Meet&Co
NEW YORK — A curated trade exhibition tailored to the design industry, Shelter by Afternoon Light, will premiere in New York City this May as part of NYCxDesign. Scheduled for May 17–19, the three-day event will highlight over 100 international furniture and home décor brands, such as Carl Hansen & Son, BD Barcelona, Tom Dixon, and Yamazaki Home, welcoming both trade professionals and public attendees.
Organized by Deirdre Maloney and Minya Quirk—co-founders of the apparel trade show Capsule and founders of the design marketplace Shoppe Object—the event marks their latest venture under Afternoon Light, an e-commerce platform they established in 2022 to showcase curated home and lifestyle products. The exhibition is being produced in collaboration with Andmore, a leading trade show operator known for Atlanta Market, Las Vegas Market, and High Point Market showrooms.
Positioned as a flagship event for New York Design Week, Shelter by Afternoon Light draws inspiration from the convergence of trade exhibitions, art fairs, and design showcases. The organizers aim to create a dynamic platform that bridges commerce, innovation, and community engagement.
“Having transitioned decisively from fashion to home and furniture design, we recognized an opportunity to reimagine industry events by fostering meaningful connections and fresh perspectives,” stated Maloney. “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating transformative experiences that drive business growth and creative exchange.”
Quirk emphasized the event’s dual focus on professional networking and public accessibility: “While demand for immersive design experiences is strong, there remains a gap for large-scale, inclusive events that resonate with seasoned experts and emerging creators alike. Our goal is to deliver a vibrant setting that prioritizes personal interactions while offering brands direct access to consumers.”
The exhibition will occupy an open-concept space in Manhattan’s Starrett-Lehigh Building, a venue previously host to Shoppe Object, Andmore’s biannual New York trade show. Andmore also oversees Shoppe High Point, held each April and October in North Carolina.
