World Market Center (Las Vegas Furniture Market) Hires Yolanda Obando as International Marketing & Services Manager

Furniture World Magazine

Intensifying its position as a true global market center, officials with World Market CenterSM announced they have expanded their international resources and have hired Yolanda Obando as International Marketing & Services Manager. In her new position, Obando will work to promote Las Vegas MarketSM in South America and abroad to attract international buyers to the semi-annual Las Vegas Furniture Markets. Her responsibilities will also include assisting international attendees with registration, visas and hotel accommodations. World Market CenterSM is also planning to have an international buyer lounge on-site which will include helpful resources for foreign visitors such as multi-language materials, docents and translators. Obando will work with existing staff to develop and manage this international resource center. “We are pleased to have someone of Yolanda’s caliber and diverse capabilities join our team. Her knowledge of the furniture industry and international buyers’ needs are invaluable to creating a destination for buyers from all over the world,” said Dave Palmer, General Manager for World Market CenterSM. “World Market CenterSM is committed to becoming a true international marketplace and we intend to build these vital programs from the ground up, as early as our first show.” Before joining Las Vegas MarketSM, Obando served as the Director of International Services for the International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC) in High Point, N.C. In that position since 2000, Obando was responsible for South American and overseas promotion and on-site services for foreign attendees. Las Vegas MarketSM is the country’s largest new home furnishings venue and will hold its first Market in Las Vegas from July 25-29 2005. The debut event will encompass nearly 2.5 million square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition space. Obando’s announcement comes just days after news that World Market CenterSM and Messe Frankfurt, Inc. have formed a strategic alliance to produce Interior LifestyleSM USA, a new trade event that will present some of the best features and exhibitors of the acclaimed Heimtextil and Ambiente shows. The new event will be hosted in conjunction with the inaugural Las Vegas MarketSM in July 2005, and will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center concurrent with the World Market CenterSM temporary exhibits and the AWFS®Fair (Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers). Combined these prominent events are expected to draw in excess of 70,000 buyers from the USA and around the world. For leasing opportunities or to register for the first Market, call 888-416-8600 or visit: www.LasVegasMarket.com.