The leading New York fair dedicated to contemporary design – ICFF –announces a major change to its calendar. Beginning in 2027, North America’s foremost platform will take place in November at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Strategically coordinated with BDNY, this shift will mark a new era for New York’s design industry and community, while both events will remain distinct trade fairs, independently curated. Offering complementary experiences across high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial design sectors, ICFF will debut its first autumn edition from November 7 to 9, 2027. This decision reflects the ongoing interconnection among the diverse languages of design culture. To maintain momentum ahead of the November 2027 edition, ICFF will remain active throughout the year with a series of key initiatives, including a preview event at BDNY on November 6, 2026; the ICFF Lounge at BDNY, featuring networking and programming on November 8–9, 2026; and ICFF Night Out during NYCxDESIGN in May 2027. As explained to IFDM by Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat.
Odile and Claire, what led to the decision to move ICFF 2027 to November?
The question of whether May remains the ideal moment for design events in New York is not new. It is something we have been considering for many years. One of the main reasons is the increasingly saturated spring international design calendar, with major events such as Salone del Mobile in Milan, High Point Market, NeoCon, and 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen all taking place within a relatively short timeframe. International brands represent approximately 50% of ICFF exhibitors, and over the years we have consistently received feedback regarding the challenges of participating in multiple major events so close together. The U.S. market remains the number one priority for many international companies, and we wanted to respond thoughtfully to those concerns. November presents a much healthier and more strategic moment within the global design calendar. BDNY has successfully established itself during that period, and by taking place alongside it, both events create a stronger reason for brands and visitors to travel to New York once and to experience both fairs. We believe this alignment will create value and new opportunities for everyone involved.
In November, alongside BDNY, Salon Art + Design also takes place in New York, focusing on collectible design. Are you considering introducing a section dedicated to limited editions within the fair?
ICFF already features exhibitors , particularly within Look Book and the Bespoke sections, who present exquisite craftsmanship and often one-of-a-kind pieces. That type of work strongly resonates with the ICFF audience of architects and designers. However, our focus is not on collectible design in the gallery sense. ICFF will continue to position itself as a platform dedicated to contemporary design for residential, hospitality, and commercial interiors, while celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and high-quality manufacturing.
How will ICFF position itself in dialogue with BDNY?
While running concurrently, ICFF and BDNY will remain distinct and independently curated fairs, each with its own identity, audience, and programming. Together, however, they will offer complementary experiences that create a broader and more dynamic platform spanning high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial design. This timing reflects the growing convergence between sectors and opens new opportunities for growth, participation, and international visibility. Ultimately, it creates a more focused and impactful design moment for New York and for the industry at large.
What do you believe will be the most complex challenge for the next edition?
We see more opportunities than challenges. One of the key priorities will be working closely with the BDNY team while communicating clearly with our exhibitors, partners, and international audiences about the value and positioning of both shows. For some companies, understanding how to maximize participation across the two fairs will be an important conversation. At the same time, having 18 months to prepare for the next edition gives us a unique opportunity to further strengthen ICFF’s year-round presence through content, partnerships, and programming initiatives leading up to November 2027.
How do you plan to create a connection with NYCxDESIGN, which takes place in May?
ICFF will absolutely continue to support and actively participate in the NYCxDESIGN Festival in May. We see important opportunities to further grow initiatives such as the ICFF Night Out program and to expand collaborations with showrooms and partners across the city. At the same time, we also see strong potential for NYCxDESIGN to become involved in the November design moment, creating additional engagement opportunities throughout the year for the broader design community.
What kind of curatorial vision do you want to bring to the 2027 edition?
It is still early to share specific curatorial details, but one clear objective is to strengthen the presence of European design brands at ICFF. Many companies have found it increasingly difficult to participate in New York during the spring season. Moving to November creates a more favorable framework for international participation and opens the door to a broader and stronger global representation, while continuing to elevate ICFF’s role as a leading North American platform for contemporary design.
Photo credits: Jenna Bascom Photography
ICFF 2027: November 7-9, 2027
Preview event at BDNY: November 6, 2026
ICFF Lounge at BDNY with networking and programming: November 8–9, 2026
ICFF Night Out at NYCxDESIGN: May 2027
