The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) has confirmed this year’s theme, honorees, date, and location for its 28th annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala (FIAG).

The gala will be held Friday, October 25th at 6 pm, at the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center, at High Point University.

This year, IHFRA honors: 

• Broad River Retail, Retailer of the Year honoree
• Chief Creative Officer of Hooker Furniture, Caroline Hipple, Industry Icon honoree
• Andy Counts, CEO of the American Home Furnishings Alliance, and Tammy Covington Nagem, CEO of the High Point Market Authority, Pillars of the Industry honorees
• Michael Neros, Distinguished Service honoree
• The Legacy Award honorees are represented by the Russell family, which includes Ron and Jeff, and Dave McKinnon, representing Ashley Furniture
• Chris Guseinov, of AICO, IHFRA’s Rising Star honoree

“The combined strengths of this year’s slate of honorees made selecting our theme---IHFRA’s Industry Dream Team, a no-brainer,” said Steve Allegrezza, IHFRA’s Executive Director.

“The interplay between suppliers, retailers, reps, and the leaders at the AHFA and the Market Authority is identical to the interplay between any successful professional sports team, and this year’s honorees have been key to helping our sector to score, Allegrezza added.

In addition, Allegrezza pointed out that each of this year’s honorees has consistently improved their companies and, by extension,  elevated the industry’s image by making it more efficient, professional, and consumer-centric.

Additional information, including ticket availability and sponsorship opportunities, will be posted on the IHFRA website, www.ihfra.org.