IHFRA sets October date for industry gala, names honorees

This week, I am wearing my International Home Furnishings Representatives Association hat so I can give you the scoop on this year’s Furniture Industry Awards Gala celebration.

Last year, IHFRA changed things up and moved the venue to the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center, in the heart of High Point University.

The group got such rave reviews about the venue, food and the event in general that it decided to host the gala there again. 

This year’s FIAG, the 27th such event, is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 13.

This year’s honorees are Miskelly Furniture, Retailer of the Year; Roy Hester of Planned Furniture Promotions, who will be honored as Industry Icon; Edward Massood of Massood Logistics, who will be named Pillar of the Industry; IHFRA rep Ted Jarnagin, who will receive the  Legacy Rep award; and John Pinion IV, who will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award.

In addition, IHFRA’s Rising Stars award will be presented to four up-and-coming future leaders who have already distinguished themselves for outstanding performances. This year’s Rising Stars are: Cameron Wanek of Ashley Furniture, Kian Amini of AICO, Sydney Harris of Furnitureland South and Katie Korngold of Korngold Sales & Marketing.

The theme for this year’s gala, It’s All About Family, perfectly describes each of our honorees as well as the makeup of our industry, which made picking the theme this year a no-brainer.

I’ve always perceived the furniture industry as a family, and within that family there are scores of family businesses, and this year, every one of our honorees is part of a family that has deep roots in the business.

As I look at the list of this year’s honorees, it is also evident that each person who will be honored at the gala has worked hard to elevate not only their respective company, but the industry as well.

Additional information, including ticket availability and sponsorship opportunities, will be posted on the IHFRA website, www.ihfra.org. Interested parties can also contact me at rallegrezza@ihfra.org, Steve Allegrezza at sallegrezza@ihfra.org, or Bonnie Wallace at bwallace@ihfra.org.

I really hope to see you at our celebration in October!