Show Time with Larry Karel

To All of our many Exhibitors & Buyers, A Healthy & Happy New Year!

2012-01-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

We truly appreciate your support in what is soon to be "60" years of producing regional Furniture & Accessory Markets.

We are off and running for the New Year and here is a brief description of what lies ahead for our company and Furniture & Accessory Markets.

Edison Furniture & Accessory Market - February 5-6-7, 2012

Another banner year with buyers attending from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Nearly 800 exhibit spaces all under one roof!

Long Beach Furniture & Accessory Market - May 6 & 7, 2012

We expect another early sellout in the Long Beach Convention Center, despite securing a larger exhibit hall, the recent November event sold out well in advance of the show.

3rd Texas Furniture & Accessory Market - June 10 & 11, 2012

Just minutes from Dallas, this event is going strong and will sell out soon. We are elated to welcome back the largest U.S furniture manufacturer, Ashley Furniture.

Fredericksburg, VA (Mid-Atlantic Furniture & Accessory Market) - September 9 & 10, 2012

This new event has nearly 200 exhibit spaces already assigned. It is an untapped area for participating exhibitors with buyers attending from Maryland, Washington D.C, Virginia, Delaware and portions of the Carolina's.

Our purpose in producing these shows is for furniture stores, designers and specialty stores who do not wish to travel far to do their buying. A KEM Market has the best prices and buyer are able to get a quick delivery at a regional market

Stay connected to our blog as we will be posting updates and breaking news regarding our upcoming Regional Furniture & Accessory Markets

Fasten your seat belts as The Long Beach Furniture & Accessory Market has taken off!!

2011-10-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

We have been forecasting an upturn in the economy and how that will impact the furniture industry. We're getting ready for our Long Beach Market in just a few weeks, November 2 & 3, 2011, and we have set another record. Every space has been sold and we even expanded into the lobby area to accommodate more vendors. Now we have a waiting list totaling well over 100 additional spaces.We will be moving into a larger hall for our

May 6 & 7,2012 event.

Our other markets are doing well and with the economy improving, a new market in Fredericksburg, VA being held September 9 & 10, 2012. We are now assigning spaces to those interested with no money due till February 1, 2012, Many companies have already secured their choice locations and over 100 booths have already assigned. Vendors, please don't wait, we would hate to be unable to serve your needs.

Contact Sherry or Richard in our office for availability.

www.kemexpo.com

The KEM team will be back on the road again

2011-10-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

We have just under one year to go until our first-ever Market in Fredericksburg,Virginia and we've already gotten commitments for over 100 booths! Choice locations are now being assigned with NO DEPOSITS DUE UNTIL FEBRUARY 1, 2012.The floor plan is out. You can obtain a copy by contacting Sherry or Richard in our office and they will be happy to assist you.

Next month we'll be back on the road setting up the SOLD-OUT Long Beach Furniture Market, November 2 & 3, 2011. Next. with no rest for the weary, we're off to Irving, Texas. Last May was our first show ever held in Irving and we are glad to say that market SOLD OUT early in advance. For the second market being held November 9 & 10, 2011, we have re-worked the floor plan by taking away some aisles creating a bulk space floor plan to accommodate our exhibitor's needs.

What can KEM do for YOU today?

Karel Exposition Management PREDICTS A BUSY AND SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY

2011-09-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

(Buyers converging on the New Jersey Convention Center
for the 59th Edison Furniture & Accessory Market 2011)

(Aventura, FL)-----Larry Karel, owner of Karel Exposition Management, announced today that his company is adding a new region and will be producing the first ever, furniture and accessory market in Fredericksburg, Virginia, September 9-10, 2012 at the Fredericksburg Expo Center.

The show is KEM’s first in the area with nearly 500 exhibit spaces. The two day event is already seeing a very active assignment of exhibit space. According to Karel, the Fredericksburg Furniture & Accessory Market is attracting the independent stores that are no longer traveling to markets far from home due to travel costs.“I feel positive about the country and the economy. This show will be a bonanza for buyers and sellers from Washington, D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina,” said Karel.

(Carlton MFG writing orders at the 1st
Texas Furniture & Accessory market)

Over the years KEM has contributed to the success of many businesses who have participated in his shows. Some even consider KEM their main source of business. “We want our exhibitors to grow and prosper with us,” states Karel. Word of mouth, along with social media and the internet, are bringing manufacturers from around the world to KEM markets. “‘Each day we are amazed at where our e-mails come from,” Karel reports. “We had new exhibitors from China with us in Edison and now a company from Turkey will be with us as well. It’s all about bringing the products to the buyer and writing business,” he added.

Karel reports that he and his team are putting the finishing touches on the “31^st Long Beach California Market” at the Long Beach Convention Center, November 2 through 3 followed by the “2^nd Texas Furniture and Accessory Market,” November 9-10, 2011 and the show of shows, the “60^th Edison Furniture & Accessory Market,” February 5-7, 2012, “Some scattered space is still available but selling quickly,” Karel said.

Karel Exposition Management (KEM), is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory trade shows, known for showcasing an exceptional roster of manufacturers, vendors and suppliers since 1952.The company provides cost-effective venues for exhibitors and buyers to conduct business. Don’t look for lavish parties or trendy seminars. These are no-frills shows. At the end of the day, the show managers turn out the lights and everyone leaves for the night.

As with all of his shows, Karel adheres to his company’s successful credo, “For less than a tank of gas, you can shop the market and return home the same day. No costly airfare, hotel room, food or car rental as would be the case if you had to travel to a market far from home.”

For additional information call 305 792-9990.

2011-09-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

(Five Star Mattress at the 59th Edison Furniture & Accessory Market)

It was strictly an order writing show when KEM started the 59th Edison Furniture & Accessory Market at the New Jersey Convention Center.

(Buyer Registration at the 59th Edison Market)

It was another excellent market despite the economy. Many vendors say this helped them jump start the next quarter The August show had over 700 exhibit spaces with nearly 600 re-assigning on the spot for the 60th Winter Edison Furniture & Accessory Market being held February 5-6-7, 2012.

To those who haven't heard, KEM is now preparing for a new market to be held the fall of 2012, This will be the *NEW* Mid-Atlantic Furniture & Accessory Market. . . At the latest Edison Market many exhibitors came to the show office requesting that Karel Exposition holds a show in the Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C and Delaware area since that part of the region is very selective and buyers will not travel more then 100 to 200 miles. They are not going to the major markets as it has become too costly. It will be held in FREDERICKSBURG, VA, at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, September 6 & 7, 2012. For more information and booth availability you can reach either Sherry or Richard at our office who will be happy to accommodate you.

KEM is now rolling along towards as the November Long Beach Furniture & Accessory Market, being held November 2 & 3, 2011, This market is now SOLD OUT other then two scattered spaces within the hall. We are now seeking additional space within the convention center for the May 2012 show since we have already sold the last remaining spaces in the lobby area for the November 2011 show.

Shortly after is our Irving, TX, Market being held November 9 & 10, 2011. We are happy to say that this show is also approaching a SELL OUT due to the success of the previous market. Buyers throughout the region including Oklahoma converged on the first event with Order Writing for exhibitors who have not seen these buyers at any other market outside of the Texas region.

2011-08-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

(Larry Karel, President of KEM and his wife Helene Karel, welcomes Shanhong Gu, President of Cultural Sources and wife Judy Gu who exhibited in the 59th Edison Furniture & Accessory Market for the first time.)

(Larry Karel, President of KEM & Shanhong Gu, President of Cultural Sources)

Mr. Gu represents new companies looking to introduce their merchandise to the US market. "Cultural Sources had excellent results at our Edison Makret and they are now working to attract more companies from China to join us for the 2012 Edison Market, which is already shaping up to be another great show," said Karel.

Karel Exposition Management (KEM), is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory trade shows, known for showcasing an exceptional roster of manufacturers, vendors and suppliers since 1952. KEM provides cost-effective venues for exhibitors and buyers to conduct business.

Now that the KEM staff is just getting back from an amazing show in Edison, NJ, held in the New Jersey Convention Center. We say amazing as we had two strikes against us, but had a FANTASTIC show...

The economy is still unsettled, but, for our event, buyers were buying as they had low inventories from a slow winter selling season.

Then the earthquake hit, however, nothing stopped the buyers from attending and we had lots and lots of rave reviews.

In fact, at the show itself, nearly 700 exhibit spaces were assigned and confirmed from exhibitors who enjoyed a successful order writing market and wished to return to their same spaces.

We are looking forward to our two November shows, Long Beach, CA, November 2 & 3, 2011, in the Long Beach Convention Center and our Irving, TX Market, being held November 9 & 10, 2011, at the new and beautiful Irving Convention Center.

From all indications, they, too, should be good with exhibitors telling us business is definitely picking up.

We hope everyone came through Hurricane Irene safe and sound. All of us at KEM thank you for your continued support and wish you a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

Larry Karel's 59th Edison Furniture Market Just Days Away

2011-08-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

We're getting excited here at the KEM office in Aventura Florida as the Edison Furniture & Accessory Market, August 21, 22, 23 at the New Jersey Convention Center will be in full swing in six days.

What is making it exciting is with all the gloom and doom we hear about and read about.....furniture stores who are registering in advance of the event are in very good moods and many say that business is improving.

Not tremendously but it is improving, therefore they will be ready to re-stock and buy new product for their fall and early winter selling season.

For now, this seems to be the new norm and we will settle for that as long as our many exhibitors and buyers can begin to see an improvement.

Last but not least, the weekend forecast is for warm weather but not triple digits....The only thing we want hot is order writing for our exhibitors.

Podcast Interview with Larry Karel

2011-08-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

I was just interviewed by Tim Patterson, also known as the TradeShowGuy. Patterson writes a blog about the trade show world and social media. Patterson is also a guest speaker at events.
As you'll hear I'm an old-timer in the trade show biz but a newbies in the social media end of things.

The interview was fun. Take a listen:
Podcast: Interview with Larry Karel of Karl Exposition Management | Tradeshow Guy Blog

Now it's back to work as we get ready for the 59th Edison Furniture & Accessory Market, August 21,22,23 in the New Jersey Convention Center.

The weather forcast looks great, high in the low 80's during the day and we are glad it cooled off as the show will be "HOT" with over 700 exhibit spaces and excellent pre-registration requests still pouring in from buyers everyday.

WE'VE GONE GLOBAL!!!!

2011-07-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

Larry Karel's 59th EDISON FURNITURE & ACCESSORY MARKET, August 21, 22, 23 at the New Jersey Convention Center proudly announces that more then 3,000 square feet of exhibit space will feature Furniture and Accessories from China and Turkey.

In addition to the many companies who will be showing in over 70,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Below are a few of the many items you will find in the Chinese Pavilion at the Edison Market.

If interested in viewing more of the Chinese items, you can view them at Cultural Sources. You'll find pillows, pottery, furniture and vases galore.

In addition to the above, many companies like Ashley Furniture, Klaussner, Sunset Int'l, Creative Furniture, Home Source Industries, J & M Furniture, Mainline Inc., Corsicana, Acme Furniture, Global Furniture USA, Therapedic/Eclipse, Dreamwell, AA Importing Co., AICO, Milan Furniture, Three Star, Yuan Tai Furniture, Legacy Furniture, Synergy, New Classic, Fusion, Art Home Furnishings and many more will be displaying their products for the fall and winter buying seasons.

With housing starting to improve, stores have low inventories and we believe buying will be active at the upcoming Edison Market.

Buyers wishing to avoid long registration lines should pre-register quickly so your admittance credentials can be mailed to you prior to the market.

Desiring to Pre-Register??

Click Here to view our Pre-Registration Form, When filling out this form you will also need to fax/e-mail two forms of business credentials to 305-792-9898 or KEMregistration@yahoo.com. We would also need personalized business cards for each individual who will be attending.

A Super Sized November!

2011-05-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

First, our hearts go out to the scores of families whose lives have been devastated by the recent tornadoes and floods around the country.

We’ve just completed two extremely successful Karel shows. The Long Beach market was only a few days ago and almost half of the exhibitors have re-signed for the November 2 & 3, 2011 show. Our buyers tell us store inventory is low and the demand for furniture and accessories is high. The theme for the two days was writing orders. Some exhibitors have asked for more space this November.

This seems to be the same for our Irving, Texas Show. Our first ever show in Irving, last month, was so successful it sold out of vendor space before opening. We immediately booked a second show at the Irving Convention Center for this November 9 & 10, and are negotiating for a bigger exhibit area.

That will be two super sized markets in November. See you there!

(Bedding Does well at a KEM Market!)

(Rug Factory Plus at the Long Beach Furniture & Accessory Market)

Everything's Bigger In Texas (We're Expanding!)

2011-05-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

Larry Karel’s, first ever, Texas Market has come and gone. Neither rain, clouds or wind could keep anyone away. The response and feedback from our exhibitors and our buyers was in a word — Remarkable. Nothing makes us happier then knowing that order writing was a non-stop. In just two days, exhibitors did business with hundreds of furniture stores.

(Noah's MFG, 1st Texas Furniture & Accessory Market)

Business was so good not only did we book another show for Nov. 9 & 10th, 2011, but now we’re working with the Irving Convention Center for more exhibit space, since more than 80% of the space we had initially secured has already been sold. Also, everyone was really pleased with the Irving Convention Center, It’s easy to get to, with covered parking attached to the center. The staff was super helpful and friendly. We hope to “See ya’ll there!”

(Carlton MFG, 1st Texas Furniture & Accessory Market)

Call us now for more info:

305-792-9990

2011-04-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

GOOD NEWS FROM KEM

I’ve been telling you that the business of furniture buying has been improving. Here’s the proof:

TEXAS FURNITURE AND ACCESSORY MARKET SOLD OUT

May 1- 2, 2011

NEW SHOW ANNOUNCED FOR NOVEMBER, 2011

www.Kemexpo.com

“Texas is sold out!” reports Larry Karel, owner of Karel Exposition Management and the producer of the highly anticipated Texas Furniture & Accessory Market, May 1 -2, 2011.

The show is KEM’s first in the greater DFW area and will be in the new Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, minutes from Dallas, with nearly 300 exhibit spaces.

The two day event is already seeing a very active pre-registration from the buyers in the region. What has the furniture industry buzzing with excitement is that this is the first temporary type event of its kind that is not connected to a Merchandise Mart.

According to Karel, the Texas Furniture & Accessory Market, is attracting the independent stores that are no longer traveling to other markets due to travel costs.

Major companies such as Ashley, Steve Silvers, Noah's, Sealy, Corsicana, Crown Mark, Bedroom Distributors, Dickson Furniture, Sauder Woodworking, PFC Furniture, Acme Furniture, Coaster Co. of America, Global Furniture, and Sleeptronic/King Koil, along with many more are participating.

Because exhibitors and buyers alike are asking, KEM will now produce a winter version, Texas Furniture and Accessory Market, November 9-10, 2011, and requests for space is already coming in.

The market will continue on to Long Beach, California, site of that city’s Furniture & Accessory Market, May 18 - 19, at the Long Beach Convention Center. This will be the 30th Long Beach Market for KEM attracting buyers from the State of California, Nevada and Arizona.

“Space is still available in Long Beach but selling quickly,” Karel said.

Don’t look for lavish parties or trendy seminars. These are no-frills shows. At the end of the day, the show managers turn out the lights and everyone leaves for the night.

“Texas Furniture and Accessory Market” is open to buyers, interior designers and specialty stores from the furniture industry. Attendees will see and meet new sources exhibiting furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories.

WHAT: TEXAS FURNITURE AND ACCESSORY MARKET

WHERE: The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas
500 W. Las Colinas Blvd

Irving, Texas 75039

WHEN: Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 2, 2011

TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

INFO: 305-792-9990

Admittance to the “Texas Furniture and Accessory Market” is complimentary.

However, attendees must have proper business identification showing that they are in the home furnishings industry.

No person under the age of 13 will be admitted.

Not open to the public.

I’ve been telling you that the business of furniture buying has been improving. Here’s the proof:

2011-03-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Home Furnishings Industry is on the Upswing

We wish everyone a happy spring and with spring comes two fo the KEM Furniture & Accessory Shows.

First up, is our new Texas Furniture & Accessory Market, May 1 & 2. The show will take place in the recently opened beautiful new Irving Convention Center on Las Colinas Blvd, minutes from Dallas. This event is just about Sold Out!

After Texas, our caravan moves over 1200 miles west to Long Beach, California for the May 18th & 19th market. The Long Beach Furniture & Accessory Market will once again be held at the Long Beach Convention Center.

It will be summer when our doors re-open in Edison at the New Jersey Convention Center for the August 21, 22 & 23 market. At this point and time we have nearly 800 exhibit spaces assigned.

We truly believe, from the many conversations we have with the home furnishings industry that our industry is finally on the upswing.

Have a Great Day Everyone

Larry Karel

2010-12-27T08:14:00.001-08:00

KEM Preparing for 2011 Markets

The staff at KEM is gearing up for 2011 and all indications are pointing to an upswing in the economy and the Home Furnishings Industry.

Interest in the KEM line up of regional markets is high with manufacturers, representatives and distributors requesting exhibit space information for the Regional Markets in 2011.

First on the list is the 58th Edison Furniture & Accessory Market being held once again in the easily accessible New Jersey Convention Center with nearly 1,000 booths on display for attending buyers from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Irving Texas, minutes from Dallas will be the site of the new Texas Furniture & Accessory Market, May 1 & 2 in the newly built Irving Convention Center. Interest is running high for both buyers and exhibitors.

May 18th & 19th, it is back to the Long Beach Convention Center with a market that doubled in size this past November.....Exhibit space is already being assigned and this event is expected to continue growing, In fact, KEM is seeking additional exhibit space for the Spring event.

The KEM shows continue to grow with buyers not wanting to spend money to travel far to do their buying. Why should they when there is a Karel show in their own backyard where, for less then a tank of gas they can attend, do their buying and return home the very same day.

For more information visit our website: Karel Exposition

2010-12-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S

The gang at Karel Exposition, including the newest member, wish everyone a happy holiday season and most of all....a healthy and happy new year!

We appreciate all of you for giving us nearly sixty years of producing furniture markets and look forward to many more. Hope to see you at our next market.

Sincerely,

KAREL EXPOSITION MANAGEMENT

2010-11-22T11:05:00.000-08:00

KEM Preparing for 2011 Markets

The staff at KEM is gearing up for 2011 and all indications are pointing to an upswing in the economy and the Home Furnishings Industry.

Interest in the KEM line up of regional markets is high with manufacturers, representatives and distributors requesting exhibit space information for the Regional Markets in 2011.

The 20th Orlando Furniture & Accessory Market will be held in the beautiful Orange County Convention Center, the second largest facility in the United States. This two day show, August 14 & 15th, 2011, will attract hundreds of stores from Florida and the Islands with complimentary parking to attending buyers.

For more information visit our website: Karel Exposition

2010-11-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Long Beach Market Largest in 3 years!!!

We're less then five days from the opening of the 29th Long Beach Market. All indications point towards this being a blockbuster show. Booth sales have surpassed all previous markets since 2007 with double the number of participating companies.

Just a reminder, booth sales for the August 2011, Orlando market will start shortly after the holidays. For the first time we'll be offering FREE parking for buyers and lower rates for exhibitors.

KEM is expanding. You asked, and we listened. We will have our first May show in the centrally located Dallas-Fort Worth area. KEM will be among the first companies to exhibit at the brand new Irving Convention Center in Texas. KEM's motto had always been, "For a less than a tank of gas, buyers can drive-in, do their buying and get back to their business. "This area is an untapped market for exhibitors and buyers alike. Don't look for lavish parties or trendy seminars. These are "no-frills" shows. At the end of the day, the show manager turn out the lights and everyone leaves for the night.

Meanwhile, we're on track for the 58th Edison, NJ, market in February,

where nearly 800 booths have been assigned!

For more information be sure to visit our website

2010-10-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Karel Exposition Management Embraces the Social Networks

Connecting with his customers has always been a priority for Larry Karel, president of Karel Exposition Management.

Karel Exposition Management (KEM), is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory trade shows, Known for showcasing an exceptional roster of manufactures and distributors.

Always one to embrace new technology, the Aventura based company, is leading the path in the furniture industry and the entire team is embracing social media.

"We want to make it easy for exhibitors and buyers to find us. Social media has added a new enthusiasm in my office. We are re-connecting with customers we lost touch with and communicating with new customers from across the country," said Karel.

The company has been incorporating social media in their day to day business for the past few months and with great success.

"We are talking to people we lost touch with, generating new leads and selling space," Karel said. "Everyone is excited!"

Karel Remembers the day when he pleaded with his father to buy a fax machine and was met with resistance. "Social media is a powerful way for people to stay informed and connected and to stay competitive, we will utilize all of the tools at our disposal," Karel added.

Karel's mantra has always been "For less then a tank of gas, buyers can drive to the show in their own hometown."

And that's where KEM enters the picture. The company provides cost-effective venues for exhibitors and buyers to conduct business. Don't look for lavish parties or trendy seminars. These are no-frills shows. At the end of the day, the show managers turn out the lights and everyone leaves for the night. This is great news! For distributors, representatives and manufactures there's no costly, permanent showrooms to maintain. It's great for the buyers since the show comes to them. There's no airfare, hotel room or car rental needed.

"So Follow us on Twitter, Friend us on Facebook and connect with us on LinkedIN"

For additional information you can also visit our web site Karel Exposition

Karel Exposition Management Embraces the Social Networks

2010-10-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

Thank You Trade Wind Treasures!

Karel Exposition Management

Hi Sherry,

My hat is off to Larry Karel! While a big portion of the furniture industry is talking about how bad things are Larry is out there making it happen. That was evident again this year at the KEM Orlando furniture show. Yes it was smaller than past years but it did not stop me from picking up some nice new accounts. The Orlando show is always the perfect showroom away from home to have all your regional dealers come see your new products and discuss plans for the future, and it is so nice to see everyone face to face. It would take several road trips to get that kind of one on one with your trading partners. Larry, there is no doubt in my mind that Florida will come roaring back over the next couple years, it’s too incredible a destination not to. There is also no doubt that I will be back in Orlando with you each year taking advantage of the best regional show in the country. Thanks again Larry for all you do to support the industry.

Regards,

Mike Lemon

Trade Wind Treasures

Lexington, NC