The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) announced this week that it will host its annual Awards Gala on Wednesday evening, Sept. 11, at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue.
The 2019 event is shifting its date to the second night of Casual Market Chicago in a move intended to appeal to more attendees’ travel schedules. Feedback after the 2018 event suggested that the date be moved to an earlier evening to allow a continued celebration for the honorees and winners.
“I imagine that Thursday will be an extra special day at market,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, ICFA Executive Director. “By changing our Gala to Wednesday evening, everyone will be able to offer personal congratulations to all the winners.”
The Awards Gala program highlights presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Apollo Awards for retail excellence, Manufacturer of the Year and Sales Representative of the Year. In addition, the Lillian B. Winchester “Best of Show Award” is selected from among 11 category winners in the annual Design Excellence competition honoring top outdoor product designs, coupled with the Lilly Awards given to the top furniture and non-furniture entries.
For the third year, ICFA will donate a portion of each ticket sale to City of Hope, the renowned Duarte, CA-based research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Tickets for ICFA members can be ordered from the ICFA website, www.ahfa.us, for $85 per person or $800 for a table of 10. Tickets for non-members are $110 each and $1,100 for a table of 10.
