Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo Launch’s with Positive Reviews From Exhibitors And Attendees

Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo Launches with Positive Reviews from Exhibitors and Attendees

June 29, 2017 – Progressive Business Media (PBM) and Exposition Development Company, Inc. (EDC), concluded the first edition of Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo (HFMSE) on June 8th at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. HFMSE is an annual trade show showcasing supplies, machinery, fabrics, and solutions for home furnishings manufacturers.

“PBM's mission is to provide the industry unique opportunities to grow, learn, and consume information across channels and mediums. The success of HFMSE is another example of how our incredible team supports the changing and ongoing needs of our many constituents. We look forward to building this expo with our partners to becoming a key solutions event.” commented Matt Slaine, Chief Executive Officer, Progressive Business Media.

“We are very excited about this event and the support we received from the home furnishings industry in wanting to see HFMSE grow and thrive. With the first edition now successfully behind us, the groundwork has been laid to create a larger, must-attend event for the home furnishings manufacturers.” added Stephanie Everett, partner & COO, Exposition Development Company, Inc.

Exhibit Hall
The latest supplies, machinery, technology, and solutions were showcased in the following product groups: Computer Software / Information Technology; Contract Manufacturing; Cutting & Sewing Equipment; Distributors; Fabrics; Fibers; Findings/Trims; Foam; Adhesives/Finishes/Paints; Hardware & Components; Foam Fabricating Machinery; Furniture Manufacturing Machinery; Quilting Machinery; Wood Process Machinery; Nonwovens; Racking Systems; Research & Development; Services & Logistics; Supplies; Testing Equipment; Testing Laboratories; Upholstery Mechanisms; Yarns; and Financial Management.

Educational Program
Developed in conjunction with the American Home Furnishing Alliance (AHFA), Franklin Furniture Institute, and the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc., 9, one-hour in-depth educational sessions were available to all attendees at no additional cost. These sessions covered a variety of different topics, from regulatory environmental policy to the latest innovations.

Andy S. Counts, Chief Executive Officer, American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) commented, "The Expo provided an opportunity for AHFA to bring a short program of important topics to industry executives, from an overview of regulatory issues to new initiatives to fill the skilled labor gap in upholstery manufacturing. It was a positive and productive experience.”

Exhibitor Presentations
Also Included with the exhibit hall badge, was a unique opportunity to join 13 exhibitors in a classroom style setting off the show floor as they presented their newest products and solutions.  Companies that participated included Lectra, Sherwin-Williams, Barber Manufacturing, UL, BeA Fasteners, and Montage Furniture Services. “These presentations were a wonderful way for attendees to learn about specific products and solutions that exhibitors are presenting in their booth and give them a small preview of what is on the show floor.” stated Lorie Gross, Show Director, Exposition Development Company, Inc. 

Attendee Feedback:

Charles Piekenbrock, Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Flexsteel Industries, Inc.
“I thought it was very beneficial for us to attend the show. Over all for the first year I thought it was a success.”

Danny Black, General Manager, Jackson Furniture Industries
“We saw some things that excited us very much in the auto cutting exhibits. Saw a 3D Cad program that was very impressive and now we are actually looking at making a purchase in that area.”

Scott Jorbel, Engineer, La-Z-Boy
“We’ve seen some new people we hadn’t seen before, we’d come back, and it may make sense to bring some folks from the textiles and manufacturing side of our business as well.”

Max Thore, Procurement Officer, Rowe Furniture
“Glad to see this show.”

Mike Jarnigan, President, Woodhaven Furniture, Division of Aaron’s
“We wanted to come and talk to the people we do business with here as well as see if there are other people we should be doing business with. This is a positive market and one that’s needed since the others like it have gone away.”

Perry Krahn, General Manager, Woodhaven Furniture, Division of Aaron’s
“Great start....Keep growing!”

Exhibitor Feedback:

Hank Little, President, Atlanta Attachment Company, Division of HSM
“Atlanta Attachment Company, along with our parent company HSM Solutions, was pleased to be a part of the first annual HFMSE. The industry needs a show such as this in order to stay up to date on equipment, software, and manufacturing solutions. We look forward to next year.”

Jimmy Bush, President, Hickory Springs, Division of HSM
“We’re pleased with the show, especially considering it’s the first one. We expect it to grow and think it’s good for the industry and we are here to support the industry.”

David Cook, Operations Manager, Pathfinder
“We are pleased with our experience at HFMSE 2017. The quality of the attendees was excellent.”

Dan Berzack, Vice President, SPEC
“Since this is our only opportunity to present products specifically to the furniture manufacturing industry; it’s a very important show for both SPEC, as a vendor and the potential users of the supplies and equipment we had on display.”  

Scott Bridges, President, Vertex Fasteners, Division of Leggett & Platt
“We’ve been seeing steady traffic, and we’re seeing the right people. We would definitely do this next year and are glad to see the dates move into July which will be helpful.”

For more information on the event, visit www.HFMSE.com