ATLANTA — The 2024 roster of networking and educational events at the July 15-18 Casual Market Atlanta features numerous opportunities for every buyer, including the addition of a pre-market, ICFA-hosted Retailer Roundtables & Think Tank, an outdoor trends presentation hosted by designer and TV personality Carson Kressley, guided exhibit floor tours showcasing the latest products and trends in outdoor furnishings, and two new events that underscore the business synergies with the co-located Atlanta Market.

“The casual industry has fully embraced, established and grown its presence in its new home at AmericasMart Atlanta,” said Karen Olson, Andmore executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “With more permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors augmented by a full schedule of education and events, Casual Market Atlanta will be a must-attend for casual furnishings and outdoor accessories buyers and suppliers this summer.”

Kressley, an award-winning television personality and designer, will offer an overview of the latest offerings in outdoor furnishings from 1-2 p.m., July 17, in the Building 3 Atrium.

Attendees also can explore what’s new and next in casual furnishings and outdoor living products during 90-minute Trends in Outdoor Living tours from noon-1:30 p.m. on July 15 and July 16. These lunch-and-learn sessions kick off with an overview of ICFA’s recent Outdoor Trend Report and follow with a tour of AmericasMart Atlanta’s seven floors of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.

The International Casual Furnishings Assn. is offering five hallmark association-hosted events designed to enhance the summer sourcing and shopping experience at Casual Market Atlanta.

“The opportunity to network and socialize with industry peers is a highlight of attending market,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, ICFA executive director. “We’ve planned a combination of business and learning activities with a variety of fun events.”

Casual Market Atlanta activities kick-off on July 14 – one day prior to opening of exhibits – with the ICFA Industry Roundtables & Think Tank. Following boxed lunches at 1 p.m., two consecutive one-hour Industry Roundtable discussions will explore current industry issues and opportunities. At 4 p.m., a one-hour Think Tank encourages networking through conversation about business challenges, industry concerns and great ideas.

Cost is $50 for ICFA members and $75 for non-members, both of which include a $25 donation to City of Hope, ICFA’s philanthropic partner. All pre-registered attendees will receive a travel incentive for Sunday night accommodation. Sign-up is available online at ICFA Industry Roundtables & Think Tank Registration.

An opening day ICFA Birthday Bash Kick-Off Party, 6-8 p.m., July 15, is open to all Casual Market Atlanta attendees, to socialize and enjoy drinks and light bites in the Building 1 Registration Lobby.

Pink Out! Atlanta, ICFA’s fundraiser for City of Hope, extends over the first two days of the summer market to spread awareness of and support for those affected by breast cancer. On July 16, market-goers are encouraged to wear pink, with all donors of $50 or more receiving a pink stone bracelet or hot pink pocket square. To learn more or donate, visit

The main event of Casual Market Atlanta, the ICFA Awards Gala, will be held at the Mercedes- Benz Stadium this year – at the 50-yard line of the Atlanta Falcons playing field – with Kressley as emcee. The event, set for 6-10 p.m., July 16, recognizes Lifetime Achievement Award honorees plus winners of ICFA’s Apollo Awards for retail excellence in the sales and marketing of outdoor furnishings, as well as recipients of ICFA’s 2024 Manufacturer of the Year Award and 2024 Sales Representative of the Year awards. Tickets can be ordered online at 2024 ICFA Awards Gala Tickets, and event sponsorships are available at 2024 ICFA Sponsorship Levels & Benefits.

All Casual Market attendees are invited to the ICFA Membership Meeting, July 17, to learn more about industry initiatives, upcoming activities and membership benefits. Continental breakfast will be served at 7 a.m., prior to the 7:30-8:30 a.m. meeting.

Two new events 

Two new events are designed to create synergies between Casual Market Atlanta and the co-located Atlanta Market by introducing designers and gift and home retailers to AmericasMart Atlanta’s new Casual/Outdoor collection.

• A new two-day initiative, Elevate Outdoor Designer Experience, July 18-19, will provide designers with educational resources, designer-specific sourcing incentives and opportunities to meet and mingle with peers. Programming details will be announced in the coming weeks.
• A Cocktails + Casual reception and networking event, 3-6 p.m., July 18, will serve light bites and libations throughout AmericasMart Atlanta’s five permanent showroom floors in Building 1 devoted to casual furnishings and outdoor living products.

Casual Market Atlanta’s 70+ casual furnishings and outdoor furniture permanent showrooms, located on Floors 2-6 of Building 1, are open Monday, July 15 – Thursday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and will remain open through Monday, July 22, for the duration of the concurrent Atlanta Market. Some 150+ temporary exhibits, located on Floors 7 and 8 in Building 1, are open Monday, July 15 – Wednesday, July 17, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Thursday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. A full list of exhibitors is available.

Fall Casual Market Atlanta will run Sept. 16-19, and programming will be announced in a few weeks.

See also:

• Casual furniture execs talk strategies to engage consumers 
• And the winner will be? ICFA names 2024 Apollo Award finalists 

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