It’s that time again! Time to exhibit with the Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show! 2012 will be PIFS’ 18th year – still the longest running craft furniture show in the US.
We all know any property is all about location, location, location!! And although we loved being at the Cruise Ship Terminal in the Navy Yard, sometimes change is good. That is why we are very excited about our move to The 23rdStreet Armory in downtown Philadelphia. Our new locale is going to stimulate a lot of new interest in the show, and will undoubtedly increase attendance.
Being at the Navy Yard public transportation was very limited, and a ‘walk up crowd’ was non-existent. This year we are so happy to be accessible by public transit, we are only a few blocks from Amtrak, regional rail, subways, etc. Our show is perfectly positioned to lure residents of brownstones and classy high rises in the nearby Rittenhouse neighborhood.
The historic Armory building is located within walking distance of The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Rodin Museum, The Franklin Institute of Science, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and we are right across the street from the infamous Mutter Museum. We are also a stones throw from upscale stores, cafes and restaurants. This very affluent neighborhood draws a sophisticated clientele to its shopping areas.
We plan to increase our advertising, especially in center city, to promote our new location.
To entice exhibitors we have a few incentives to get you all on board early
• The first 10 exhibitors to sign up get the privilege of being a “Featured Exhibitor” This is a scroll of photos at the top of every page on our website. (check out last year’s – www.philaifs.com) This includes an extensive bio, 7 more photos of your work, and links to your email and website.
• A free photo on the website and in the catalog to all exhibitors that send in their contracts before Oct 14, 2011 (after which it is $75)
• If you have 10 years tenure with PIFS you receive 10% off your booth cost if application is received by October 14, 2011
The biggest reason to apply early is to assure you get the booth you request. The Armory has a different layout configuration than our other locations. We have less flexibility in the mapping of booths, so the sooner we get your application, the more likely you will get what you want. Booth choices are first come first serve, so if you wait too long to sign up, the size and shape of your booth may no longer be available.
The 2012 application is available to print out under the ‘how to exhibit’ tab, and then can be faxed, snail mailed to our office, or scanned then emailed as a pdf attachment. Keep in mind that only 30% of your payment is due when you send the contract, so please act fast to get a great deal and secure your spot in PIFS 2012!
