The International Casual Furniture Association’s annual conference will feature keynotes on customer experience and AI innovation, alongside breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
The International Casual Furniture Association (ICFA) is set to host its annual conference, Elevate 2025, from February 3rd to 5th at The Westin Tampa Waterside Hotel. This much-anticipated event promises to bring together key stakeholders in the outdoor furnishings industry, including retailers, designers, manufacturers, sales representatives, and solution partners, providing a vital platform for gaining business insights and sharing best practices.
Kickstarting the conference will be two prominent keynote speakers, Dan Gingiss and Tom Edwards, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Dan Gingiss, renowned for his expertise in customer experience, marketing, and customer service, will take the stage on the first day with his keynote address titled “A Remarkable Customer Experience is Your Best Competitive Advantage.” Known for his extensive experience spanning over two decades, Gingiss will share insights from his book, The Experience Maker, which emphasises the power of transforming customers into brand advocates through exceptional customer experiences.
The second day of the conference will feature Tom Edwards, Ernst & Young LLP’s generative AI leader, who will delve into the realm of technological innovation with his presentation, “Emerging Technology: A Futurist’s View of Using AI to Transform Business.” Edwards will explore the significant role of AI in fostering innovation and reshaping the business landscape, offering participants a glimpse into the future of technology and its potential impact on the industry.
Besides the keynote sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various breakout sessions and roundtable discussions. These sessions will cover critical topics relevant to the industry, with Mark Vitner, chief economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital, delivering an economic outlook, and Chris Andresen, a Washington lobbyist for AHFA/ICFA, providing a political update.
A notable feature of the conference is the consumer focus group, which allows attendees to gain direct insights into consumer perspectives and preferences. Additionally, peer roundtables and a vendor showcase will provide ample opportunities for networking and collaboration among industry players.
The conference will also include pre-event activities designed to enrich the experience of attendees. On February 3rd, participants can choose between a retail design tour of local outdoor furnishings stores or a golf outing at TPC Tampa Bay, before the opening reception and dinner.
Jackie Hirschhaut, the executive director of ICFA, highlighted the significance of the conference, describing it as “the largest, must-attend learning event for the outdoor furnishings industry.” The event is expected to be a crucial gathering for those eager to explore business insights and innovate within the field.
Early bird registration for Elevate 2025 is open until October 31st, offering attendees an opportunity to secure their participation in what promises to be a landmark event in the outdoor furnishings calendar.
Source: Noah Wire Services
