Design Show Australia
Design Show Australia, operated by National Media Pty Ltd, is an annual flagship trade exhibition for the Australian architecture and design community, held alternately in Sydney and Melbourne, attracting 15,000+ design professionals alongside co-located Kitchen+Bath and Futurebuild shows.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersGold Coast, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Design Show Australia does
Design Show Australia, operated by National Media Pty Ltd, is an annual physical trade exhibition positioned as the flagship event for the Australian architecture and design (A&D) community. The event runs 3–5 days per year, alternating between ICC Sydney and MCEC Melbourne, and attracts 15,000+ design professionals — 87% of whom hold purchasing authority and 78.3% of whom return annually. The show is co-located with Kitchen+Bath Show and Futurebuild Australia under a unified "Design & Build Week" pass, making it the largest design-focused exhibition in Australasia.
The product surface is anchored by the main exhibition floor and enhanced by differentiated programming: Design Talks Theatre with CPD accreditation by the Australian Institute of Architects, the Australia's Next Top Designer competition (run with Workshopped and sponsored by Axolotl, Flexmirror Australia, and Meir), the Textile + Furnishings Village, Discovery Lane for emerging brands, and branded hospitality experiences such as the Natuzzi Italia Bar & Lounge and King Living Lounge. Exhibitor operations are managed through the FFAIR platform and ticketing through Lüp Tickets. There is no proprietary software or AI/ML capability; the underlying technology is the event itself, the venue relationships, and the digital marketing infrastructure (20,000+ email database, 24,000+ social followers, 89,000+ annual website users).
Revenue is generated from three streams: exhibitor stand bookings (one-time license), multi-tier sponsorship packages (pre-show, onsite, and category sponsorships), and ticket sales (freemium for trade professionals, paid for homeowners). Customer segments span architects and interior designers (primary), property developers, builders, cabinet makers, retailers, students, and homeowners (public Saturday). Distribution relies on direct sales to exhibitors/sponsors, industry association referrals (DIA, RAIA, KBDi, ACFA, IALD, IES), and a multi-channel marketing mix spanning paid digital, email, organic social, PR, and earned media partnerships with Dezeen, Architecture Design, and The Local Project.
Design Show Australia firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Design Show Australia
- Legal name
- National Media Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://designshow.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Design Show Australia, operated by National Media Pty Ltd, is an annual flagship trade exhibition for the Australian architecture and design community, held alternately in Sydney and Melbourne, attracting 15,000+ design professionals alongside co-located Kitchen+Bath and Futurebuild shows.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Design Show Australia industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Trade Exhibition Services
- NAICS
- Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Indoor and Outdoor Display Advertising (541850), Indoor and Outdoor Display Advertising (54185)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Trade Shows & Exhibitions (Booths, Show Management) (BPAFAGAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Trade Show & Exhibition Marketing (Booth Design/Build) (MPAAAGAC)
Keywords
Where Design Show Australia is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gold Coast
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
Design Show Australia business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Exhibitor Stand Bookings: Revenue generated from brands and companies purchasing exhibition space/stands to showcase their products to trade visitors at the show.
- Sponsorship Packages: Various sponsorship tiers including pre-show (whitepapers, leaderboard banners, social media packages, EDM inclusion, newsletter sponsorship, registration page sponsor), onsite (industry theatre, badge sponsor, bar & lounge, lanyard sponsor, showbag sponsor, entrance experience, keynote/panel sponsor, barista coffee cart, charging station, DJ booth, hand sanitiser stations, hydration station, hospitality areas, design partner), and category sponsorships.
- Ticket Sales: Professional tickets (FREE for trade before early bird deadline, $50 on event days), homeowner tickets ($30 early bird, $50 on day), student tickets (FREE with valid ID).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Professional (Trade) - Free registration for design professionals |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Homeowners - Saturday only entry |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Students - Free with valid ID |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Design Show Australia product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Design Show Australia operates an annual physical trade exhibition (3–5 days) that brings together interior design, furniture, lighting, surface, textile, and building material brands with architecture and design professionals in Australia. Revenue is generated by selling exhibition stands to brands/manufacturers, selling sponsorship packages to suppliers, and ticketing public-day attendees. The show is co-located with Kitchen+Bath Show and Futurebuild Australia as part of Design & Build Week, marketed as the single largest design-focused exhibition in Australasia.
Product overview
Design Show Australia is a flagship annual exhibition event for architecture and design professionals, held as part of Design & Build Week alongside Kitchen+Bath Show and Futurebuild Australia. The event serves as a comprehensive showcase for interior design products, furniture, lighting, surfaces, textiles, and building materials. The core product (Design Show Australia exhibition) is enhanced by educational programming including Design Talks Theatre with CPD accreditation, competitive programming through Australia's Next Top Designer competition, and specialized zones such as the Textile + Furnishings Village and Discovery Lane for emerging brands. The event also offers exhibitor management services through the FFAIR platform, trade registration, and various sponsorship packages for brand exposure.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Textile + Furnishings Village: A feature area within Design Show Australia dedicated to textiles, wallcoverings, rugs, and soft furnishings.
- Australia's Next Top Designers
- Design Talks Theatre
- Discovery Lane
Products and services
- Design Show Australia (Annual Exhibition) Flagship annual trade exhibition for architecture and design professionals in Australia, where brands purchase exhibition stands to showcase interior design, furniture, lighting, surface, and textile products to qualified trade buyers.
- Kitchen+Bath Show Co-located trade show focused on kitchen and bathroom design, products, and innovations, running alongside Design Show Australia as part of Design & Build Week with a single ticket providing access.
- Futurebuild Australia Co-located exhibition covering sustainable building, future-focused construction, and innovative building materials, part of Design & Build Week.
- Sponsorship Packages Pre-show (whitepapers, leaderboard banners, social media packages, EDM inclusion, newsletter sponsorship, registration page sponsor), onsite (industry theatre, badge sponsor, bar & lounge, lanyard sponsor, showbag, entrance experience, keynote/panel, coffee cart, charging station, DJ booth, sanitiser stations, hydration, hospitality areas), and category sponsorships sold to brands for visibility among trade attendees.
- Trade Registration Event registration for trade professionals (architects, designers, developers, builders, retailers, media). Free before early bird deadline with business credentials; $50 on event days. Homeowners and design enthusiasts attend Saturday public day ($30 early bird, $50 on the day). Tertiary students attend free with valid ID.
- Exhibitor Centre (FFAIR) Online platform provided to exhibitors for managing company profiles, submitting stand requirements, accessing marketing materials, and viewing deadlines and logistics for their participation in the show.
Quantifiable outcome
- 85% of attendees come to find new products and suppliers
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Design Show Australia
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Design Show Australia technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Design Show Australia partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key, main sponsor, industry, operational and media.
- Kitchen+Bath ShowcoreCo-located show running alongside Design Show Australia as part of Design & Build Week. One ticket provides access to all three shows: Design Show Australia, Kitchen+Bath Show, and Futurebuild Australia.
- Futurebuild AustraliacoreCo-located show focused on future of building and construction, running alongside Design Show Australia as part of Design & Build Week.
- Design Institute of Australia (DIA)keyKey industry partner providing credibility and promoting the show to their member network of designers.
- Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA)keyKey industry partner representing architects, promoting the show and supporting CPD accreditation.
- Kitchen & Bathroom Design Institute (KBDi)keyKey industry partner for kitchen and bathroom designers, promoting the show to members.
- Australian Cabinet & Furniture Association (ACFA)keyIndustry partner representing cabinet makers and furniture manufacturers.
- WorkshoppedkeyCollaborates on Australia's Next Top Designer competition, showcasing emerging design talent.
- Axolotlmain sponsorMain sponsor and trophy sponsor for Australia's Next Top Designer competition. Premium surfaces manufacturer celebrating 30th anniversary.
- Flexmirror Australiamain sponsorMain sponsor for Australia's Next Top Designer competition and gallery space designer.
- Meirmain sponsorMain sponsor supporting the Australia’s Next Top Designer competition and awards.
- Natuzzi Italiamain sponsorMain sponsor of the Design Show Bar & Lounge, showcasing Italian design and sustainable luxury.
- King Livingmain sponsorMain sponsor of the King Living Lounge at the show.
- Boralmain sponsorMain sponsor of the Design Show Australia.
- SCM Australiamain sponsorMain sponsor of the Design Show Australia.
- Nero Tapwaremain sponsorMain sponsor of the Design Show Australia.
- Arthurmain sponsorMain sponsor designing the Design Talks Theatre space.
- Interior Design AssociationindustryIndustry partner representing interior designers.
- NKBA NZindustryNew Zealand Kitchen & Bathroom Association, partnered to strengthen Australasian design exchange.
- New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)industryCollaboration to spotlight global design brands and facilitate cross-Tasman designer connections.
- Designers Institute of NZindustryIndustry partner from New Zealand design community.
- HubexoindustryIndustry partner for the design community.
- IALDindustryInternational Association of Lighting Designers partnership.
- IESindustryIllumination Engineering Society partnership.
- Global GreentagindustrySustainability certification body partnership.
- Australian MadeindustryAustralian Made certification campaign partnership.
- Design Matters NationalindustryDesign media and content partnership.
- Lüp TicketsoperationalOfficial ticketing provider for event registration and ticket management.
- FFAIRoperationalExhibitor management platform for stand bookings, marketing materials, operational requirements and lead data.
- ICC SydneyoperationalConvention venue host for Sydney shows at 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000.
- MCEC MelbourneoperationalConvention venue host for 2027 Melbourne show.
- Architecture Design (Media Partner)mediaMedia partner covering architecture and design industry.
- Dezeen (Media Partner)mediaInternational design media partner.
- The Local Project (Media Partner)mediaDesign media partner focusing on Australian and New Zealand projects.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Design Show Australia competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BDNY (Boutique Design New York): Annual trade fair for hospitality design, including furniture, lighting, textiles, and surfaces targeting A&D specifiers. Comparable as a trade event with co-located educational programming (CPD-equivalent), similar sponsorship model, and overlapping exhibitor categories.
- ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair): North America's leading trade show for contemporary furniture, held annually in New York. Directly comparable as a regional architecture and design trade show targeting specifiers and designers with similar exhibitor categories (furniture, lighting, surfaces).
- Sydney Indesign: Sydney-based design event that brings together Australia's A&D community across multiple venues. Directly comparable as a competing Australia-focused A&D trade event, with overlapping exhibitor brands and similar audience targeting.
- Decorex: UK-based interior design trade show serving architects, designers, and specifiers. Directly comparable in audience and exhibitor mix as a regionally focused interior design trade exhibition with educational programming and curated design content.
Broad incumbents
- INDEX Design (Dubai): Major interior design and fit-out trade exhibition in the Middle East. Comparable as a regional flagship interior design trade fair connecting international brands with A&D specifiers; represents the kind of regional platform Design Show Australia could evolve into.
- High Point Market: The largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, held twice yearly in High Point, North Carolina. Comparable in serving as the primary trade sourcing event for the furnishings and design industry, with significant overlap in exhibitor and attendee profiles.
- Maison&Objet: Twice-yearly Paris-based trade show for interior design, decoration and lifestyle. Comparable as a major international design trade fair attracting premium exhibitors and A&D specifiers; sets the global benchmark for what Design Show Australia must compete against in the A&D community.
- Salone del Mobile.Milano: The world's premier design and furniture trade fair held annually in Milan. Comparable as the global flagship design trade show that premium exhibitors (Natuzzi Italia, Bisazza) target, competing for the same exhibitor marketing budgets that Design Show Australia sells to.
Regional players
- ARCHIDEX: Malaysia's leading architecture, interior design and building trade exhibition, held annually in Kuala Lumpur. Comparable as an Asia-Pacific regional design trade fair, but primarily serves the Southeast Asian A&D community rather than the Australian market.
- Maison & Objet Asia (formerly Maison&Objet Singapore): Asian edition of the Maison&Objet design trade fair. Comparable as an international premium design trade platform targeting the APAC A&D community; competes for premium brand exhibitor marketing budgets that could otherwise be directed at Australian shows.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Design Show Australia social profiles
Digital presenceDesign Show Australia financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Design Show Australia leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Design Show Australia funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Design Show Australia M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Design Show Australia
What does Design Show Australia do?
Design Show Australia operates an annual physical trade exhibition (3–5 days) that brings together interior design, furniture, lighting, surface, textile, and building material brands with architecture and design professionals in Australia. Revenue is generated by selling exhibition stands to brands/manufacturers, selling sponsorship packages to suppliers, and ticketing public-day attendees. The show is co-located with Kitchen+Bath Show and Futurebuild Australia as part of Design & Build Week, marketed as the single largest design-focused exhibition in Australasia.
Is Design Show Australia a public or private company?
Design Show Australia is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Design Show Australia founded?
Design Show Australia was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Design Show Australia based?
Design Show Australia is headquartered in Gold Coast, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Design Show Australia make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Exhibitor Stand Bookings are the primary driver. The others are sponsorship Packages and ticket Sales.
Who are Design Show Australia's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BDNY (Boutique Design New York), ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair), Sydney Indesign and Decorex. Broad incumbents are INDEX Design (Dubai), High Point Market, Maison&Objet and Salone del Mobile.Milano. Regional players are ARCHIDEX and Maison & Objet Asia (formerly Maison&Objet Singapore).
Does Design Show Australia have an API?
No public API is recorded for Design Show Australia.
What industry is Design Show Australia in?
Design Show Australia's product category is Trade Exhibition Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAFAGAD, Trade Shows & Exhibitions (Booths, Show Management), with a secondary code of MPAAAGAC, Trade Show & Exhibition Marketing (Booth Design/Build). Its NAICS code is 711 and its SIC code is 7900.