Furniture makers urged to join Singapore fair

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s  furniture exporters are invited to participate and showcase their  world-class products in the International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) – 30th ASEAN Furniture Show next year.

The trilogy of design-led shows that also include The Décor Show 2013 and The Hospitality Show 2013 will be held on March 9 to 12 at the Singapore Expo fair grounds.

IFFS Pte. Ltd. General Manager Clement Ng said that local exporters should continue to be globally competitive despite the economic turmoil in the global markets. 

He added that they have to continue doing business in “tough times” and search for opportunities overseas. 

He said that the organizers expect a huge demand for space in the exhibition with the growing interest and participation from the Philippines. 

“The Philippines today is considered the emerging Asian tiger. We’re looking forward to another strong showing at IFFS 2013. Buyers come from all over the region to ensure that they get the best in design and quality from the top suppliers in the industry,” he stated. 

A Philippine Pavilion has been set up at the show and at least 300 square meters are intended for  Filipino exhibitors.

To date, 85% of the available exhibiting space for IFFS 2013 has already been sold and 15 Manila-based companies have already registered.

The 2012 edition show had a total of 67,000 square meters of exhibition space, 512 exhibitors from 26 countries and 120 designers from various industries. 

It also welcomed 23,553 visitors from 116 countries and 118 overseas buying delegations and recorded US$ 303 million of spot orders and US$ 3.6 billion in follow-on sales.

Following the success of this year’s show, Ng said that the IFFS 2013 is expected to have an increase of the number of exhibitors and visitors and better on-the-spot orders.  

Ng further noted that Philippine exporters should think of the longer-term benefits in participating international shows like IFFS where revenues really come from. 

Evident to such is the 60% retention of exhibitors that decided to join the 2013 show and the rest are first-time exhibitors. 

He added that participants should also make sure to build a name to their targeted buyers and compete with other players through their well-selected designs displayed during the exhibition. 

“You should not just focus on cost. Go to the show that gives you the best return and the right buyer profile.  What you showcase attracts them. What we do is put up a good show. It’s up to you to close the deal. This should be an overall experience for them,” Ng said. 

IFFS is currently working with Worldwide Exhibitions Linkage Services (WE-Link) led by general manager  Wilbert Novero as the Philippine representative of the international organizer to invite more domestic companies to join the show.

“Aside from inviting exporters to showcase their products for maximum exposure, we also explore business opportunities  over the world through trade missions. This makes it a one-stop shop for Filipino businessmen and their link to other parts of the world in the trade fair and industry conferences,” Novero said. (FREEMAN)