5 MINUTES WITH: Damian Gentile

THIS YEAR MARKED THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF DENFAIR, SO HB SAT DOWN WITH GENERAL MANAGER DAMIAN GENTILE TO REFLECT ON THE EVERCHANGING LANDSCAPE OF THE DESIGN INDUSTRY

What inspired you to start Denfair?

There was an obvious need for a design fair in Australia that not only supported authentic design, but was committed to providing a platform for local and international brands to present their products. This has now built into a launch pad for new-release products, the latest designs from around the world and a galvanising of industry bodies and professionals.

How has the fair evolved since its first year?

We have seen an organic broadening of the show’s offering as more diverse sectors of the industry seek to be involved, which in turn has increased the appeal [of the show] to a much wider audience. For example, the recent addition of Workspace furniture as a category, which opened up discussions across a new sector of visitors.

What have been the biggest highlights throughout this time?

The quality and inventiveness of exhibitors always amazes the Denfair team – specifically the way they approach their stand design. The designs highlight their commitment to showing our visitors, and their clients, another creative side to their business they cannot otherwise achieve in showroom confines. Another highlight is seeing the smaller, local brands that were part of the early shows grow and develop into established brands with world-class design products.

What makes Denfair different from other trade fairs?

The organisers are all designers [themselves]. We can all relate to going to trade fairs and what we expect from the experience, from the curation of the exhibitors to the common spaces specifically designed for the show.

We’re meticulous in all aspects of the preparation and implementation of the show, as every small detail forms part of the experience of attending a Denfair event.