit in the display, MMPI has the right to return the product to the exhibitor’s showroom/booth and will
refund the fee.
•
Actual product for the New Product Gallery should be delivered between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, August
25 to Friday, August 29. No products will be accepted after the deadline. Showrooms requiring their product
to be picked up directly from their showroom should be ready for pick up on Monday, August 18.
14
All boxes should be clearly marked NEW PRODUCT GALLERY and shipped to:
2014 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market
c/o NEW PRODUCT GALLERY
MMPI
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
The Merchandise Mart West Dock
Chicago, IL 60654
Attention: Dave Foley
Please use the Identification label to label each product shipment for easy identification.
•
Products must be accompanied by a business card and product description. Items without identification will
NOT be accepted.
•
A design professional will set up the New Product Gallery in the order that he/she feels best. No products
are to be moved or added to the Gallery after it is set up. If a product is moved or added after the Gallery
has been staged it will be removed and the entry fee will not be reimbursed.
•
IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR ICFA PREVIEW SHOW TEMPORARY EXHIBITOR PARTICIPANTS: If you
would like to submit a product that you will be showing at the ICFA Preview Show, we will store the product
for you. All New Product Gallery entries will be stored together, separate from your other products.
To store your product you must notify the Sales Office by Thursday, July 19.
Please put your product in a separate crate/box and use the Identification Label obtainable at the Sales
Office at the ICFA Preview Show.
NEW PRODUCT GALLERY
(Company Name)
(September Booth Number)
(Product Name)
(Contact Information)
If your New Product Gallery entry is crated with the rest of the products you store, you will be charged for the
time and labor to open crates to find your entry. If we cannot clearly identify which product is the entry, it will
not be placed in the New Product Gallery. You will be able to obtain a labeling form from the Sales Office at
the Preview Show.
•
The Merchandise Mart will return your product from the New Product Gallery to your space by 10 p.m.
Friday, September 19.
Note for permanent showrooms: A representative must be available to receive the product. If the
showroom is not open during this time, the product entry will be left in the hall in front of the
showroom at your own risk. The showroom will then be responsible for moving the product back
into the showroom
•
By submitting your New Product Gallery Reservation Form, you agree to bear the entire risk of loss to or
damage of your property or of any injury to a person occasioned by your property which is brought into the
Merchandise Mart for such display. You also agree at all times to insure all products from any loss or
damage and to insure against injury to a person occasioned by your property being on display howsoever
caused and you waive any and all claims against Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. or the Building’s owner,
for such any loss or damage or related injury regardless of the cause.
15
International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market
2014 NEW PRODUCT GALLERY RESERVATION FORM
Participation requires a $175.00 fee per item with a limit of one item per manufacturer to be featured in the
2014 New Product Gallery. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please submit this form along
with an image of the product and payment on or before August 15, 2014. Checks for the total cost must be
received within 10 business days of receipt of signed agreement by Show Management. Payments made by credit
card will be charged the total cost within 10 business days of receipt of signed agreement by Show Management. .
Company Name:
Showroom/Market Suite #:
Product Name:_________________________________________________________________________________
Product Dimensions:
Weight:
Contact Name:
Contact Phone Number:
Contact E-mail Address:
I have read and will adhere to the New Product Gallery Rules & Shipping Instructions:
Signature:
Would you like the image of your product to be considered for posting on the Casual Market Facebook Fan Page?
Yes
No
Please provide product name and a 50-word description of the product for the New Product
Gallery Booklet (MMPI has the right to edit descriptions):
Credit Card Information:
Card Number:
MC
VISA
AMEX
Other:
Exp. Date: ____________ Security Code: ______
Signature: _______________________________________________________________________
ALL PAYMENTS NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE
__
Make checks payable to MTS-MM LLC reference “Casual Market New Product Gallery”
EMAIL, FAX OR MAIL FORM TO:
Julia Chappell
International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market 2014
New Product Gallery
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Tel: 312.527.7643 Fax: 312.527.0021
jchappell@mmart.com
16
2014 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market
NEW PRODUCT GALLERY
Shipping Identification Label
Company Name: ________________________________________________________________
Product Name: _________________________________________________________________
Contact Name: _________________________________________________________________
Contact Phone #: _______________________________________________________________
17
2014 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
If you are exhibiting at the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market in September, now is the time to
enter the 2014 Design Excellence Awards Competition. This prestigious, annual awards event is the only awards
program focused exclusively on casual furnishings products.
The competition is open to International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) members AND NON™
MEMBERS whose product will be exhibited at the 2014 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market
and fabric suppliers who may or may not be exhibiting. The entry fee is $100 for each product entered by an
Association member, and $500 for each product entered by a non-member, both payable to the ICFA.
All exhibitors who submit Design Excellence entries are encouraged to attend the ICFA Awards Gala on
th
Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Field Museum. Please note that the Lillian B. Winchester “Best of
Show” Award will be announced that evening. The ICFA Awards Gala will feature the announcement of our
Apollo Award winners, as well as the “Best of Show” Award, the ICFA Sales Representative of the Year
Award and the ICFA Manufacturer of the Year Award.
The Design Excellence Category judging will take place prior to the Market on Thursday, August 28. All
category winners will be announced after the judging with awards to be presented on Tuesday, September 16
in company showrooms/booths.
Casual Living will print the Design Excellence Award entries in their August issue. The 2014 category winners will
also be featured in an on-site, Market issue of Casual Living, which will be distributed during the 2014 Casual Market,
and in the October 2014 issue of Casual Living, also distributed at the October 2014 High Point Market.
This year, manufacturers can again take advantage of additional online promotion of their Design Excellence product
entries. Casual Living will feature the 2014 Design Excellence Entries on an online “microsite”. Eblasts will be sent to
promote the site to more than 40,000 e-newsletter subscribers of Casual Living, Furniture Today and Home Accents
Today. The fee is $50 per entry to be included in the online microsite. More details and a participation form are
included in this packet.
If a Casual Market exhibitor has a product or products that they would like to enter and the product is not represented
in one of the current eleven categories, the member may submit a written request, recommending to Joseph P.
Logan, ICFA, Executive Director, that the ICFA Awards Committee review the award categories to address the
member’s concerns.
The eleven categories for 2014 are: Dining/Bar Tables, Dining/Bar Chairs, Chaise Lounges, Lounge Seating –
Cushion, Lounge Seating – Non-Cushion, Shade Products, Outdoor Lighting Products, Heating/Firepits, Outdoor
Carpeting, Rugs & Flooring, Fabric and Complementary Casual Products.
Please review the enclosed materials carefully, especially the Rules and Schedule
•
Be sure to submit payment per entry, the “Entry Identification Form” and the
“Product Description Form” (preferably typed), along with photo of the product
no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014.
•
To be featured on the Casual Living microsite, please submit the Casual Living Design Excellence Online
Presentation Form along with your other forms by Friday, June 20, 2014.
•
Deliver your actual product entry to The Merchandise Mart from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Monday, August 18 Friday, August 22, 2014. See letter “Q” in the “Competition Rules” for shipping details. Also, please use the
identification label provided in this packet to label each product shipment for easy identification.
18
Showrooms requiring their product entries to be picked up directly from their showroom should be ready for
pick up on Monday, August 18 and will be charged standard drayage fees for bringing their products to and
from the judging area.
•
Any product that is not sent fully assembled will be charged an additional fee for assembly.
•
Absolutely no entries will be accepted after the posted deadlines.
We look forward to receiving a record number of entries for 2014 and wish you all the best of luck in the Design
Excellence Awards Competition!
19
2014 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Competition Rules
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A.
This competition is open to all exhibitors displaying product in a permanent Merchandise Mart showroom or
™
in the Market Suites on floors 7, during the 2014 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market. , as
well as any fabric suppliers who may or may not be displaying product at the 2014 Market.
B.
The entry fee is $100 per product for ICFA members and $500 per product for non-members. Please
make checks payable to the International Casual Furnishings Association or pay by credit card
(Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Discover).
C.
All product entries must arrive assembled or will be charged an additional fee for assembly.
D.
The eleven (11) product categories in which manufacturers may submit product are as follows:
1.
Dining/Bar Table
A dining/bar table designed for outdoor use. It may be made of any material or combination thereof.
Accessory tables are to be entered in the complementary casual products category.
2.
Dining/Bar Chair
A dining/bar chair designed for outdoor use. It may be made of any material or combination thereof.
3.
Chaise Lounge
A chaise lounge designed for outdoor use. It may be made of any material or combination thereof. The entry
may contain a shade component, but the product must meet the other category requirements as specified.
4.
Lounge Seating - Cushion
Lounge seating designed for outdoor use with cushions included. The seating may be made of any material
or combination thereof. The entry may contain a shade component, but the product must meet the other
category requirements as specified.
5.
Lounge Seating – Non-Cushion
Lounge seating designed for outdoor use with no cushions included. The seating may be made of any
material or combination thereof. The entry may contain a shade component, but the product must meet the
other category requirements as specified.
6.
Shade Products
Umbrellas, pavilions and other shade products designed for protection from the sun and elements. The
shade products should be designed for outdoor use.
7.
Outdoor Lighting
Portable lighting (such as table lamps, floor lamps, garden and accessory lighting) that are Underwriters
Laboratory listed for outdoor wet locations or using the twelve (12) volt system.
8.
Heating/Firepits
Heating units and firepits designed for outdoor use.
9.
Outdoor Carpeting, Rugs & Flooring
Carpeting, rugs and flooring designed specifically for outdoor use. Product entries should be of a
reasonable size to permit proper display during the competition judging. Entries should not exceed 6’ x 8’
and smaller sizes are recommended.
20
10. Fabric
Fabric designed and woven for use in outdoor furnishings products. The product entry should be mounted
on a display board 28” x 28” in size. The primary fabric entry should cover the entire display board. It may
be presented with up to four (4) complementary fabrics, two (2) trims, or an image of the fabric in use,
covering no more than 50% of the display board. Information on the inspiration should be included on the
entry form. A swatch of the primary fabric should also accompany the display board (must be a finished
sample; 13” x 13” minimum size required).
11. Complementary Casual Products
This category encompasses all other non-furniture products not covered in the preceding ten categories.
Examples of appropriate items are swings, hammocks, plant stands, accessory tables, alternative tabletops
(no bases), etageres, etc. These products typically include accessories for all of the furniture categories.
E.
Manufacturers entering product in the competition may submit any number of entries per category and may
enter multiple pieces from a collection. If the committee thinks a product is more valid in another
category, we reserve the right to move it to its proper category. NOTE: There must be a minimum of
three entries within a category in order for the category to be judged.
F.
Product must be a new introduction since the 2013 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market.
You will be requested to sign off on the entry registration form that the product meets this requirement.
G.
A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate all entries for category judging on Thursday, August
28, 2014. Joe Logan, Executive Director of the ICFA, will monitor this judging process.
H.
If a product entry has unique operational or functional features, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to
communicate those to the ICFA. If the manufacturer should elect to do so, they may submit a video
describing the unique operational/functional features or schedule an appointment with the ICFA Executive
Director to demonstrate those features prior to judging. Videos should be submitted and requests for
appointments received no later than two business days preceding the competition judging. Unique
operational/functional features of a product entry must also be explained on the Product Description Form as
discussed in a subsequent section.
I.
No product identification, manufacturer name, showroom/Market Suite number, designer, etc., will
be given to the judges during the judging process. However, please be sure to mark the shipment
properly with the manufacturer name on the crate exterior or on the product if it is being picked up
and include a business card on the inside of the crate or on the product. Please use the label
enclosed in the packet to ease with identification. All shipments and products must be insured by
participant for any loss whatsoever during the event.
J.
Judges will base their selections on actual product, not photos. The criteria include: imaginative use
of materials; product innovation; color; construction; overall design and marketability. All decisions
of judges are FINAL and shall be given in their sole discretion.
K.
Products will be returned to temporary booths and permanent showrooms between Thursday,
September 4 and Thursday, September 11. Specific return dates will be confirmed closer to judging.
Winning products in each category will have product photography on display throughout the Casual
Market.
Note for Permanent Showrooms: A representative must be available to receive product. If the
showroom is not open during this time the product entries will be left in the hall in front of the
showroom at your own risk. The showroom will then be responsible for moving the product back
into the showroom.
L.
The Lillian B. Winchester Award for “Best of Show” will be presented to one product selected from among
the award-winning products in each of the eleven categories. Any entry from a category not judged due to
the lack of entries will be considered and judged for this Award. The Lillian B. Winchester Award for the
“Best of Show” will be announced at the ICFA Awards Gala on the evening of Thursday, September
18, 2014.
M.
The Entry Identification Form must be filled in completely. This form should be typed, as it will be
submitted to Casual Living as an informational piece to accompany your product photo. If more than one
item is being entered, copy the form and fill out each form separately. If you do not want the image
published, please note that on the entry form. Entry Identification Forms will not be accepted beyond 5
p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014.
21
N.
The Product Description Form must be filled in completely. It is to include one or two descriptive
paragraphs (50 words or less) highlighting the construction, materials used, operational/functional elements,
content as well as suggested retail price. The Product Description Form accompanies your product in the
judging process. Therefore, to maintain discretion and the integrity of the competition with the judges, there
must be no reference or indication of manufacturer’s name, no showroom or Market Suite numbers
mentioned, etc. Product Description Forms will not be accepted beyond 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20,
2014.
O.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Each Entry Identification Form must be accompanied by the following:
1.
A fully completed and typed Product Description Form for each item entered along with a photograph,
drawing or rendering of the entered product (for identification during the setting of the competition). Do not
forget to fill in the suggested retail price.
2.
Material will not be returned to you unless special arrangements are made with Julia Chappell, MMPI,
Managing Director of Marketing, 312-527-7643 or jchappell@mmart.com
For inclusion in the August issue of Casual Living magazine, each Entry Identification Form may be
accompanied by the following:
P.
1.
Digital image of product(s) entered on CD at a minimum of 300 DPI, sized 4”x6” and preferably in a
JPEG/TIF format. (Note: This competition is being judged on product design; not landscape or lifestyle.)
2.
Material will not be returned to you unless special arrangements are made with Julia Chappell, MMPI,
Managing Director of Marketing, 312-527-7643 or jchappell@mmart.com.
Deadline for receipt of all forms, images and payment is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014. Please mail,
fax or e-mail to:
Julia Chappell
Design Excellence Award Entry
MMPI
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Suite 470
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312-527-7643 Fax: 312-527-0021
jchappell@mmart.com
Q.
Products should arrive between Monday, August 18 and Friday, August 22, from 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Send product to:
The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market
DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS COMPETITION
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
West Dock
Chicago, IL 60654
ATTN: DAVE FOLEY
Please use the label within this packet to label your crate/box to allow for easy identification.
If you need further shipping instructions or procedures, contact Dave Foley at 312-527-7559.
NOTE: Permanent showrooms requiring product pick ups from their showrooms should be ready by
Monday, August 18. Showrooms will be charged standard drayage fees for bringing products to and
from the judging area. The credit card listed on the Entry Identification form will be charged.
R.
IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR ICFA PREVIEW SHOW PARTICIPANTS: If you would like to submit a
product that you will be showing in a temporary booth space at the Preview Show, we will store the product
for you. All Design Excellence Products will be stored together. To store your product you must notify the onsite sales office by Thursday, July 17.
22
Please put your product in a separate crate and use the enclosed label or label your crate with the following:
(Company Name)
(September Booth #)
DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS COMPETITION
(Name of Product)
(Product Category)
If your Design Excellence product is crated with the rest of the products you store you will be charged for the
time and labor to open crates to find your entry. If we cannot clearly identify which product is the entry, it will
not be judged.
S.
IMPORTANT: ALL PRODUCT ENTRIES MUST ARRIVE ASSEMBLED. If the product entry arrives at The
Merchandise Mart, unassembled, the manufacturer or its representatives is responsible for set-up or
assembly by Mart Union Dock Personnel for a fee that will be charged back to your booth. To arrange set-up
or assembly, call Dave Foley at 312-527-7559. Products must be assembled by Friday, August 22, 2014.
Make your arrangements early so you can be sure to meet all deadlines. There will be absolutely no
exceptions to the deadlines. Disqualification will result if all above listed prerequisites are not
properly followed.
T.
By submitting your Design Excellence Forms, you agree to bear the entire risk of loss to or damage of your
property or of any injury to a person occasioned by your property which is brought into the Merchandise Mart
for such display. You also agree at all times to insure all products from any loss or damage and to insure
against injury to a person occasioned by your property being on display howsoever caused and you waive
any and all claims against Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. or the Building’s owner, for such any loss or
damage or related injury regardless of the cause.
23
2014 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Entry Identification Form
Please submit this form, an image, drawing or rendering of the piece, and the Product Description Form with each
entry. Products without images will not be accepted. Only digital images can be published in Casual Living Magazine.
Reminder: Each product entered must be a new introduction since the 2013 International Casual Furniture &
™
Accessories Market .
FILL IN COMPLETELY
Product Category:
Name of Product:
_
Product Dimensions:
Weight:
_______
Manufacturer:
_
Designer (if applicable):
Showroom/Booth Number:
_
Contact Person:
Telephone Number:
Email: _________________________________________
Do you authorize the use of the image of your product to be published in the August print issue of Casual Living (free
of charge) and all advertising of the Design Excellence Competition?
Yes
No
Entry Fee: $100 per product for ICFA members; $500 per product for non-ICFA members; any assembly or
drayage fees are also authorized to be charged to this credit card.
Credit Card Information:
MC
VISA
AMEX
Discover
Card Number:
Exp. Date: ______________________
Security Code (3-digits on back of Card): ____________________________________________________________
Name on Credit Card: ___________________________________________________________________________
Address for Credit Card: _________________________________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Or, please send check made payable to International Casual Furnishings Association. Payment by check or
credit card is due with submission of entry. No refunds shall be given after submission of forms. ALL
PAYMENTS NON-REFUNDABLE
I have read the Design Excellence Competition Rules and agree to adhere to them:
Signature:
EMAIL, MAIL OR FAX Julia Chappell
ORDER TO:
Design Excellence Entry
MMPI
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Tel: 312-527-7643 Fax: 312-527-0021 E. jchappell@mmart.com
_
FORM
SUBMITTAL
DEADLINE
is Friday,
June 20
24
2014 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Product Description Form
DO NOT FILL IN
Entry #:
Category Name:
NO product identification, name of manufacturer, showroom, designer, etc. should appear on the Product
Description Sheet. (For judges’ use only.)
FILL IN COMPLETELY AND ATTACH A PHOTOGRAPH, DRAWING OR RENDERING
*The copy you provide will be used as-is in ALL print materials. Please make certain the copy below is
EXACTLY as you want it stated.
Category:
Product Name/Style Number:
Product Description (Construction/Materials Used/Content):
Operational/Functional Aspects of Product (describe unique operation or function of product):
_______
Suggested Retail Price:
_______
Colors of Finishes Available:
Dimensions:
EMAIL, MAIL OR FAX
ORDER TO:
Julia Chappell
Design Excellence Entry
MMPI
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Suite 470
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Tel: 312-527-7643 Fax: 312-527-0021
jchappell@mmart.com
FORM
SUBMITTAL
DEADLINE
is Friday,
June 20
25
2014 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Casual Living Design Excellence Online Presentation Form
Feature your product entries online on the Casual Living website! Casual Living will design a “microsite” to view the
participating 2014 Design Excellence Entries. Eblasts will be sent out promoting the site to more than 40,000 enewsletter subscribers of Casual Living, Furniture Today and Home Accents Today. The magazine will also promote
the Online viewing in its August issue and e-weeklies and dailies.
This is a great marketing opportunity to build your brand and promote your products to a large audience of
prospective buyers and retailers!
The fee to participate in this added incentive program is $50 per entry. Note: We must receive a minimum of 30
participants to move forward with the microsite.
If you are interested, please fill out and return this form with your Design Excellence entries due June 20, 2014.
FILL IN COMPLETELY
Company Name: __________________________________________________________ ____________________
Contact Name:
_
Telephone Number:
____________________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Total Number of Products to be featured in Online Presentation: ______________________________________
Name(s) of Products and Relevant Categories to be featured in Online Presentation: __________
_
_
_
Entry Fee: $50 per product Entry
Credit Card Information:
Card Number:
MC
VISA
AMEX
__________ ____________________Exp. Date: ___________________________
Security Code (3-digits on back of Card): ____________________________________________________________
Name on Credit Card: __________________________________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Or, please send check made payable to Sandow Media. Payment by check or credit card is due with
submission of form. No refunds shall be given after submission of forms. ALL PAYMENTS NON-REFUNDABLE
UNLESS PARTICIPATION MINIMUM OF 30 ENTRIES IS NOT MET
EMAIL, MAIL OR FAX
ORDER TO:
Julia Chappell
Design Excellence Entry
MMPI
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Suite 470
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Tel: 312-527-7643 Fax: 312-527-0021
jchappell@mmart.com
FORM
SUBMITTAL
DEADLINE
is Friday,
June 20
26
2014 DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Schedule & Deadlines
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
All Product Description Forms, Entry Identification Forms and Casual Living Participation Forms are due.
NOTE: Absolutely NO entry forms will be accepted after 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20. There will be no
exceptions to this rule.
MONDAY, AUGUST 18 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
All Design Excellence Award entries need to be delivered to The Merchandise Mart Dock between
Monday, August 18 and Friday, August 22 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Showrooms requiring their product entries to be picked up directly from their showroom should be ready
for pick up on Monday, August 18. More information on specific pick up times will be communicated in
early August. Tenants and exhibitors will be charged standard drayage charges for any pick-ups or
returns.
NOTE: Absolutely NO products will be accepted after 3 p.m. on Friday, August 22. If your
merchandise is not delivered to The Merchandise Mart Dock in time, it will be disqualified. Please
make the appropriate arrangements to ship or deliver your products early to meet this deadline.
There will be no exceptions to this rule.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
Design Excellence Award Category Judging. Winners will be announced in advance of the Casual
Market.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Products to be returned to showrooms and booths. Specific return dates will be confirmed closer to
judging.
Photography of winning products in each category will be on display through the entire Casual Market.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Category winners will be presented with awards on in company showrooms/booths.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 6:30 p.m.
The Lillian B. Winchester “Best of Show” Award winner will be announced at The ICFA Awards Gala at
the Field Museum. The Awards Gala will also feature the announcement of the Apollo Award winners, the
ICFA Sales Representative of the Year Award and the ICFA Manufacturer of the Year Award.
27
DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Shipping Identification Label
Product Category: _____________________________________________________________________
Company Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Product Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Contact Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Contact Phone #: _____________________________________________________________________
DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Shipping Identification Label
Product Category: _____________________________________________________________________
Company Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Product Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Contact Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Contact Phone #: _____________________________________________________________________
28
MERCHANDISING EXCELLENCE
AWARDS
*NEW – NO FEE TO PARTICIPATE
You are invited to enter the Merchandising Excellence Award competition at the 2014 International
Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, September 16-19. This program is presented by Hearth & Home
magazine and MMPI.
The purpose of these awards is to recognize and honor those exhibitors and showrooms who, through
effort and skill, present a highly professional example of visual merchandising in their showroom or booth
that serves to both educate and inspire Market attendees.
There are potential awards to be won by both permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors.
• Each showroom/exhibitor can enter only ONE category. NEW: NO FEE TO PARTICIPATE. The
reservation form and $50 entry fee must be must be received on or before September 5, 2014.
Credit cards are preferred; checks are acceptable and should be made payable to MTS-MM LLC
and reference “Casual Market Merchandising Excellence Awards”. Checks for the total cost must
be received within 10 business days of receipt of signed agreement by Show Management.
Payments made by credit card will be charged the total cost within 10 business days of receipt of
signed agreement by Show Management. All payments are non-refundable and nontransferable.
•
Judging will take place on Tuesday, September 16, at 8:30 a.m. The judging committee will
consist of retailers, design professionals and visual merchandisers.
•
Awards will be presented and signs placed at the entrance of the winning showroom/booth on the
morning of September 16.
•
Images of winning showrooms/booths will appear in the November issue of Hearth & Home
magazine.
Don’t wait! Complete and send your entry form in today.
29
2014 Merchandising Excellence Awards
Merchandising Excellence Categories
1 Furniture / Accessories
2 Furniture / Accessories
Permanent Showroom under 5,000 square feet
3 Furniture
Permanent Showroom over 5,000 square feet
4 Accessories
Temporary Exhibitor
Temporary Exhibitor
The Accessories Category includes: Hearth Products, Tabletop, Decorative Accessories, Umbrellas, Shade Products, Garden
Accessories, Statuary, Planters, Pottery, Barbecues, Grills, Outdoor Lighting, Cushions and Hammocks
Judging Criteria:
•
•
•
•
Effective use of materials
Graphics
Lighting
Originality of design
•
•
•
Use of space
(creativity, product accessibility, etc.)
Use of color and texture
Visual impact
Judging: Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 8:30 am. Upon receipt of the completed entry form, additional
information will be sent to the contact person.
Deadline: Friday, September 5, 2014.
Please send completed form below with your entry fee to: Julia Chappell; ATTN.: MERCHANDISING EXCELLENCE
AWARD ENTRY • 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470 • Chicago, IL 60654 or jchappell@mmart.com or fax
to 312.527.0021
Merchandising Excellence Awards Entry Form
Please print or type the following information
Company Name:______________________________________________________________________
Contact Name:___________________________________________Showroom/booth #:______________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip/Country:__________________________________________________________________
Telephone:____________________________________Fax:___________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________________________________
Amount Payable $___________________
Method of Payment: Please circle the appropriate method of payment.
Visa
American Express
MasterCard
Check Enclosed
Card Holder Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Card Number:__________________________________________________ExpirationDate:___________
Signature:___________________________________________________________________________
Credit cards are preferred; checks are acceptable and should be made payable to MTS-MM LLC and reference “Casual
Market Merchandising Excellence Awards”. Checks for the total cost must be received within 10 business days of receipt
of signed agreement by Show Management. Payments made by credit card will be charged the total cost within 10
30
business days of receipt of signed agreement by Show Management. All payments are non-refundable and nontransferable.
SHOWROOM/EXHIBITOR MARKET EVENTS
2014 SHOWROOM/EXHIBITOR MARKET EVENT SUBMISSION FORM
Free Publicity Opportunity! Promote your showroom or booth events on the Casual Market website and in the On-Site
Directory. Provide information about events – including cocktail receptions, speaker engagements, etc. Only one
event per booth/showroom and only one date may be selected for an event. Sales and promotions are not eligible for
submission. If MMPI determines your submission does not qualify as an event, it will not be included.
All submissions must be received by Friday, July 25 to be included in the On-Site Directory. No exceptions
will be made. Showrooms and exhibitors must be in good standing at time of submission in order to be
included. The market website will be updated every two weeks with new event information.
Company Name:
Showroom/Market Suite #:
Event Title:
______________
Date of Event:
Time of Event:
Location of Event:
Contact Name:
Contact Phone Number:
Contact E-mail Address:
Do you give permission for the Casual Market to publish your event information, including but not limited to, Casual
Market website, press releases, social media pages and on-site Directory.
Yes
No
Event Description (Brief description of the event for internal purposes):
Signature: _______________________________________________________________________
__
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PRESS & PUBLICITY
The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market,™ September 16-19, 2014, attracts key editors, writers and
bloggers from the casual and outdoor furnishings, home furnishings, pool and spa, hearth products, and garden industry as
well as consumer and feature writers from major newspapers and magazines. It is important that exhibitors utilize these
press opportunities to your advantage before, during and after the Casual Market.
In an effort to provide the media with comprehensive information about the Casual Market, we invite you to display your
company’s press kits, brochures, etc., in the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market Press Room. Read this
section of the manual soon, and plan any submissions in advance. Publicity efforts to promote the September Casual
Market are already underway.
Public Relations Support
To provide public / media relations support to showroom personnel and temporary exhibitors, the International Casual
Furniture & Accessories Market,™ and MMPI have retained the services of Sophia + Co/Campbell Communications,
seasoned PR professionals in the Design and Trade Show Industries.
Sophia Lapat and Natalie Stanichuk, former in house Merchandise Mart professionals, specialize in the luxury Home
Design, Architecture, and Furniture Industries, offering 15+ years of valuable PR, Marketing and Trade Show experience.
Sophia and Natalie have been working with Casual Market management to develop and implement publicity for the Casual
market, its day to day showroom activities, scheduled events, and exhibitors.
A focus is being placed upon organizing showroom- / exhibitor-submitted product information and photos for media relations
purposes. Sophia and Natalie will be writing and managing a series of press release campaigns, Facebook content, casual
industry trends information, and other aspects to create buzz for the market and its participants.
During the Casual Market, Sophia and Natalie will be on site in the Press Room to assist showroom staff / exhibitors. They
will help manage social media during the show, interviewing participants for Facebook, as well as circulate throughout the
permanent and temporary spaces to offer tours to interested media members. You are welcome to contact Sophia and
Natalie with any questions you might have regarding publicity and social media.
Sophia Lapat: Sophia@sophiaandco.com/312.382.8441
Natalie Stanichuk: campbellcommunicationspr@gmail.com/312.420.2225
Before Market
The Merchandise Mart invites the media to attend the Casual Market, including all special events, and to tour the various
show floors to review the hundreds of products displayed during Casual Market. We recommend you call or write to press
members and inform them of your products or services prior to Casual Market. To obtain the International Casual Furniture
& Accessories Market pre-registered press list, please e-mail Sophia at sophia@sophiaandco.com three to four weeks
before the show. Optimally, we suggest sending your information to members of the press you may have on file by the
beginning of July to mid-August, depending on the publication deadline for editorial. Thus, you might want to begin your
media submissions as early as this timeframe, or sooner. You are welcome to contact Sophia and Natalie with any
questions or for advice and insights in advance.
Additionally, Sophia and Natalie will be working to submit select exhibitor, showroom and product information to various
media outlets on your behalf. Media members want to know more about your new products at the Casual Market, and we
invite you to submit new product information to support a Casual Market Trend Report. If you are introducing a new product
or showing products for the first time at the 2014 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, please send your
new product information/press release as well as images to Natalie and Sophia. Please be sure to write “CASUAL
MARKET NEW PRODUCT / YOUR COMPANY NAME” in the subject line.
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Photo Submission for Press Pitches
Do you have a high-resolution digital photo of your new product?
NOTE: Emailed photos must be formatted as JPGs and sized at 300 dpi (dots per inch), no more
than 8x10 inches, and approximately 2 to 5 MBs each.
Please e-mail no more than one new product, so it is recommended to submit the product of most
importance to you (of relevance to the market’s attendees). If the product is part of a collection, please
include a short description of the collection and how the product fits into the overall line.
At-Market
The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market press room will be located in The Merchandise Mart throughout the
course of the show, September 16-19, 2014.
We recommend you send no more than 30 press kits. Please clearly mark your company name and Showroom/Market
Suite number on each item. It is important to place your location on the cover of your press kit so the media will know where
to reach you. Send all media kit materials to the address below by Thursday, September 11, 2014 to:
2014 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market
c/o PRESS KITS
MMPI
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
The Merchandise Mart West Dock
Chicago, IL 60654
Attention: Dave Foley
IMPORTANT: If an outside public relations firm is handling your media relations, kindly forward this information to them.
Note: You can also drop your press kits off in the press room during show move-in on Sunday and Monday.
Please pick up your remaining press kits by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 19. Remaining press kits will be recycled
after 5 p.m. if they are not picked up.
How to Prepare a Press Kit
It is important that you present your product and/or services to the press. Some commonly asked questions about press kits
include:
•
What is a press kit?
A press kit is an important packet conveniently assembled for the media to review. Most public relations professionals use
simple tools to compile a press kit, starting with a two-pocket folder, plastic envelope, or even a paper envelope. Though,
we highly suggest jump-drive press kits in lieu of the more traditional folder format. This makes it easier for media
members to travel with your press kit.
•
What goes into a press kit?
A press kit usually consists of the following:
o
Press release(s) written in Associated Press style to maximize media use
o
An easy-to-read complete list of important new products with product names and brief descriptions
o
CD with high-resolution images (JPGs, 300 dots per inch or dpi at 5 x 7 inches minimum) and descriptions
o
Company brochures
o
Company fact sheet/brief company history
o
Related company news
• What is a press release?
A press release is a brief announcement that contains newsworthy material. Explain the innovative aspects or the benefits of
your product. A release is written in the style of an article (in the third person). This means that part of – or the entire –
release could be used word for word in a publication. It can conclude with a paragraph about your company’s background.
On the first page, always include the date, the appropriate contact’s name and professional title, phone number, and email
address for people to call for more information. Press releases are usually one or two pages in length. Press releases are
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good opportunities to report on industry news relative to your product categories. When reporting trends information to the
media, be sure to include information regarding where or how you uncovered the trends.
•
Is it necessary to put our company’s name and booth number on the cover of every press kit?
Yes. If an editor or reporter picks up your kit, wants to stop by, and readily sees the booth number on the press kit, he or she
saves time by not having to look up the location in the show directory.
•
Does every photo on the Drive need to be identified?
Yes. Again, an editor will be more inclined to work with a manufacturer who is organized and presents an array of choices.
Corresponding captions should be named or numbered clearly so the task of matching photos to captions is easy for editors
/ writers.
•
Should past articles be enclosed in the kit?
If your company was written up in a major newspaper or magazine, you may wish to add a copy of the article, but it is not an
essential component for your press kit. However, a company backgrounder, concise information about your company and
products, is often a helpful tool to editors.
•
Is a business card necessary in a press kit?
No. A business card may be enclosed, but it is not necessary. But, the contact name, telephone number and e-mail address
on the press release should be the person whom the press can call for more information. Be sure to include at least one
contact.
We look forward to working with you to maximize your publicity opportunities!
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