It’s that time of year again, and designers from across the country are gathering to discover new design and architectural trends at IIDEX Canada. To be held at Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre, from Sept. 26 to 27, the expo and conference will attract more than 15,000 attendees, including designers, architects, facility managers and real-estate executives who will check out 350 design exhibits pertaining to hospitality, retail, workplace, healthcare, lighting and sustainability.
Targeted to small-and-medium-sized suppliers that lack a hefty sales force, showroom or website, IIDEX also benefits designers. “What designers and architects are looking to find is a new, unique and interesting product or something custom they can incorporate into their project,” explains Tracy Bowie, VP, IIDEX Canada. “[Most] offices are working long hours and don’t have as much time to spend with the suppliers as they’d like — IIDEX becomes a place where they can see the products.”
Within the show, the Hospitality Canada Expo, aptly dubbed “Check-In,” will be home to more than 75 companies, up from approximately 50 last year. The largest hospitality installation to date will feature a range of innovative design equipment and material, including art, lighting, window treatments, wall and ceiling panels and stand-out furniture pieces illustrating how the design industry is evolving, says Bowie, adding that attendees can expect to see bright colours and custom metal on the showroom floor.
Another draw will be a keynote address by Toronto designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, who count the Four Seasons Toronto and The Hazelton Hotel among their standout projects. The duo will chat about innovative hotel design with Ilana Weitzman, editor-in-chief of EnRoute magazine.
Meanwhile, awards ceremonies, such as the EnRoute Hotel Design Awards, will recognize the top Canuck-designed hotels around the world. Attendees will also have access to more than 60 seminars on topics such as colour psychology, the modern meeting room and global trends in hospitality design.
Outside the Hospitality Canada Expo, show organizers recommend checking out the International Pavilion. “We’ve had the chance to go to several shows in Europe in the last few years and have researched new unique companies that don’t have any representation in Canada, and [we’re] bringing a taste of those companies to [the show],” explains Bowie. There will also be a handful of installation-based features, including 100-sq.-ft. “Bunkie” cabins, a “glamping” (luxury camping) exhibit and a woodshop featuring Toronto’s ash wood.
Stay tuned for details on next year’s 30th anniversary show, as organizers allude to big changes in the programming. In the meantime, check out the IIDEX Canada app, which features a map of the show, seminars and an exhibitor list.
Preview of some of the products that will be showcased at the 2013 IIDEX Canada Show.
1. CAMOUFLAGE Brand Trim’s decorative panels and mouldings showcase custom images. Designs can be produced on a variety of shapes, including crown mouldings, ceiling or wall panels as well as chair railings. Customers can visit brandtrim.com to choose image options or create a custom design featuring a product, motif or logo. BRAND TRIM
2. SHOW STEALER Atmosphere is a self-contained entertainment solution service suitable for special events as well as for fixed installations at hotels, casinos, bars, lounges, spas and resorts. Boasting superior picture and sound quality, Atmosphere’s video content is produced by award-winning entertainment industry professionals. BB BLANC
3. TAKE A SEAT Keilhauer’s new Juxta line is a collection of chairs, stools and tables designed to fit various seating and lounging requirements in meeting rooms. Featuring 39 individual components, Juxta can be assembled in various ways to create 74 unique configurations of stools, chairs and tables. KEILHAUER
4. WOW WORKSPACE DeFehr Furniture has introduced a line of modern contemporary case goods for the hospitality industry. Constructed from solid maple and maple veneer, the Jackson Creek collection features a fireplace unit and rock accents, in addition to quality wood components and hardware. DeFehr Furniture controls all aspects of furniture production, from raw lumber sourcing to finished goods. DEFEHR FURNITURE LTD.
5. A RANGE OF STYLE The La Cornue Château series cooker combines two vaulted ovens: a large gas oven and an electric bake oven. The stainless-steel hob features numerous organizational possibilities, such as a cast-iron hot plate and professional automatic ignition burners. It also features two storage doors at the bottom and is available in chrome, brass or nickel finish with a choice of 25 coloured enamels. AGA MARVEL
6. LOUNGE AROUND The Adele-C 56 Daybed is an upholstered seat with a fixed cover that’s available in velvet, red or black leather. Its feet are made of lacquered steel and a polyurethane metal structure, and it measures 200cm W x 80cm D x 36cm H. COMMERCIAL DESIGN INTERIORS
7. FINELY MARBLED Calico is a collection of artisanal wallpaper, designed by Brooklyn-based team Rachel Mosler and Nick Cope. Inspired by ancient techniques, the wallpaper is made of marbleized paper on silver mylar substrate; it’s available in three colours: River, Bone Sand or Cloud. NEWWALL
8. EASY ACCESS The Nomad Tablet Table, designed by Spell, can be used in both leisure and workspaces. The Holland design is comprised of a wooden dock, foam rubber and steel frame and is offered in round or square formats. It also comes in black, white or yellow, while the dock is available in oak or walnut. NIEUW
9. SET ABLAZE Town and Country’s TC54 direct vent-gas fireplace features tall flames behind premium “disappearing” ceramic glass, which mimics an open fire. It also includes a flush hearth for an authentic look of a wood-burning fire. What’s more, there’s a battery back-up for power outages. THE FOUNDRY
