January Las Vegas Market Presents Sustainable Products, Programming and even Parties

Furniture World Magazine

Sustainable furnishings and functions will dominate the Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market, scheduled for January 28 - February 1, 2008 at World Market Center and the MGM Grand. This Winter Market is World Market Center’s most aggressive and environmentally effective programming to date, said Dana Andrew, vice president of marketing and public relations. “Green is no longer new to our industry, it is an expectation that is growing in importance and has moved into mainstream America. We’ve reached a tipping point, and as a market leader it is our responsibility to offer programming and showcase innovative products in this area.” The semi-annual Las Vegas Markets provide World Market Center the opportunity to present forward-thinking green philosophies and education. Whether someone wants to know about sourcing FSC wood, eco-friendly bedding trends, or marketing sustainable product profitably, the educational opportunities are available in Las Vegas. In fact, sustainability and environmental concerns are not only top of mind to Market-goers and the industry at large, but a driving force for World Market Center year-round, according to Director of Programming Margaret Casey, a board member of the Sustainable Furniture Council. “Environmental challenges will continue to evolve and expand. One of our goals is to develop programming that is truly robust and authentic in this area. We are committed to showcasing dedication and forward-thinking green philosophies and at the same time, World Market Center continues to adopt new practices that allow our organization and buildings to be as eco-friendly as possible. Education is key to meaningful change.” Following opening day at World Market Center and the adjacent Pavilions on January 28, the temporary show exhibits will open at the already green MGM Grand starting Tuesday, January 29. Reinforcing its commitment to present eco-friendly solutions and resources, Las Vegas Market has teamed up with Sustainable Furniture Council and the Design Green Alliance to co-produce the Living Green Pavilion. This specialty pavilion centers on sustainable furnishings or furniture using wood, cushioning, fabrics and finishing materials that are made from renewable resources. One of the Market’s most popular areas, The Living Green Pavilion has tripled in size since its debut last July. And the theme extends even to nearby concessions. The Design Green Alliance Tea Garden will be open throughout the Market at the center stage in the MGM Grand Pavilion. Complimentary organic teas will be served to all attendees in the tented tea garden lounge. The Global Convergence Cocktail Reception at MGM Grand is expected to be another attraction during Market. Programming and seminars will also have an environmentally responsible edge during the Winter Market, with many of the Market’s educational programming covering issues related to sustainability. On Wednesday, January 30 at 1:00 pm in Room M-201, key members of The Sustainable Furniture Council and the American Home Furnishings Alliance will discuss their mutual commitment to promoting sustainable practices. They’ll detail the various avenues open to industry members committed to walking the path of sustainability during Sustainability in our Industry: A panel discussion.” This is truly an “only-in-Las Vegas” event and the first of its kind. Among many other initiatives and programs planned at January Las Vegas Market that highlights the growing importance of sustainability: The Brave New World Environmental Leadership Education Series will introduce Market attendees to some of the best practices covering all aspects of the industry. The seminar lineup will include Going Green: The 10-Step Program, The Greening of America: What It Means to You. Simmons Bedding Company executives will share their own valuable industry encounters in From the Plant Floor to the Sales Floor, a talk about eco-friendly bedding. How to Effectively Purchase FSC Wood features a panel discussion followed by a Q&A on the best practices for procuring Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. Topics also include practical information on where to get the best help and how the Mixed Source Rule makes it easier. Hear from The Rainforest Alliance’s Rick Hilton, who is a respected international expert on global sourcing for wood, and others. Hilton provides consulting to Fortune 500 companies on responsible furniture procurement. Listen up as Buddhist monk-turned-world-traveler turned-designer Tucker Robbins presents the design community with an update on his current “Green Project.” Robbins is turning a decommissioned high school in Virginia into a “green factory” for his designs, complete with a green restaurant. His client roster includes Barneys, Donna Karan, the Gensler Group, Ian Schrager Hotels, Le Parker Meridien and Mandalay Bay. Other environmental programming will include What Retailers & Consumers need to know about Natural & Organic Home Textiles. Designer Dann Foley will share his thoughts regarding how to sell green and still make money in a session put on by the Western Home Furnishings Alliance in the WHFA Retailer Resource Center. Expect to see a strong shade of green during the Market’s trend sessions, including presentations by Michelle Lamb and other top forecasters. Closing out Market Week, the monthly “First Friday” seminar series in Building B will feature Michael Maury of Gettys Architecture and Design who will discuss the future of the hospitality design industry. He’ll forecast future trends, such as the universal adoption of LEED standards. Programming will take place at World Market Center’s World Forum, MGM Grand (home of the Living Green Pavilion) as well as the WHFA Retailer Resource Center throughout Market week. All seminars are free. The Sustainable Furniture Council will also meet in Las Vegas, and guests are welcome. For more details and a complete list of all seminars, meetings and special events, including dates and times, visit www.lasvegasmarket.com. Complimentary M-line shuttles will run throughout the day to and from host hotels, World Market Center and MGM Grand. World Market Center’s commitment to the environment World Market Center is committed to top-of-mind awareness of the carbon footprint of the home furnishings industry. Reduction of waste generated from packing materials is a priority. World Market Center is currently in line to become the largest on-site recycling center in Southern Nevada. In 2007, it prevented hundreds of dumpster loads of waste from ending up in the landfills of Clark County by recycling more than 70% of all refuse generated from the giant home furnishings complex. For the Las Vegas Winter 2007 Market, during a six-week period, World Market Center recycled a total of 350 tons of cardboard alone. When Building C opens in mid-2008, upwards of 2,800 truckloads will become 1,400 dumpster loads, which after on-site processing, will be reduced to less than 100 dumpster loads. About World Market Center: World Market Center is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex in Las Vegas. Next Summer when Building C opens, World Market Center will stand at more than five million square feet of space, exceeding the size of any wholesale merchandise mart in the United States. When fully built, at 12 million square feet in 8 buildings, World Market Center will be the largest trade show complex in the world. The $3 billion, state-of-the-art campus will showcase furniture, decorative accessories, lighting, area rugs, home textile and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC) open year-round to the trade. World Market Center produces the semi-annual Las Vegas Market, held every January and July, and is the fastest growing home furnishings trade show in the world. The Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market is scheduled for January 28 to February 1, 2008 at World Market Center’s Buildings A, B and Pavilions and tradeshow at the MGM Grand Hotel. For more information about World Market Center, and to find out about leasing or exhibiting opportunities, visit the website at www.LasVegasMarket.Com or call 888-WMC-SHOW (962-7469).