ICFF 2026 Preview: What To Expect At The Show

Human connection—and quality craftsmanship—is at the heart of this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), which will take place May 17-19 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City before its move to a fall date next year. Led by brand directors Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, the show’s 38th edition promises to ignite the senses, offering visitors tactile experiences, innovative programming, and a diverse lineup of exhibitors to invite a sense of discovery.

Centering on the theme “Common Ground: A Global Dialogue on Design and Shared Values,” the 2026 show positions design as a connective force shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and human-centered future. “We know this is a challenging time for the industry—the world is upside down—so we want ICFF to be a positive, optimistic place where the industry can be supported and find new ideas, feel reinvigorated, and make sure there is business that is going to happen,” shares Hainaut.

This year, ICFF deepens its role as a marketplace and cultural forum through a series of new partnerships, expanded programming, and collaborations that broaden the fair’s reach. These include an expanded Bespoke Salon, designed by Post Company and hosted in partnership with Hospitality Design, as well as a broader WANTED platform for emerging talent—expect the return of Schools Showcase, Launch Pad, and the Design Schools Workshop, plus the Look Book exhibition. Must-see installations include an exhibition by Rarify, in partnership with Bauhaus Archive Berlin and German brand Tecta, that dives into the continued relevance of Bauhaus ideals alongside the Rarify Dining Lounge with Be Original Americas.

“We see ICFF like a magazine with its own areas and topics,” says Hainaut, emphasizing the curation involved in putting the show together. “We are trying to bridge the culture of design with the business of design.” Returning destinations including the Mainstage, Aqua Atelier by Grohe, the Oasis, and the ROOM x OFS lounge reinforce ICFF’s emphasis on conversation, community, and immersive experiences rooted in the senses. Additional programming underscores ICFF’s growing focus on healthy materials and interdisciplinary thinking.

The fair’s 2026 talks program also offers a packed agenda, including conversations on cross-cultural collaboration, the future of design media, and how New York’s political leadership can better support the city’s design industry. Industrial designer Todd Bracher will also debut his new monograph published by Phaidon, while Amy Devers, host of the Clever podcast, returns to lead the Emerging Designer Spotlight.

Notably, ICFF teamed up with Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester, which will support affordable homeownership efforts across the region through a portion of registration proceeds, as well as contributions from the design community.

Beyond the show floor, ICFF Night Out returns May 15 with after-hours activations in Manhattan in partnership with NYCxDESIGN and Interni, extending the fair’s programming into the broader fabric of New York’s design community.

Explore the full ICFF lineup and register for the show.