Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2023 22 WESTEDGE DESIGN FAIR RETURNS TO SANTA MONICA'S BARKER HANGAR FOR EIGHTH SHOW Design industry's highly anticipated relaunch showcases over 175 top brands and artists, programming, and special events November 16-18 WestEdge Design Fair, the West Coast's premier contemporary design fair, returns to Santa Monica's Barker Hangar November 16-18, 2023 for the first time since 2019. Celebrating its eighth year and relaunching post-pandemic, guests will have the opportunity to experience the latest in design and furnishings featuring a highly curated selection of domestic and international manufacturers as well as independent designers and makers. The WestEdge Design Fair will welcome thousands of design professionals and enthusiasts to source from the industry's leading established and up-and-coming brands. Offering furniture, lighting, art, kitchen, bath, and more, WestEdge Design Fair will bring together over 175 brands from across the globe for an immersive experience set in Santa Monica's indoor/outdoor Barker Hangar venue. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with 45+ presenting speakers, 20 culinary and mixology demonstrations, and various meet-and-greets with notable design influencers over the course of the three-day event. "We have been eagerly anticipating this year's return and are ready to welcome guests to our immersive celebration of creativity, innovation, and the power of design," said WestEdge co-founder, Megan Reilly. "We look forward to seeing our returning and new exhibitors, showcasing impeccable goods, and making sure our attendees are inspired, no matter how large or small their next design project might be." HIGHLIGHTS FOR THIS YEAR'S EVENT INCLUDE: • MADE:MODERN, a curated section of the fair showcasing independent designers, makers, and artists with one-of-a-kind furniture, lighting, and accent offerings from exhibitors including Art's Tree House, Black Crow Studios, Buzzell Studios, CarbonShack, Ever Atelier, whyrHymer, and dozens more. • The PIRCH Culinary Pavilion offers daily demonstrations and samplings, including a Thanksgiving wine pairings seminar and a "Taste of Italian Cuisine" series. • WestEdge XTERIORS outdoor portion of the fair, showcasing the latest in outdoor design, from outdoor furnishings and kitchens/ grills to outdoor saunas and more. • WestEdge "Convo By Design" Theater offers attendees two days of panel talks, industry forums, and engaging conversations filled with education and inspiration on a rich variety of topics. • The IIDA/WestEdge Design Fair Booth Awards, where the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) will team with WestEdge to launch two new design competitions. Exhibitors can enter by October 26 for product awards and/or booth awards, with winners announced at an Awards Presentation on-site. "WestEdge Design Fair is proud to showcase the rich diversity of brands and exhibitors across the globe. From established industry leaders to emerging talents, the fair represents the best in contemporary design" said WestEdge Principal, Troy Durst. "We're building a platform where creativity, innovation, and the power of design come together, and we can't think of a better venue than Los Angeles, given the city's rich and diverse makeup of innovators and creatives." To commemorate the return, an Opening Night Party presented by PIRCH will kick off the fair November 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ticket proceeds and a one-of-a-kind auction of designer items will benefit Hollywood Food Coalition whose mission is to feed and serve the immediate needs of the hungry every day of the year so that they can build better lives. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle ahead of the weekend crowds with elevated food and cocktails, entertainment, and early access to shop hundreds of design products. WestEdge Design Fair will be open to the trade and the public on Friday, November 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the daytime event hours is complimentary for design trade professionals who pre-register by November 10. Visit www.westedgedesignfair.com to learn more and register for the fair and Opening Night Party. JAKE O'ROURKE NAMED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF O'ROURKE SALES COMPANY O'Rourke Sales Company has announced the appointment of Jake O'Rourke as chief operating officer (COO) and executive vice president (EVP). Mr. O'Rourke joined the company as the accounting supervisor in 2016 and has risen through the ranks, most recently as vice president. Andrew Terry, president of O'Rourke Sales Company, said, "Jake has been a vital asset at O'Rourke Sales since he joined the team in 2016. He has been instrumental in aligning our corporate operations to match I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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