On May 18, the doors of SURTEX, the annual tradeshow for the surface design industry, will open to unveil the works of more than 1,200 artists and designers from around the world to thousands of manufacturers and retailers seeking the latest, greatest original surface designs for purchase and/or license. An extraordinary B2B creative hub now in its 28th year, SURTEX will take place from May 18-20 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
Aimed to meet the high demand for exceptional surface design – across nearly every product category imaginable – SURTEX will present some 280 exhibitors comprised of independent artists and designers, studios, licensing agencies, and a selection of cutting-edge design resources.
A global marketplace, nearly 30 percent of the exhibitor base hails from abroad, including the UK, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Thailand and The Netherlands. Visitors seeking designs for product development are expected to come from more than 50 countries, with a total anticipated attendance of more than 6,000 trade professionals.
“SURTEX attendees anticipate this unique annual market for the latest trend-forward surface designs to ensure their products sell successfully,” said Penny Sikalis, vice president, SURTEX. “We’re pleased to offer a full and unprecedented business experience under one roof – a complete marketplace with valuable events and resources for both exhibitors and attendees alike.”
Organized to meet the distinct needs of visitors, the show will be easy to navigate on the main level of the Javits Center. The largest sector with 185 exhibitors is comprised of Art + Brand Licensing; the most trend-forward aisles with studios that primarily sell their designs outright comprise the fast-growing Atelier section. And the expanded ReSource Hub comprised of 15 companies is devoted to design business solutions for both attendees and exhibitors alike.
Excitement this year in the ReSource Hub focuses on the latest digital technology for the design community – from HP’s impressive presentation of digital printing possibilities to First2Print’s creative concepts for digital printing, AIS’s inkjet innovations, and AVA’s and Pointcarre’s software solution. Add to this a collaboration between SURTEX, First2Print and Design Works International titled “Design-A-Seat,” where creative concepts come to life on 15 original “seats.” The popular Trend Theatre will offer ongoing complimentary 30-minute trend presentations from the world’s top trend forecasters, whose products and services will be on display in nearby booths.
SURTEX will extend beyond its core focus with numerous onsite activities for education, inspiration and creativity. The popular and industry-noted SURTEX Conference program titled “Distinct Business Strategies from a Creative Perspective: Intelligence for Manufacturers, Designers and Retailers,” consists of twelve 90-minute sessions offered throughout the three show days. These sessions will be information-filled and spearheaded by leading industry gurus.
Nurturing the industry’s future talent, the International Student Design Competition, designext, will honor four outstanding art and design students from around the world. The lucky winners will participate in SURTEX, be critiqued in their booth settings and attend industry activities. A grand prize winner will be chosen and awarded a $1,000 prize.
To complement the business side of SURTEX, the Show offers a variety of networking events and onsite amenities. A well-attended opening night party for exhibitors and attendees, the “Cruise on the Hudson” will take place on May 18 aboard the Cornucopia Destiny, a luxury 4-deck vessel. An end-of-day Happy Hour on May 19 will give exhibitors a chance to unwind and meet members of the press.
