Over a two-day period in June 2016, Furnishing in Focus welcomed nearly 600 trade only visitors from the retail, interior design and commercial furnishing sector and feedback from exhibitors has indicated that their order books were steadily in use.

One comment from trade visitors that was regularly repeated was: “I didn’t realise so many Australian furnishing companies were still alive and doing well”.

The unanimous feeling among exhibitors was that Australia’s furniture industry is now proudly back on the map – and they are happy about it.

Trade only visitors to the show were also impressed with its increased size (6000 m2) all under one roof in the premium exhibition environment of the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The variety of product on offer from 65 Australian furniture makers and furnishing companies, including Mayfield Lamps, Cooper Black Art Prints and Key Image Window Coverings was further enhanced by the stunning craftsmen made timber products from leading manufacturers, who proudly showcased the uniqueness of our country’s natural timber resources.

A new highlight for 2016 was the welcome arrival of Australia’s leading fabric and leather suppliers to support Warwick Fabric’s original initiative and to offer a full variety of decorative cover options for exhibitors. By their presence Charles Parsons, James Dunlop/Mokum, Warwick Fabrics and Zepel, together with Leather Italia and NSW Leather, displayed the world’s leading furnishing fashions and colour trends.

“Although this was only the second national FIF exhibition, it is pleasing to know that word of its existence is being carried far and wide, said FIF spokesman John Mackinnon. “The role of Australia’s furniture agents has been critical in this respect. After all, they are the ones who carry the message straight to the retail and decorative coalface, as well as to every one of our industry’s treasured smaller customers located in some of our more remote country areas. This year we welcomed visitors from all over Australia, including St Helens, Yallingup, Wagga, Mt Gambier and Cairns.

“The great news is that, in our post show conversations with exhibitors, we have received a majority response to say ‘We will be back’ in 2017.”

For more information about exhibiting at Furnishing in Focus, or to register to attend, please visit www.furnishinginfocus.com.