The highly regarded Paris-based interiors trade show hits Miami Beach today. It is the first time that Americas meet the world renowned design show Maison&Objet Americas.

The show sold out quickly, which is outstanding considering the number of U.S.-based design events taking place this month, including NYCxDESIGN (May 8-19), Collective (May 13-17) and ICFF (May 16-19), all in New York City.

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Given its status as an emerging center of world-class design and its proximity to Latin America, Miami was pinpointed as the perfect setting for Maison&Objet’s entry into the Americas. “We chose Miami Beach for Maison&Objet Americas not only for its strategic positioning with quick access to some very important geographic areas, but also for the vibrancy and energy of the city,” says Philippe Brocart, managing director of Safi, which owns and operates Maison&Objet. “The design scene in Miami is moving in very interesting ways with a mix of art, culture and architecture […] we also want to bring a new approach compared to our Paris and Singapore events by presenting a curated offer balancing European brands with U.S. and Latin American designers.”

SEE ALSO: Maison&Objet Miami 2015: All you need to know

Maison&Objet will also present workshops and talks too. Dror Benshetrit of Studio Dror will contemplate the importance of the pursuit of dreams in relation to life, work, wisdom and art. Paris trend agency Soon Soon Soon will present a report on Maison&Objet Paris. And David Rockwell of Rockwell Group and Interior Design editor in chief Cindy Allen will get the audience thinking with a talk titled “What if? Rethinking the Collective Experience”.

SEE ALSO: Maison&Objet Americas: Top 5 Luxury Brands Exhibitors

Other topics, like “Creating Coherent Design Where Urban Luxury Meets Pristine Ocean” will bring designers and clients together in discussion. That means combinations like Michael Booth, design principal of BAMO, lighting designer Craig Roberts of Craig Roberts Associates, and Carly Sullivan of Dering Hall, editorial director The Four Seasons Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.

Laughlin says it was “shockingly easy to get all these folks together. Everyone was eager to be involved”. “Miami is definitely showing its muscle as a magnet not only for art but also all aspects of design.”

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Sneak peek of the events that will be happening during this week:

May 12: Opening Night and VIP preview

May 13: Gala at New World Center, designed by 1989 Pritzker Prize Laureate Frank Gehry; Presentation of Designer of the Year award to Brazil’s Zanini de Zanine, and Rising Talent awards

May 14: Various events in the Design District; Cocktail Party at Palm Court

May 15: Various events, including performance at Miami Ironside TBD; evening showroom soiree; Pritzker Architecture Prize ceremony

Ongoing: Miami Museum Month + M&O: fairgoers receive free entry to participating museums.