Italia for Contract, a two-day exhibition, conference and gala, took place from May 17 to 19, 2016 at the Cooperage Space, Thompson Landry Gallery in Toronto’s Distillery District. Over 450 design, build and industry professionals attended the event to celebrate Italian design.
In partnership with IIDEXCanada and with the support of the Udine Chamber of Commerce, the event allowed Toronto design professionals to connect face-to-face with leading Italian design contract manufacturers from the Udine region of Italy. Giovanni Da Pozzo, a prominent member of Italian government and Udine Trade Commissioner, was present during the event.
As part of the exhibition, six Italian companies filled the gallery to exhibit their products and solutions. Crassevig presented bent wood seating, while Fantoni showcased an acoustic wall and hub office furniture system. Frag displayed leather furniture with haute couture-like detail, and Kenius exhibited translucent concrete to be used in interior and exterior applications. Molaro showcased custom window capabilities, while Moroso presented pieces from its iconic furniture line.
“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 in a press release.
Over 50 B2B meetings took place during the event and conference, while professors from the Munk School of Global Affairs, Italia for Contract’s accredited CEU conference program, discussed the importance of innovation ecosystem in establishing business contacts and connections.
“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, vice president of IIDEXCanada.
Italia for Contract will return to Toronto as part of the international pavilion during the IIDEXCanada show, which takes place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, 2016, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building. The trade show will feature even more companies from the Made in Italy network.
