Indiana Furniture kicks off the trade show season with its third appearance at INDEX at the Dubai World Trade Center UAE, May 19-22, 2014. International Design Exhibition (INDEX) is the largest and longest running exhibition in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region for architecture and design. INDEX attracts over 20,000 attendees from 105 countries.
“We are committed to the MENA market,” said Mike Blessinger, Indiana Furniture vice president of sales and marketing. “We have participated in INDEX since 2012, we have secured local representation, and affiliated with several dealer partners, including our show partner, ALMAKTABA.”
Woods Middle East FZE represents Indiana Furniture in the MENA region. Ben Woods, principal, recently visited Indiana Furniture’s facilities in Jasper, Ind. to learn more about the capabilities and corporate culture. Woods will be able to relate firsthand the commitment to quality and service to the MENA dealer community.
“The selling cycle in MENA is long compared to the U.S. markets,” said Bret Ackerman, president and CEO of Indiana Furniture. “The deliberate process is very similar to our own (Indiana Furniture’s) in that we are a strong, process oriented company, with a long, sound history of serving our customers. This translates well to the reliability needed in the MENA marketplace. Our decision to participate in INDEX is a substantial commitment of time and resources. All indications are that the commitment and consistent presence is paying off.”
Cheryl Spott, director of international sales, has orchestrated Indiana Furniture’s largest presence to date at the show for this year. The space will showcase 7 vignettes of case goods and seating, featuring both new and classic lines such as the Gesso and Jefferson case goods series.
