ITMA announces Showtime schedule

New Eco-Friendly Trend Bank focuses on green

-- Casual Living, 11/25/2008 7:00:00 AM

The International Textile Market Association will host its semiannual Showtime fabric market from noon Sunday, Dec. 7, through 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in High Point, N.C.
        
At Showtime, the mills, converters, tanneries, trimming manufacturers and studios that are members of the International Textile Market Association present new lines to primary customers within the home furnishings industry. More than 800 buying companies typically attend.  
       
An Eco-Friendly Trend Bank is a new addition to the event this year. The display will focus on fabrics and trimmings that are environmentally produced by about a dozen member companies. Each supplier will show product samples, accompanied by an explanation of their green story.  
      
“For several years, members of the textile industry have been exploring what it means to be a green producer,” said Keri Scott, ITMA coordinator of the Trend Bank. “The possibilities range from organically grown cotton to synthetic fabrics made of recyclables and minimal product waste, but there is no current industry-wide definition. We want to stimulate a dialogue by showcasing how some companies are shrinking their environmental impact.”
       
Also at Showtime:

* A benefit auction of clothing and accessories, custom designed using fabrics from industry sponsors, will run Dec. 8-18. Items will be available for preview online beginning Nov. 26 at www.itmashowtime.com. 

* Sue Patrolia, founder of SWIFT, and Susan Inglis of the Sustainable Furnishings Council will speak on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, respectively.

* Design Options, a Los Angeles-based forecasting firm, will present Spring/Summer 2010, the West Coast Perspective on Color and Trend for the Home Markets. To register for one of the Tuesday sessions, e-mail design@design-options.com or call 231-622-9094.

* At The Studio at Showtime, open daily in the Suites at Market Square, internationally respected textile design studios exhibit original artwork and antique documents for use in product development.

* The Showtime directory will not be mailed in advance of the event. Instead, buyers can pick up copies of the directory at registration.
 
* For the convenience of guests flying into High Point, a shuttle to Showtime is available by reservation, which must be received by Dec. 3 (online at /www.itmashowtime.com – click on Travel Plans – or by phone 336-434-3867).

Winter Showtime 2008 Schedule of Events
Sunday, Dec. 7
noon – 6 p.m. Fabric Showings
noon – 7 p.m.  Studio Open
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  Opening Night Party, Sammy G’s Steakhouse, Market Square
 
Monday, Dec. 8
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fabric Showings
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.  Studio Open
4:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m.  Presentation by Sue Patrolia, founder of SWIFT (Sample Waste Initiative for Furniture and Textiles)
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.  Industry Mixer, Sammy G’s Steakhouse, Market Square

Tuesday, Dec. 9
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fabric Showings
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.  Studio Open
10 a.m. & 2 p.m.    Design Options presents Spring/Summer 2010 Color and Trend for the Home Markets, reservation required
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.  “Standards and Certifications for Home Textiles,” by Susan Inglis, of the Sustainable Furnishings Council
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Showtime Social, Suites at Market Square, Level One

Wednesday, Dec. 10
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.*  Fabric Showings
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.* Studio Open