HIGH POINT, N.C. (December 20, 2007) — The number of buyers attending ShowtimeTM, Dec. 2-5, 2007, was up about 7 percent over previous shows in recent years, according to the International Textile Market Association (ITMA), which sponsors the event here.

At ShowtimeTM, more than 200 ITMA members present their latest fabric, trim and leather introductions primarily for the home furnishings industry. Held twice a year, ShowtimeTM is recognized as the largest textile show in the Western Hemisphere.

“The quality of buyers is as important to a successful show as the quantity,” said ITMA Director Catherine Morsell. “As part of the organization’s mission to create and maintain a valuable venue, we continue to identify and invite preferred customers who are looking for the kinds of products offered by our member companies.”

Sunil Eamani of Georgia-based MDS Fabrics, manufacturers of crewel, silk and velvet primarily, presented fabrics for the first time at the most recent ShowtimeTM. The response from buyers was “off the charts,” he says.

“As a result of a direct mail and email campaign prior to ShowtimeTM, we saw more qualified buyers than at any show we’ve ever attended. We made contacts with so many leaders in different market segments. You don’t get that level of diversity at other shows, where you may get a lot of traffic, but not as many orders. Our experience was awesome.”

Founded in 1990, the ITMA is a non-profit trade association that produces ShowtimeTM for its member companies, mostly home furnishings textile manufacturers. The next ShowtimeTM will be June 1-4, 2008, in High Point.

For more information on ShowtimeTM, the ITMA or its member companies, visit the Web site at www.itma-showtime.com, call the ITMA office at 336-885-6842 or send email to itmashowtime@northstate.net.

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