Business Delegation to the US: Furniture Industry

Event Details

• Event Start: May 11, 2026 
• Event End: May 15, 2026
• Location: Chicago, IL & New York, NY 
• Language: English

From May 11 to 15, 2026, the GACC Midwest and GACC New York, on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), will conduct a business development trip to the USA. The trip is aimed at small and medium-sized German companies in the furniture sector and offers the opportunity to arrange individual business meetings in the two most important U.S. furniture markets.
 

Who should participate?

• SMEs and self-employed professionals in the furniture industry
• Manufacturers of residential, office, commercial, and designer furniture
• Hospitality providers, suppliers, interior designers, and planners
   

Opportunities for German companies

• Sustainable solutions: Companies, universities, and hotels are increasingly using eco-friendly materials, certified woods, and transparent supply chains – clear advantages for German providers.
• Hybrid work: Flexible office structures, acoustic zoning, and modular workspace solutions are being rethought. German manufacturers are among the innovation leaders in this area.
• Hospitality & Multi-Family: Significant modernization is underway in Chicago and New York; durable, low-maintenance, and design-oriented products are in demand.
• Furniture-as-a-Service: Leasing and circular models are gaining importance – ideal for manufacturers with sustainable production and take-back systems.

Costs & Funding

This initiative is part of the Foreign Market Entry Program (MEP) funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). All participating companies are required to pay a contribution, which depends on company size:

•  €250 net (< €2 million turnover, < 10 employees)
•  €850 net (< €150 million turnover, < 750 employees)
• €1,500 net (≥ €150 million turnover or ≥ 750 employees)
   

The funding is provided under the EU De-minimis Regulation. Travel, accommodation, and meals are borne by the participants themselves; all program content is included.

Key Takeaways:

1. Direct access to architects, designers, developer teams, and retailers
2. Exclusive insights into showrooms, trade fairs, and project pipelines
3. Presentation of brands and products in relevant networks
4. In-depth market knowledge on trends, regulations, and distribution structures
    

This initiative is part of the Foreign Market Entry Program (MEP) funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).