I would strongly encourage anyone who feels their product(s) are suited for ICFF to figure out a way to make it happen. There are opportunities you won't find anywhere else. And...if you go one year, plan on going the next. It's an incredible experience, lots of energy, inspiration, and seriously cool people.
For anyone thinking of going I would suggest:
1. Hook up with someone who has done the show. They can help with simple things like finding a hardware store, shipping facilities, and ways to cut through the red tape at the Javits Center.
2. Set aside plenty of time to design your booth and presentation materials. Some people want postcards, some want electronic communication. You should have several options.
3. Most of the rumors you've heard about the staff at the Javits Center are true. They're not on your schedule, you're on theirs. It's all good if you roll with it. Fight it and you'll be miserable (it took more than a year for me to figure that out).
4. Try to have two people in the booth. It's exhausting to do it by yourself. And...somehow it makes your booth more approachable.
5. Eat right, brush your teeth, and don't run with scissors.
What other design shows have you done or would like to do in the future?
ICFF is the only show we've done. Milan is on the radar. We're shooting for 2011.
