MMPI Cancels Chicago International Antiques and Fine Art Fair in April
January 2, 2014
Two antiques and arts shows were headed for a showdown the same April weekend in Chicago, but Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. decided to cancel its Chicago International Antiques and Fine Art Fair.
The other show – Palm Beach Show Group’s Chicago International Art, Antique and Jewelry Show – will be held April 24-28 at Navy Pier.
A spokesperson for MMPI confirmed their show would not be held this April.
“It's a fractured market and we thought it was best to hold off and see what happens in 2014 and what demand might be in the future,” said Vice President of Marketing for Merchandise Mart's trade and consumer shows Lisa Simonian in local press reports.
Palm Beach Show Group has antiques and fine arts shows in several other cities, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Baltimore, New York, Palm Beach, Fla., and Naples, Fla.
Scott Diament, who heads the Palm Beach-based company, said Chicago was a perfect location to launch a new show.
“It has a long history of collecting Art and Antiques, and it has some of the best architecture and design in the world,” he added.
Diament said, “Navy Pier is an incredible location for a consumer show, also Chicago is the No. 3 market in the U.S. behind N.Y. and L.A., where we are also represented.”
Palm Beach Show Group had, in fact, offered to buy MMPI’s Chicago International Antiques and Fine Art Fair.
“They turned us down,” Diament said. “Once we launched, I did not think they would hold one.” He added that now the focus in Chicago would be on his company’s event.
In April of last year, Laurette Lutiger, head of sales for the Mart's antiques fair, was hired as show director for the Palm Beach Show Group’s new show.
Diament said the show has a lot in store, such as a bevy of international exhibitors, valet parking, great dates for Chicago, an interior design showcase and much more.
The Women's Board of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago will host the opening night champagne reception at which attendees will have the opportunity to preview the art and antiques.
“There is a remarkable legacy for trade shows and art fairs that began at Navy Pier,” Lutiger said. “In recent years, Chicago has established itself as a leading arts and cultural city in the Midwest and represents collectors of every age and level of interest who have been waiting for a show of this caliber to emerge.”
In the first year, 150 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees are expected, Diament said.
The Palm Beach Show Group has plans to continue to launch and acquire new shows in the future, he added.
In its most recent acquisition, the company acquired Manhattan Media’s Avenue Show, held at the Armory in New York City and focused on antiques, art and design.
The Chicago International Antiques and Fine Art Fair isn't the first high-end arts show canceled by MMPI. In 2012, the company scrapped its Art Chicago event saying that it would be focusing its efforts on the coasts where the art markets were more active.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment