The International Textile Marketing Association (ITMA) will host the summer edition of the semi-annual Showtime fabric market from Sunday, June 1, beginning at noon, through Wednesday, June 4 in High Point, NC. Nearly 800 buying companies, primarily from the home furnishing industry, will come to see the latest offerings presented by the mills, converters, tanneries and trimming manufacturers that comprise the ITMA membership.

In addition to the fabric showings, there are several special events on tap. Among these, Design Options, a California-based trend forecasting firm will present, “Fall/Winter 2009, the West Coast Perspective” at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3rd. The seminar promises insight into the merging of the Home and Fashion Industries and how to stay ahead of the game.

Additionally, dozens of textile design studios will return to The Studio at Showtime in the Suites at Market Square where they will exhibit original artwork for use in product development.

“High Point Market is known worldwide as the place that sets the course for the home furnishings industry,” says Catherine Morsell, director of the ITMA. “Showtime is where it starts. It’s where those leaders begin their search for the right design to marry with their product.”

Other Showtime happenings include the annual Virginia Jackson Design Competition, named for the late Virginia Jackson, a longtime industry veteran who was instrumental in launching the contest in 1995. The awards recognize college textile design students whose work is evaluated for aesthetic form, ability to be manufactured and applicability to furniture products. Winners will be recognized Sunday evening, June 1 and their designs will be displayed at the Suites at Market Square throughout the show.

The ITMA will also sponsor a silent auction benefiting Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test, a Greensboro, NC-based non-profit organization during the show. Fabrics donated by ITMA member companies were previously constructed by 3 Sister Clothing of Dallas, Texas into elegant women’s designer jackets. The jackets were displayed during throughout the High Point Market this Spring and will be auctioned off via silent bidding beginning at 10 a.m. June 1st. Proxy bids may be made in advance by calling 336-885-6842. All proceeds benefit Friends and the winners will be announced at the evening “Show Your True Color” event in the Courtyard at Market Square.

For more information on Showtime and the ITMA, visit: www.itma-showtime.com or call 336-885-6842. Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test can be accessed at www.earlier.org