The 11th Annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show Draws Record-Breaking Attendance

New York City - The 11th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show (ADHDS), held in late March 2012, was one for the record books. With 43,800 attendees, it was the most visited edition to date. Opening day shattered previous trade figures as attendance was up 30 percent. The trend continued throughout the four-day show as ticket sales also increased by 30 percent. Exhibitor statistics were equally impressive as the sold-out show floor featured over 400 premium brands. Inside and out, the fair transformed NYC's Pier 94 into a stage for innovative products, leading trends and inspiring ideas in home design.

"The response to this year's show was unprecedented", said Giulio Capua, vice president and publisher of Architectural Digest. "The show delivers a unique opportunity in the marketplace for exhibitors to reach both a captive trade and consumer audience in one dynamic weekend." Megan Reilly, director of marketing for Merchandise Mart Properties (MMPI), producers of the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, adds, "The show continues to grow each year and attract a qualified audience of architects, designers and design-savvy consumers. The level of enthusiasm we saw over the four days, both from exhibiting brands and attendees, is a testament to the renewed confidence and optimism within the design industry."

MADE Aisle. (Toni Toreno)

Located just steps away from registration, show-goers flocked to MADE for a dose of design and custom capabilities. Representing the best in limited edition and one-of-a-kind fine art objects, furniture and lighting, MADE was a source for inspiration and imagination. With 160 participants, the section was the largest yet, quadrupling in size from its launch in 2008. MADE well represented the city's creative culture and local talent, as 40 exhibitors call New York home.

Featuring more than 100 leading kitchen and bath brands, the new reFRESH pavilion added another dimension to the ADHDS' rich offerings. Trade and consumers alike buzzed around this show-within-a-show to experience the latest innovations and newest products in the industry. La Cornue used the opportunity to launch its 1908 Range colorful convection vaulted gas oven. "The show was overwhelmingly successful," stated Anne Murray Puricelli, Director of La Cornue, North America. "It's all about exposure and we have received tons of it. There was a great turnout of architects and designers. Being here shows you are a relevant company, so we knew we had to be a part of it." Cathy Gutkowski, director of marketing for Franke, called the event the "It Show for the Industry." The world leader in comprehensive systems for domestic kitchens debuted the new Franke Faucet Suite, a collection of bridge faucets with sidespray and matching potfillers to great response.

In addition to the outstanding products, the 2012 programming rounded out the robust four-day design extravaganza. With a Thursday program specifically geared towards trade, architects and designers commented on its well-curated mix of technical and topical material. Architectural Digest's editor-in-chief Margaret Russell packed the Show Theater and delivered a dynamic keynote presentation on trends in interiors photography. "This show is an extraordinary opportunity for us to bring AD to life for our trade community and design enthusiasts alike," said Russell. "This event was created to foster ideas and inspiration by bringing together the best and brightest in the field."

Outdoor Lounge. (Royal Botania)

The Designer Seminar Series, sponsored by The New York Times, drew an equally impressive crowd as leading design professionals discussed everything from sustainable issues in the home furnishings industry to the intersection of architecture and interior design. DIFFA's awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping event, Cocktails by Design, had its largest turnout ever, with 900 guests in attendance. Proceeds from Dining By Design's opening night party, gala dinner and silent auction benefit Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS.

From first time exhibitors to key returnees, the positive vibe echoed through the aisles. "Our goal was to reach trade contacts with our new collections from Pat Hein Eek and our lighting from Roll and Hill. The experience truly exceeded our expectations. The trade presence was insane on both Thursday and Friday and the attendee reception to the collections has been fantastic," commented David Alhadeff, owner of The Future Perfect. Lori Bruno, proprietor of Ligne Roset adds, "I was really impressed with the traffic. It seemed busier than ever. We use the show to build our database of clients and find that each year we are able to add more quality contacts to our list." Jon Thorson, General Manager of BDDW called it "the best AD Show yet," while neighboring exhibitor, DESIGNLUSH, was equally pleased. In addition to DESIGNLUSH's oversized booth, the design showroom and interior design practice created its first DIFFA tablescape for MMPI inspired by 70s fashion icon Paco Rabanne and the dark, glistening aura of James Bond films. Wearing his many hats, founder Stephen Mitchell commented, "Our team was thrilled to interact with so many top interior designers and to meet thousands of design-minded homeowners. Everything from the displays to the lecture series, from the MADE section of artisan wares to the 45 tables in the always-spectacular DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN was a feast for the eyes and a trove of great decorating ideas. We were delighted to be a part of it."

Registration. (Toni Toreno)

About MMPI
MMPI is the world's leading owner and operator of showroom buildings and trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together in more than 300 market events, trade and consumer shows and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart in Chicago; the Architects & Designers Building, 7 W New York, and Piers 92/94 in New York City; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; the Washington Design Center in Washington DC; and Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center in Cleveland.

Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

Architectural Digest is the authority in design and architecture, providing a vision that stretches readers' imaginations and sets new benchmarks for the life they wish to live, whether just starting out or at the peak of achievement. The brand's influence offers first and exclusive access to extraordinary people, places, and things across the design continuum. From editorial to advertising, five million affluent readers see, source, and buy products directly from the pages of Architectural Digest.

The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT), a leading media company with 2001 revenues of $3 billion, publishes The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and 16 other newspapers; owns eight network-affiliated television stations and two New York radio stations; and has more than 40 websites, including NYTimes.com and Boston.com. In 2002 the company was ranked No. 1 in the publishing industry on Fortune's list of America's Most Admired Companies. Among all 530 companies on the list, the company ranked No. 1 in quality of products/services and No.1 in social responsibility. The company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting, and distributing high-quality news, information, and entertainment.