Meet&CoCHICAGO — Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving from industry buzzword to buying-show agenda at this year’s Midwest Furniture Show, where retailers and representatives will get a closer look at technology that organizers say is quickly becoming essential to competing in furniture retailing.
The 19th annual Midwest Furniture Show, produced by the Midwest Furniture Club, runs Sept. 21-23 at the new Midwest Conference Center at 401 W. Lake St. in Northlake, Ill.
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“In 1996, everyone was getting their systems computerized. In 2006, everyone needed to get their websites up and running, and 2016 was the year social media became a necessity,” said Geoff Weed, president of the Midwest Furniture Club and co-coordinator of the show. “In 2026, AI has become the next necessity to compete.”
Renaissance Digital Marketing and B3 Cloud Commerce will showcase their newest AI tools on the show floor, helping retailers and representatives better understand how the technology can be used in their businesses.
“These companies will help retailers and representatives understand the tools available to them as we make our way into this new reality,” Weed said. “It may be the most important part of the show.”
AI also will be a major focus of the show’s educational programming. Club-sponsored speakers will address issues facing retailers during the daily lunch programs, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and its growing impact on the furniture industry.
The exhibitor lineup combines familiar names with several newcomers. Ashley Furniture and MDA Rugs, both longtime participants dating to the show’s early years, will return. Other exhibitors include Boyd Mattress, Jackson Catnapper, R & A Marketing, Signature Design, Nationwide Marketing Group, BrandSource, Progressive Leasing and Synchrony, with additional exhibitors still to be announced.
Coaster will exhibit at the Midwest Furniture Show for the first time.
“Customer favorites like MDA Rugs and Ashley Furniture are returning to the show. They have been with us from the start,” said Allen Landau, who has led production of the show for the past decade. “We are also proud to announce that Coaster is showing for the first time ever.”
Coaster’s Chicago-area presence made the show a natural fit, according to Angela Garza, the company’s branch manager.
The show gets underway Tuesday, Sept. 21, with a Dealer Sneak Peek from 5-8 p.m.
The show floor opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, with a morning coffee bar, complimentary lunch at noon, and a cocktail hour and awards celebration beginning at 5 p.m.
“Chicago has always been a special place for Coaster,” Garza said. “Our warehouse and showroom are just down the road, but we’re looking at a new opportunity to connect with our customers and bring the Las Vegas and High Point specials to them. And we have some surprises ready for attendees.”
During Wednesday’s cocktail hour, the Midwest Furniture Club will hold its second annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing regional retailers and manufacturing representatives for business acumen and contributions to their communities. Award winners will be announced separately by the Club.
The show continues Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with another lunch program and educational opportunities.
The Midwest Furniture Show is a regional furniture, bedding and accessories show produced by the Midwest Furniture Club, one of the largest chapters of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. in the United States. The show draws hundreds of retailers and designers from the Chicagoland area and the broader Upper Midwest market.
Last-minute exhibitor opportunities remain available. To register or inquire about exhibiting, visit MidwestFurnitureClub.com or contact Geoff Weed at (312) 305-6421.
