Modern design lovers, mark your calendar. This Sept. 16–18, WestEdge Dallas makes its debut at Market Hall, offering both the trade and public an opportunity to discover and shop a curated assortment of top industry names.
The A-list roster features established manufacturers alongside independent up-and-comers, both national and international. We caught up with WestEdge principal Megan Reilly to find out more.
What can show-goers expect?
“Three days of art and design inspiration. In addition to the vendors and product displays, we will also have programming such as design panel talks, culinary demonstrations, and tastings, and an Opening Night party benefitting three charity partners — Dwell with Dignity, Ronald McDonald House Dallas, and EarthxTV.
“We like to think of ourselves as an ‘anti-trade’ show, a celebration of design. Guests should feel like they’re coming to a lifestyle event rather than a trade show.”
Why bring WestEdge to Dallas?
“We always look at demographic trends. When we see an area that is experiencing strong growth with residential and commercial real estate and design projects, we know that furniture and interior design strongly correlate. Given the conversations we were having with clients and their Dallas businesses, it seemed like a great place to launch a WestEdge Design Fair edition.”
Why was Dallas a draw for exhibitors?
“Our clients were telling us as far back as 2018-19 that Dallas was one of the top three markets for them. While some had showrooms here, others did not. WestEdge Design Fair is a great platform for them to have a venue to show product, engage more with existing (and new) clients, and further dip their toe into the Texas market.”
What’s been the response so far?
“Many brands have jumped on board and others are already asking about Dallas 2023. Overall, exhibitors have missed the face-to-face interaction of doing business with trade shows and larger scale events are excited to get back to that dynamic after the pandemic hiatus and cancellations.”
So, who’s on board? Reilly gave us the lowdown.
For starters, local luminaries including Scott + Cooner and Chad Dorsey/STRIKE modern fireplaces. Others, like Concrete Collaborative and Dallas-based Brenda Houston Designs, are past exhibitors at WestEdge Los Angeles.
“I am so excited to see WestEdge coming to my hometown,” Houston says. “The city is finally receiving its due as a growing metropolis.”
Also on tap: Urban Bonfire, a designer and manufacturer of functional, high-performance outdoor kitchen and entertainment solutions. “We look forward to sharing our unique perspective on how to create a canvas for outdoor memories with the greater Dallas design community,” company founder Ryan Bloom says.
Adding to the experience: Signature Kitchen’s SKS Culinary Pavilion (chef demonstrations and tastings) and MADE:Modern (a forum for independent designers and artisans). WestEdge is also partnering with Artexpo Dallas, which will run concurrently in an adjoining space.
“We’ve always considered art and design to be natural complements,” Reilly says. “Running alongside a contemporary art fair makes great sense to us to capture a larger audience plus offer guests two experiences under one roof for one ticket price. Anytime we can provide more value and diversity, it’s a win-win.”
