Tuesday August 25, 2020 with the sponsorship of USAID, KCEC (Kabul Carpet Export Center) is presenting an online round table discussion of the future of knotted rugs. There will be global representation on the panel, including Label STEP.
August 25, 2020 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM, Eastern USA Time
Zoom Link https://zoom.us/j/99745704767 pwd=VzRqL0VRWE1BY0x1NGFRT0dVN1drQT09
AGENDA
Welcome and introductions: Rob Leahy, Project Director, KCEC
10:00 – 10:05 AM Benefits of this gathering and what we hope to accomplish. Rules of order
10:05 – 10:10 AM Najlla Habibyar, Chief of Party, KCEC,
Why carpet-making is central to stability in Afghanistan.
10:10 – 10:15 AM Graham Head, Retired President of ABC Carpet and Home
The trade in Handmade Carpets, Today and Tomorrow.
Rug Production: Host: Michael Christie, Editor, Rug Insider Magazine
10:15 – 10:25 AM Reports from major production centers.
10:25 – 10:30 AM India: Gaurav Sharma, Obeetee Ltd.
10:30 – 10:35 AM Nepal: Ryan Higgins, Tamarian Carpets
10:35 – 10:40 AM Afghanistan/ Pakistan: Alex Zahir, KCEC
10:40 – 10:50 AM Answers to questions, submitted to participants.
Rug Sales: Host: Tim Steinert, Publisher, Carpet! Magazine
10:50 – 11:00 AM Overview and state of rug sales around the world.
11:00 – 11:05 AM Europe, Wholesale: Fritz Languaer, ORITOP
11:05 – 11:10 AM Europe, Retail: Stefan Amstad, Möbel Pfister
11:10 –11:15 AM Americas, Wholesale: Jack Simantob, Art Resources
11:15 –11:20 AM Americas, Retail: Sam Presnell, Rug Gallery of Cincinnati
11:20 –11:30 AM Answers to questions, submitted to participants
Design Trends: Host: Lucy Upward, Editor, COVER Magazine
11:30 – 11:40 AM Identifying design trends in an uncertain world.
11:40 – 11:45 AM George Harounian, Rug Warehouse Los Angeles, CA
11:45 – 11:50 AM Roz Rustigian, Rustigian Rugs, Providence, RI
11:50 – 12:00 PM Answers to questions, submitted by participants
Concluding Comments:
12:00 – 12:05 PM Reto Aschanden Label STEP
The weavers and their families in the time of COVID-19 – Rug News andDesign March, 2020
12:05 – 12:15 PM Leslie Stroh/ Sarah Stroh, Rug News and Design Magazine
Observations on the future of hand knotted Rugs.
12:15 Rob Leahy: Thank you and stay safe!
