Architectural Digest Home Design Show draws record numbers

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 4/12/2012 10:07:48 AM

NEW YORK — The 11th annual AD Home Design Show (ADHDS), held from Mar. 22-25, 2012, was one for the record books. With 43,800 attendees, it was the most visited edition to date. Opening day shattered previous trade figures with attendance up 30%. Exhibitor statistics were equally impressive as the sold-out show floor featured over 400 premium brands. Inside and out, the fair transformed NYC's Pier 94 into a stage for innovative products, leading trends and inspiring ideas in home design.
"The response to this year's show was unprecedented", said Giulio Capua, vice president and publisher of Architectural Digest. "The show delivers a unique opportunity in the marketplace for exhibitors to reach both a captive trade and consumer audience in one dynamic weekend." Megan Reilly, director of marketing for Merchandise Mart Properties (MMPI), producers of the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, adds, "The show continues to grow each year and attract a qualified audience of architects, designers and design-savvy consumers. The level of enthusiasm we saw over the four days, both from exhibiting brands and attendees, is a testament to the renewed confidence and optimism within the design industry."
In addition to the products, the 2012 programming rounded out the robust four-day design extravaganza. With a Thursday program specifically geared towards trade, architects and designers commented on its well-curated mix of technical and topical material. Architectural Digest's editor-in-chief Margaret Russell packed the Show Theater and delivered a keynote presentation on trends in interiors photography. "This show is an extraordinary opportunity for us to bring AD to life for our trade community and design enthusiasts alike," said Russell. "This event was created to foster ideas and inspiration by bringing together the best and brightest in the field."
The Designer Seminar Series, sponsored by The New York Times, drew an equally impressive crowd as leading design professionals discussed everything from sustainable issues in the home furnishings industry to the intersection of architecture and interior design. DIFFA's awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping event, Cocktails by Design, had its largest turnout ever, with 900 guests in attendance. Proceeds from Dining By Design's opening night party, gala dinner and silent auction benefit Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS. For more information go to ADHomeDesignShow.com.The Outdoor Lounge at the AD Home Design Show