ICFF 2024 Wraps with Major Kudos

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) has long been a premier destination for those sourcing and creating original furnishings and design. Yet the 35th edition, held May 19-21 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, broke new ground. Its dynamic range of programming, product introductions, and networking opportunities inspired and informed its more than 13,000 attendees. Over 10,000 qualified buyers attended, an 8% increase over last year’s Fair and a strong indication of the industry’s desire to engage with the event.

In their first full year as ICFF’s brand directors, Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat refocused the Fair, merging culture and commerce and concentrating on design. “This approach has been central to WantedDesign since its inception and is now applied to ICFF,” explains the pair. “ICFF is a place to source products, but it is also a vibrant meeting point for industry leaders, both at the Fair and year-round.” The U.S. is a dynamic market with significant growth opportunities, they add. New York is its entry point.

ICFF 2024 had a remarkable turnout, with more than 450 exhibitors from 35+ countries. These exhibitors ranged from established brands to emerging designers, with each presenting unique perspectives and creative solutions. The Fair’s expansive show floor was a testament to the diversity and ingenuity within the furnishings industry, featuring everything from minimalist Scandinavian furniture to avant-garde, AI-generated works.

One of the highlights of this year’s ICFF was the focus on sustainable design. Numerous exhibitors showcased products made from recycled or biodegradable materials; others exhibited pieces created with environmental impact in mind. This trend reflects a growing awareness and commitment within the industry to address ecological concerns and promote sustainable practices.

“The programming was rich, inviting the audience to engage in conversations on diverse topics with global impact,” says Hainaut and Pijoulat of  ICFF 2024. They also noted the changes to the layout of the show floor, with destination areas that made the Fair more digestible and easier to navigate. The result, they say, was an “improved show experience,” one that “[welcomed] visitors with fresh, bold branding; better signage; color-coded features; and multiple designed areas for lounging, socializing, and networking.”

The ICFF Editors’ Awards ceremony was also more entertaining this year, thanks to it being emceed  by the comedian Dan Rosen (@thedanrosen). Those honors, which shine a light on excellence in a dozen categories, were joined by WANTED’s Best of Launch Pad Awards for furniture/home accessories and lighting; Best of Schools award; and Best of Students award. New this year was the People’s Choice Award, hosted by WANTED Lounge sponsor Lumens and given to the Launch Pad participant who received the most votes online and on the show floor.