World Market Center Offers an Inspiring Lineup of Educational Seminars and Special Events During the Upcoming January 2006 Las Vegas Market

Furniture World Magazine

In a continued effort to make educational and networking opportunities a rewarding component of Las Vegas Market, officials at World Market CenterSM announced a well-rounded schedule of seminars and special events during the upcoming market, taking place January 30 – February 3, 2006. Seminar Highlights presented by WHFA at Retailer Resource Center (RRC): World Market Center, in partnership with the Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) – the largest affiliate of the National Home Furnishings Association – will present the Academy Training Series, a four-part program created for the design community and featuring such noted speakers as Margi Kyle of The Designing Doctor, LLC, Phyllis Macay of PPM Designs and Toni Lester of PROFITsystems, Inc. Seminar topics for the Academy Training Series include The Power of Mentoring and Marketing, Power Up Your Presentations and How to Develop a House Call Program and Why You Must Do It. In addition to the Academy Training Series, Michael E. Sloopka of Selling Solutions, one of North America’s top negotiators, will provide a forum for questions and offer direct troubleshooting feedback, coaching and consulting relative to the negotiations faced by retailers. These seminars are just a few highlights of the more than 27 seminars that will be offered by WHFA in the Retailer Resource Center (Space 210) in World Market Center Building A. Cindi Williams, Events Manager at WHFA, comments “We are pleased to be able to support Las Vegas Market by delivering some of the most diverse and exceptional conference topics by the top industry professionals.” Educational Event Highlights offered by World Market Center: World Market Center will complement the WHFA’s program with three inspiring seminars that look at emerging trends in the home furnishings industry, all of which are free to attendees of Las Vegas Market. -“Trend Indicators - How Lifestyle is Impacting Consumer Preferences” featuring Dana Poor, Cotton Inc.'s Manager of Home Trend Forecasting, will present the issues and events that are influencing consumers' purchase decisions and shopping behaviors, and, ultimately, changing the retail landscape. What motivates home furnishings shoppers to buy what they do and purchase where they shop? Co-produced by Furniture Style Magazine and World Market Center, this seminar will be held on Tuesday, January 31 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. in the WMC Seminar Room on the second floor. -“Trend watch Live!” hosted by renowned home trend analyst Michelle Lamb, takes her popular Trendwatch column in Accessory Merchandising magazine from the page to the stage. Find out what incoming colors, motifs and moods will impact tomorrow's décor styles based on the latest looks from a global perspective. Trend Watch Live! takes place on Wednesday, February 1 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. in the South Pacific Ballroom at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. -“What's to Be Seen on the Retail Scene for 2006” is a look at the most innovative new ideas, freshest store formats and breakthrough concepts on the home furnishings retail front this year...and what they mean for traditional furniture and home retailers. The presentation is from Warren Shoulberg, long-time journalist in the home furnishings field who can now be read every week on his website, www.warrensreport.com. Shoulberg has edited such publications as HFN, InFurniture, Kids Today and Home Textiles Today. A two-time Neal Award Editorial Achievement winner, he has also been honored as editor of the year by the International Home Furnishings Association and the Fashion Institute of Technology. He is currently a consultant to home furnishings companies and is a contributing writer to several publications in the field. This seminar takes place in the WMC Seminar Room from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1. Las Vegas Party Highlights: In addition to the educational seminars planned during the upcoming Las Vegas Market, a number of exciting special events are also taking place throughout Market week. -Monday, January 30th Furniture/Today and World Market Center will start the week with a Market Kick-Off Party. This special reception is being held in the Atrium of World Market Center, and serves as a perfect opening to an exciting Market week. Party starts at 6:00 p.m. -Tuesday, January 31st, beginning at 6:00 p.m. attendees will not want to miss the high-style Mandalay Bay Temporaries Grand Opening Party, hosted by World Market Center. Let the excitement of your day spent with the industry’s leading suppliers continue into the evening at Mandalay Bay. Attendees will enjoy exciting entertainment, live music and lavish Vegas hospitality. -Also on Tuesday, January 31st market attendees are invited to join InFurniture and HFN for a cocktail and networking event in the Atrium at World Market Center. This party gives attendees an opportunity to relax and exchange ideas after another exciting day of market. The cocktails start flowing at 6:00 p.m. -Wednesday, February 1st things really get rolling with the Rockin’ Networking Party in the Pavilions’ Hospitality Tent, adjacent to the main building. Las Vegas Market attendees can kick back to the tunes of some “All American” music at this networking party guaranteed to get you toes tappin’ and your lips movin’. Meet and mingle with important industry figures while letting the sounds of country, rock and other fun hits take you away. Food and drinks will be served will be served from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. -Immediately following the Rockin’ Networking Party at World Market Center, hop on one of the many complimentary shuttles taking Market attendees to downtown Las Vegas for the Fremont Street Experience Party. Ring in the Chinese New Year Vegas Style with a free performance from the world-famous Peking Acrobats direct from the mainland under the lights at the fabulous Fremont Street Experience – just block away from World Market Center. Finally, a new highlight of Market week is free morning events at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Buyers are invited to start the day at Mandalay Bay at 8:00 a.m. for a complimentary continental breakfast in the foyer. Breakfasts will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during Market. World Market Center tenants and exhibitors will also be hosting a number of promotional events and parties throughout the week, many featuring celebrity designers and television personalities. For more information, times and locations about the educational seminars and special events planned for the January 2006 Market, please visit www.LasVegasMarket.com, go to “Seminars & Events” page. Buyers are encouraged to pre-register for Las Vegas Market by January 6th to receive a Market pass in advance. To register and to book discounted hotel rooms for Market, call 888-WMC-SHOW (888-962-7469) or visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.