SHOW HISTORY

In 1994, Karla Little noticed that several soft goods catalog companies such as LL Bean, Garnet Hill and The Company Store were introducing collections of furniture and home furnishings. Due to her participation in various craft shows earlier in her career she had developed relationships with several custom furniture makers. Based on this trend and her established relationships she realized that these craftsmen needed an annual opportunity to show and sell their work to the public and trade.

As a result, Little researched and created the Fine Furnishings Show. The first show was held in the Fall of 1996 at the Rhode Island Convention Center and included approximately 80 exhibitors. The Providence Fine Furnishings Show has evolved in many ways over the last 15 years and has included exhibitor pavilion space from various state and industry associations, the Providence Craft Show and student work. The show was also the first, and to date, the only show to be endorsed by The Furniture Society. Due to the organization’s commitment to her show, she created a member benefits program that provides members with a discount on exhibit space. The show now offers the same program for members of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers.

When the Fine Furnishings Providence Show was created, it was always Little’s dream and intent to develop several Fine Furnishings Shows in key markets in the United States. The Milwaukee Fine Furnishings Show was launched in 2005 and first held in September of 2006 at the Midwest Airlines Center. In 2009 Little re-examined the Milwaukee market which led to relocating the show to the new Harley-Davidson Museum complex the first weekend in October. This change has led to increased attendance and rave reviews by exhibitors and attendees.

In 2008, at the request of a significant number of exhibitors, Little launched a third show in Baltimore. The first Baltimore Fine Furnishings Show was held in May of 2009 at the Hippodrome Theatre in downtown Baltimore with approximately 60 exhibitors.

2010 marks the 15th year of the Providence Show, the 5th year of the Milwaukee Show and the 2nd year of the Baltimore Show.

Fine Furnishings Shows
Owned and produced by KL Communications