Progressive Business Media (PBM) and Exposition Development Company, Inc. (EDC), concluded the first edition of Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo (HFMSE) on June 8 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. HFMSE is an annual trade show showcasing supplies, machinery, fabrics, and solutions for home furnishings manufacturers.

“PBM’s mission is to provide the industry unique opportunities to grow, learn, and consume information across channels and mediums. The success of HFMSE is another example of how our incredible team supports the changing and ongoing needs of our many constituents. We look forward to building this expo with our partners to becoming a key solutions event,” says Matt Slaine, chief executive officer, Progressive Business Media.

“We are very excited about this event and the support we received from the home furnishings industry in wanting to see HFMSE grow and thrive. With the first edition now successfully behind us, the groundwork has been laid to create a larger, must-attend event for the home furnishings manufacturers,” adds Stephanie Everett, partner & COO, Exposition Development Company, Inc.

The latest supplies, machinery, technology, and solutions were showcased in the following product groups: Computer Software / Information Technology; Contract Manufacturing; Cutting & Sewing Equipment; Distributors; Fabrics; Fibers; Findings/Trims; Foam; Adhesives/Finishes/Paints; Hardware & Components; Foam Fabricating Machinery; Furniture Manufacturing Machinery; Quilting Machinery; Wood Process Machinery; Nonwovens; Racking Systems; Research & Development; Services & Logistics; Supplies; Testing Equipment; Testing Laboratories; Upholstery Mechanisms; Yarns; and Financial Management.

Developed in conjunction with the American Home Furnishing Alliance (AHFA), Franklin Furniture Institute, and the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc., nine, one-hour in-depth educational sessions were available to all attendees at no additional cost. These sessions covered a variety of different topics, from regulatory environmental policy to the latest innovations.

Andy S. Counts, CEO, American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), says, “The Expo provided an opportunity for AHFA to bring a short program of important topics to industry executives, from an overview of regulatory issues to new initiatives to fill the skilled labor gap in upholstery manufacturing. It was a positive and productive experience.”

Also Included with the exhibit hall badge, was a unique opportunity to join 13 exhibitors in a classroom style setting off the show floor as they presented their newest products and solutions.  Companies that participated included Lectra, Sherwin-Williams, Barber Manufacturing, UL, BeA Fasteners, and Montage Furniture Services. “These presentations were a wonderful way for attendees to learn about specific products and solutions that exhibitors are presenting in their booth and give them a small preview of what is on the show floor,” says Lorie Gross, show director, Exposition Development Company, Inc.