So, What Do You Think Of The Vegas Show?

Furniture World Magazine

Well, it's show time.... the morning of the first day. I attended a press conference at the Sands Convention Center. That venue will be ready on time. Encountered long taxi lines at the airport (over and hour). Hopefully there won't be too much confusion as retailers sort out the three locations. Multiple registration may be a problem. Let me know your impressions. -Russell Reply from Furniture World Magazine 7/26/2005 10:42:07 AM It is day #2. On Monday, the WTC building was crowded and management did an very good job of warding off any problems. Outer "tent" buildings were a bit warm... and less well attended as many buyers concentrated on the permanent building and the convention center venues. Didn't get to the Sands Convention center yet. Creature comforts such as access to food and transportation were OK. Crowds created long lines, but these were managable. Lots of traffic back to hotels and hot bus and long walks due to the fact that the market isn't centralized yet. It was 104 degrees outside. Dress code, is in general less formal. Exhibitors, by and large seemed very happy. State of the art lead collection system was a hit. Some exhibitors were thought that passes should more clearly denote (perhaps by color) manufacturers, suppliers, reps and retailers. Will check back later. Reply from Furniture World Magazine 7/27/2005 10:12:34 AM I think it is Wednesday in Las Vegas. Everyone seems to agree that the market has been a success. Aside from the bluster of the Mayor of Vegas concerning the HIgh Point show, this market is on the rise with many new suppliers and high representation, especially from the western US. Once it reaches five or six million square feet, this market will be formidable. Right now, although I haven't been through the entire show, it seems that the high end, international companies and categories such as contemporary are underrepresented. There are also lots of companies (especially Chinese) in the temporary spaces that are new to the market, have no reps and whose product lines are still a work in progress. The market did a good job of recruiting them but they have a long wat to go. Certainly time wil tell as buyers settle into normal routines and choose to visit one or two times a year and decide if they will alternate Vegas and High Point shows visit both, etc. Traffic is still best at the main building, but because the Convention center can be a 40 minute bus ride away, some reps with multiple lines face logistical problems. As the market gets centralized, these will be overcome. In addition to discussion about the fate of High Point, people are also talking about the future of the smaller Tupelo show in August and Toronto show in January. High Point is a main topic of conversation as buyers and reps discuss problems wiith hotels and restaurants. The convention rate at the ultra premium Wynn is $170 or so per night... and we are paying $105 at the Paris and compared to the absurd rates for High Poing hotels during the show, these are a real bargain (twice the room for half the money). There are extra costs here, but my guess is that on average a buyer will spend the same in Vegas as in High Point. The experience is different. Some folks love Vegas and others really don't like the glitz and the crowds. More later. More information and comments at the following furninfo.com Message Board address: https://www.furninfo.com/forum/message_view.asp?TID=9389&PN=1