IDSA and the CDI Lifestyle Group go to China for the 3F International Design Forum

Sept 3 - Sept 9

The IDSA was proud to have 5 of its members represent the American Furniture Design Industry this past week at an International Design Forum sponsered by the CDI Lifestyle Group and hosted at the Famous Furniture Fair (3F) in Dongguan China. Participants included Brooke M Davis, IDSA Furniture Section Chair, Scott Mason, IDSA Mid Atlantic Chapter Vice Chair, Dario Antonioni, Douglas Fanning, and Gregary Vargo. Topics from our experts ranged from lessons from the Luxury Design and Contract Furniture Markets to utlizing social media and the web for successful ventures in launching product lines to creating brands and liscensing agreements between designers and manufacturers.

Davis says" This was my first time to China and it was such and honor to be a part of this opportunity. Our hosts were very gracious and you can see that they are really trying to make a difference in the Chinese market by emphasizing the importance of design to manufacturers. This message rang true from the opening ceremonies through the fair to the closing ceremonies. People like the CDI Lifestyle Group and 3F are interested in connecting designers with the manufacturers as there is a growing need and demand for change. We found that if we can dream it they can make it." As one representative from the 3F stated "we have manufacturing down- its the western design we need help with."

The trip included seeing the Famous Furniture Fair which spans miles in Dongguan. Members also particptaed in the Interntional Design Forum , were treated to a VIP dinner with the Goverment Officials and the Preseident of 3F, a little local culture and of course kareoke! Meals, Flights and Hotel Accomodations were sponsered by the CDI Lifestyle Group and 3F.

We hope that this is just the beginning of a lasting relationship and we can take more members there in the future! We see a lot of potential!

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