Temperatures may have dipped below freezing in New York this past December, but that didn’t stop the crowds from flocking to the city for the National Association of Display Industries’ new version of the industry’s annual winter market.
Held in a variety of venues and showrooms, with Chelsea’s Cedar Lake Theater serving as its central hub, the NADI show transitioned from its traditional format to an event featuring two Shoptalk panel discussions covering sustainability and women’s fashion trends, the latest products from over 30 showrooms and event sponsors, and an art walk through the city’s West Chelsea neighborhood.
Showrooms, both permanent and temporary, were located along West 25th Street, 14th Street and in the Starrett-Lehigh Building on West 26th Street. And next year, according to NADI president Bob Rosean, attendees should expect even more showroom presentations.
On December 5, the 11th annual Planning and Visual Education Partnership Gala took place, honoring the best in visual merchandising and several noteworthy up-and-comers. Victor Johnson, Ann Taylor’s senior manager of visual presentation, received PAVE’s first Rising Star Award.
Retailers and design firms were invited to nominate an individual who works in retail design, visual presentation or contract design who is a proven innovator and leader among his or her peers. The three finalists were Johnson; Vicki Speilmann, visual manager, Apple Computer Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.); and Wesley Woelfel, design director, Greneker Solutions (Los Angeles).
“This sort of recognition and encouragement from other professionals in the industry means a lot to me,” Johnson says. “It’s a great way to end the year, and it’s a great place to start 2008.”
Also at the banquet, VM+SD, the media sponsor of the NADI show, presented its second annual Excellence in Visual Merchandising and Design in New York awards to Macy’s Herald Square, Saks Fifth Avenue and Cartier. Accepting the awards were Paul Olszewski, window director, Macy’s; Terry Jacobs, vp, visual merchandising, Saks; and Raymond Mastrobuoni, retired assistant vp of visual display, Cartier. For more information about PAVE’s 2008 Rising Star Award, please contact PAVE at pave@paveinfo.org or at 954-241-4834. Nomination forms will be available in June.
This year’s event is scheduled for December 10-12. For more information, visit www.thenadishow.com.