Modernism Week Sets Attendance Records in 2017

PALM SPRINGS, CA - An estimated 97,000 attendees took in various exhibits celebrating mid-century architecture during Modernism Week, which generated around $35.5 million in revenue for area businesses in its 12th year, organizers said Monday.

Figures released Monday indicate that the festival, which was held Feb. 16-26 throughout the Coachella Valley, drew nearly 20,000 more attendees than in 2016.

Organizers also said that in addition to the estimated $35.5 million that went to area hotels, shops, restaurants and other local businesses, more than $1.3 million was raised for local neighborhood and partner organizations.

"We are thrilled that Modernism Week offered expanded opportunities for visitors and residents to learn about our community and enjoy Palm Springs and other desert communities," said Modernism Week Board Chairman J. Chris Mobley.

The annual Modernism Week Show & Sale was also well attended, drawing more than 10,100 people to the Palm Springs Convention Center to browse items from more than 85 exhibitors from across the globe.

"The 2017 Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale was by far the most well- attended of the Palm Springs shows in our company's history," said Rosemary Krieger, president of Dolphin Promotions. "Our exhibitors reported substantially increased sales and many remarked how knowledgeable the customers were about the significance of the items and the design styles reflected by the dealers."

Modernism Week will return to Palm Springs with its fall preview from Oct. 20-22.

"The popularity of (the) Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale continues to grow each year," said Modernism Week Executive Director Lisa Vossler-Smith. "Many of the Modernism Week attendees come to Palm Springs specifically to attend this amazing sale and interact with merchants from around the country."

– By City News Service