Italia for Contract Post Show Press Release
More than 450 design, build and industry professionals attended Italia for Contract, a two-day exhibition, conference and galas at the Cooperage Space, Thompson Landry Gallery in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District, from May 17 to 19, 2016.
Italia for Contract, in partnership with IIDEXCanada, and with the support of the Udine Chamber of Commerce, was a destination for Toronto design professionals to connect face-to-face with leading Italian design contract manufacturers from Udine region of Italy. Six companies filled the gallery to exhibit their innovative products and solutions. Crassevig showcased its beautiful bent wood seating. Fantoni displayed an acoustic wall and hub office furniture system, an innovative and new concept of flexible day to night open office system with acoustics, designed by Matteo Rani. Frag exhibited special leather furniture detailed like haute couture fashion. Kenius demonstrated a translucent concrete for interior and exterior projects. Molaro showcased custom window capabilities and Moroso exhibited pieces from its iconic furniture line, and. In addition to Toronto’s top design talent, the event also attracted prominent members of the Italian government, including Giovanni Da Pozzo, the Udine Trade Commissioner.
“Italia for Contract was a wonderful boutique event showcasing some of the great Italian products straight from the Salone del Mobile in Milan – we need more events and products like this in the Toronto/Canadian market,” said Nino Pulsinelli of Pulsinelli Design.
With more than 50 B2B meetings that took place and the attendance numbers during the opening and closing night parties, Italia for Contract filled a need for more options, style, inspiration and innovation in the design market.
As part of Italia for Contract’s accredited CEU conference program, Professor Shiri M Breznitz and Giulio Buciuni, Ph.D., from the Munk School of Global Affairs, discussed the importance of innovation ecosystem in establishing business contacts and connections. Tracy Pepe introduced her audience to the subtle yet powerful and growing importance of scent design for businesses.
Throughout the opening and closing night galas, attendees sampled exquisite native Italian delicacies by Chef Gianni Ceschia of the Culinary Studio, and wine, originally from the Fruili area of Italy.
“Italia for Contract was a big success and we look forward to welcoming the Made in Italy network of contract exhibitors to IIDEXCanada this fall,” said Tracy Bowie, IIDEXCanada Vice President.
Italia for Contract returns as a part of IIDEXCanada’s international pavilion at this year’s Show, Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, 2016, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, with even more companies from the ‘Made in Italy’ network.
Photos by David Lasker
