BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 Announces Weekend Long Line Up Of Activities, Events & Special Exhibition

Festivities Include A Behind The Scenes Brooklyn Home Tour, Family Friendly Activities, Curated Green Exhibition And A Celebrity Panel Discussion

(Brooklyn, NY – April 24, 2009) BKLYN DESIGNS™, an annual contemporary design exhibition for consumers and members of the trade presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, announced its line up of special events for 2009.  Held May 8-10 in DUMBO, Brooklyn, this intimate design show provides attendees with the unique opportunity to engage in dialogue with designers and industry leaders about a variety of provocative subjects.

Addressing the current economic environment, this year’s BKLYN DESIGNS will present a panel discussion at the Architects and Designers Trade Luncheon, “Does Integrity of Design Change in a Down Economy: Does High End Meet Low Cost?” Moderated by Wendy Goodman, the editor of New York Magazine, the panel will feature Dave Alhadeff, owner of The Future Perfect; Jason Horvath, co-founder of Uhuru Design; Eric Manigian, founder of Eric Manigian Studios; and Mark Goetz and Tim Richartz who are both furniture designers and professors of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute.

The show, which kicks off New York Design Week, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to see new, affordable, eco-friendly products at the show’s main venue, St. Ann’s Warehouse. In addition, BKLYN DESIGNS™ offers numerous unique and exciting events at various other DUMBO locations, including a green exhibition at Thermador, Bosch, Gaggeneau Showroom curated by Christopher Coleman, a children’s furniture show located at Jane’s Carousel, The DWELL Brooklyn Home Tour and an array of Mother’s Day activities such as a brunch and an afternoon kid’s story time reading. BKLYN DESIGNS™ continues each day into the evening with multiple design related festivities at hot spots all over DUMBO.

The three-day showcase bustles with over 6,500 visitors who enjoy top-notch design talent, including interior designers, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, developers, and other design-conscious members of the public who follow New York City’s hottest trends.

“This year’s BKLN DESIGNS™ event offers one of our most diverse line up of events and designers. Brooklyn continues to be on the forefront of supporting new and existing design companies.  The whole weekend is a fun and entertaining family friendly event and further demonstrates Brooklyn’s continuing tradition as a cultural destination,” said Carl Hum, president & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets are available in advance online for $12, and at the door for $15; $10 for students with valid student ID.  Tickets for The DWELL Brooklyn Home Tour, which includes admission to BKLYN DESIGNS and Friday night’s Launch Party, are sold separately and are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.  To see a full list of BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 exhibitors, please visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the New York State Assembly Brooklyn Delegation, Speaker Christine Quinn and the New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation, and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.  Sponsors of the 2009 event are 93 Nevins, Pratt Institute, Two Trees Management, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Con Edison, Benjamin Moore, Thermador, Interior Design, New York Magazine, dwell, Designer Pages, The American Institute of Architectures New York & Brooklyn, The American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.

Companies interested in marketing and sponsorship opportunities can contact auster*events at emma@austerevents.com. Please direct all press inquires to Emma Parnass at 718-243-1414.  For all public inquiries, please call the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at 718-875-1000.