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The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) has voted to pursue a contract with AmericasMart to host its market events in Atlanta beginning in 2023. The move was approved by by the ICFA Board of Directors in their meeting last week.

Three years of partnership with the Mart remain in ICFA’s current contract, and the Association intends to conduct business as usual at each Preview Show and Casual Market through September 2022, including the Design Excellence competition and all activities produced at Casual Market Chicago.

“The Association dedicated more than six months to exploring options for the future of our show – the premier event for outdoor furnishings – and dissecting all the benefits offered in the proposals received,” Joe Pucci, chair and president of Great Gatherings for ICFA , stated. The two groups will begin to move forward in creating a contract.

“We are honored that the ICFA board has selected AmericasMart as its new home for The Casual Market each September. Atlanta is the perfect hub for embracing a national audience and the surrounding Southeast is home to more outdoor retail outlets than any other region in the U.S.,” said Bob Maricich, CEO for International Market Center (IMC).“IMC has committed unparalleled resources, talent and expertise to ensure that this venerable industry event will grow and flourish long into the future.”

“Additionally, IMC’s Atlanta Market, which attracts tens of thousands of retailers and designers to AmericasMart each January and July, affords incredible synergies and opportunities for casual suppliers and buyers to grow their businesses year-round,” said Maricich.