Bigger, better, and with a whole new hospitality component thrown in. Paul McGillick previews the 2014 International Furniture Fair Singapore.

INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR SINGAPORE
March 12-16, 2014

The International Furniture Fair Singapore, held every year at Singapore’s Expo site in Changi ,is almost upon us again. The key fair in the region, amazingly it seems to get bigger every year. And this is despite wildly fluctuating economic conditions.

But one sector which seems to ignore the swings and roundabouts of the world economy is the Asian tourism market. The IFFS reports that hospitality and tourism have registered consistently strong growth for more than a decade. What’s more it is anticipated that “more than 220,000 first class or luxury rooms are expected to be built across China and the ASEAN region in the next 12 months”.

The result? Hospitality 360º, billed as “A complete solution for the global hospitality industry”. Co-located with the Furniture Fair, Hospitality 360º is a joint venture between IFFS and global events company dmg :: events to bring buyers and exhibitors together in the one location with the aim of providing complete design solutions.

Exhibitors will offer a comprehensive range of materials and products, indoor and outdoor, what the organisers describe as “a vibrant collection of artisanal designs, luxurious contemporary interiors, essential equipment and innovative technologies”, all under one roof, “offering delegates the opportunity to explore, engage and experience the best of global hospitality in one show”.

Hospitality 360º complements The Décor Show and the IFFS, along with an exciting range of off-site events under the umbrella of SingaPlural, a city-wide celebration of design and creativity. As well as the off-site events and installations, SingaPlural can be found at the Expo with a clutch of Design Converstions, a feature installation, ‘Tokyo Avant Garde 90s’ by Yoichi Nakamuta, the Furniture Design showcase of the best of local design and the Green Pavilion exploring the latest in sustainable design.

IFFS
IFFS.com.sg

SingaPlural
SingaPlural.com

designsingapore
designsingapore.org/SDW