AmericasMart January Show To Feature All Star Lineup

Furniture World Magazine

AmericasMart Atlanta announced that Kool & The Gang, America's favorite Funk-Pop-Blues band, will headline AmericasMart's all-star lineup of top designers, tastemakers and celebrity chefs at the January 2009 Market. They will be on hand to launch the Grand New Building WestWing at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® and Atlanta International Area Rug Market®. Retailers can expect nine days of entertainment, featuring nine special guests—all supported by the breadth of product, resources and innovation offered only at AmericasMart. The January 2009 exclusive celebrity headliners are: - Kool & The Gang Market concert. - Acclaimed designer Barry Dixon in a presentation and launch of Barry Dixon Designs for LivingSM. - World-renowned designer and innovator Thomas O’Brien sharing his philosophy on blending designs, followed by a meet and greet - International tastemaker Colin Cowie sharing his secrets for entertaining with style and grace, followed by a book signing - Food Network star Tyler Florence cooking up tips to spice up dinner parties, followed by a book signing - Amanda Nisbet and Kathryn Ireland with Barry Dixon in the 2009 American Designers Roundtable discussion presented by Traditional Home - TV star and food extraordinaire Rocco DiSpirito revealing his cooking tips, followed by a book signing - Best-selling author and chef Virginia Willis whipping up a full menu of Southern specialties with a French twist, followed by a book signing - Plus the grand debut celebration of Building WestWing and other major events and educational seminars. THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 10 a.m. – noon Bon Appetit Y’all Virginia Willis, chef and best-selling author, whips up a full menu of Southern specialties with a French twist—perfect for entertaining and in-store promotions. Book signing to follow. 11 a.m. – noon Exhibitor Seminar: Learn How to Think Like a Retailer Retail consultant Debra Tenebaum explains how to make your Market profitable by understanding the minds of your buyers and finding out what makes them tick. 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Grilling with Girls: Presented by Dugan-Bliss & Associates Elizabeth Karmel, the nationally known grilling and barbecue expert will share her secrets for delectable recipes from the grill. The native North Carolinian is the creator of Grill Friends™ and www.GirlsattheGrill.com and is an instructor at New York’s Institute of Culinary Education (ICE). 2 – 3 p.m. A Bundle of Gifts for Niche Markets: Looking for corporate clients? By establishing a business niche for your gift basket or gourmet company, you'll create a broader business awareness and more satisfying sales. Lynn Rogers, owner of Mini Masterpieces, will focus on the benefits of specialization and show you how great "gift bundling" and creative packaging make a winning combination. *JANUARY EXCLUSIVE* 3:30 – 6 p.m. Launch of Barry Dixon Area Rugs: Presented by Megerian Oriental Rugs This exclusive preview reception with Barry Dixon highlights this new, spectacular collection of area rugs, exclusively at AmericasMart Atlanta®. 4 – 5 p.m. Exhibitor Seminar: Learn How to Think Like a Retailer Retail consultant Debra Tenebaum explains how to make your Market profitable by understanding the minds of your buyers and finding out what makes them tick. 4 – 5 p.m. All-Clad Cooking Demonstration: Sponsored by Ben Tally & Associates Featuring Chef Mary Moore, owner and founder of The Cook’s Warehouse. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 8 – 9 a.m. Withit Seminar: Making the Most of Difficult Times with Big Picture Thinking. Speakers: Cindy Williams of Inforetail and Cricket Cox with Creative Retail Concepts In a sluggish economy, it’s essential to establish brand and process consistency. Learn how to measure effectiveness and use this information to ensure future success. 9 – 10 a.m. Productive & Profitable: A Smarter Way to Shop AmericasMart Atlanta® A must for every buyer, learn your way around campus and hear inside information from retail consultant Debra Tenebaum to maximize your time at Market. 9 a.m. Deck the Halls Breakfast Start your day off right amongst Holiday, Home Décor and Florals with a delectable breakfast spread. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Museum of Introductions (MOI) Gallery A gallery of the world’s most exquisite area rugs. 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Tea Is Hot! Presented by White Lion Tea and Delectable Samplings Tea tastings are an easy way to delight your shoppers, and drive profit. White Lion’s President, Kathryn Petty, will show you how to host a successful tea tasting strategically designed to enhance sales. Join Delectable Samplings and White Lion Tea for a spot of fun and a cup of marketing ideas. 10 a.m. – noon Colin Cowie: You’re Invited International celebrity lifestyle expert Colin Cowie shares his secrets for entertaining with style and grace, no matter what the occasion. With tips from his latest books, “Colin Cowie Chic” and “Colin Cowie Wedding Chic,” he'll provide expert advice, unique ideas and inspiring photographs. Book signing to follow. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Creating Exquisite Holiday Décor: Presented by Regency International Regency designer Bill Murphy, AIFD and author of “Entertaining with Flowers,” demonstrates how to create breathtaking holiday season décor for the home or retail store. 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. A Cut Above: The Art of Selling Cutlery Mary Moore, founder of Atlanta’s most popular gourmet chain and cooking program, The Cook’s Warehouse, demonstrates how to use, store and sell knives. Learn the critical difference between knives, cutting techniques and how to maintain the blades to be ‘a cut above’ resource for your customers. 1- 2 p.m. Visions of a Colorful Christmas 2009 Jim Marvin, AIFD, President and CEO of Jim Marvin Enterprises Limited Inc., will present a trend program focusing on the importance of color. Together with his design team, he will share various projects, visions and research that lead to product developments for the new season. 2 – 4 p.m. Rocco Gets Real at AmericasMart Rocco DiSpirito knows really good food. That’s why the celebrity chef, A&E Network star and former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant is revealing cooking tips for ordinary people. “Rocco Gets Real” book signing for attendees. 3 p.m. Barry Dixon Designs for LivingSM Home furnishings and area rug designer Barry Dixon makes his AmericasMart debut at this guest appearance and book signing, with a book purchase in his National Oriental Rug Show vignette. 4 – 6 p.m. From Modern to Traditional: Thomas O’Brien’s Inspirations for Classic Style The “Vintage Modern” design icon shares his philosophy on blending modern and traditional design elements, his acclaimed interiors and style inspirations. O’Brien also discusses how he created a classic collection of home products that combine casually elegant masculine and feminine designs for comfortably chic surroundings. Refreshments and meet and greet to follow. 5 – 6 p.m. Education for Wine Enjoyment Using the Proper Stemware: Presented by Schott Zwielsel and Synergy Sales Associates Wine education can be fun without the "mystery and snobbery" often associated with wines. This seminar, lead by Marianne Frantz, the Sommelier and President of the American Wine School, will teach the audience a basic understanding of wines, proper food pairings and what tools to utilize for the best wine experience. 6 p.m. Living in Tuscany: Presented by Casual Living, Home Accents Today and Sunbrella® Ciao! Pack your passport and get swept away to the Tuscan-inspired floor's grand opening for celebratory Italian fare and live music. Living. Outdoor / Indoor. The Gardens® SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 9 – 10 a.m. Productive & Profitable: A Smarter Way to Shop AmericasMart Atlanta® A must for every buyer, learn your way around campus and hear inside information from retail consultant Debra Tenebaum to maximize your time at Market. 9 a.m. – noon Museum of Introductions (MOI) Gallery A gallery of the world’s most exquisite area rugs. 10 – 11 a.m. Build & Price Gift Baskets to Sell Pricing should not be a guessing game. Jimi Taylor of Taylor Made Gift Baskets guides you through a simple formula to price products, factoring in the time invested. Also learn how to become a one-stop shop for your customers by diversifying inventory. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cash Cube Retailers - step in for a chance to win cash, concession coupons and more! 11 a.m. Umbrella Giveaway 11 a.m. – noon Inspired by the Senses: Presented by Sullivans, Inc. Darla Pawlak, AFID, will be delivering this seminar on how to captivate your senses with exciting permanent botanicals and decorative accessories for any holiday home décor. Noon – 1 p.m. The South’s Legendary Frances Virginia Tearoom: Presented by Cookbook Marketplace and Delectable Samplings Mildred Huff-Coleman presents a truly southern-touch cooking demonstration from her cookbook. Taste her multi-purpose Sherry Whipped Cream, which works well in the tea room or coffee shop environment. Limited supply of her cookbooks will be available for purchase during a book signing immediately following her cooking demonstration. 1 p.m. Barry Dixon Designs for LivingSM Home furnishings and area rug designer Barry Dixon showcases his latest designs at a one-of-a-kind vignette in HIGH DESIGN®, paired with an appearance and book signing (with a book purchase). 2 p.m. Comforts of Home Come feel at home amongst the newest Furnishings, Area Rugs and Case Goods collection with cappuccinos, mochas and accompaniments. 3 - 5 p.m. Tyler’s Back and Stirring the Pot Food Network star Tyler Florence is back with tips and tricks to spice up your next dinner party or in-store promotion with recipes from his new book, “Stirring the Pot.” Passport to Profit on 17 Pick up your passport and travel the floor for a chance to win cash prizes at this international party. Plus, enjoy food and beverages from around the world. 5:30 – 9 p.m. America’s Magnificent Carpets® Awards: Presented by Architectural Digest Discover the newest and most exquisite designs in the area rug industry’s most spectacular night of elegance and excellence. Transportation provided. 6 p.m. Big Easy Bash: Presented by Casual Living, Home Accents Today and Sunbrella® Jazz it up in Living. Outdoor / Indoor. The Gardens® with Creole cookin’ and Cajun cocktails in celebration of the Southern-inspired floor’s grand opening. SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 9 – 10 a.m. Brew-ology: Presented by Synergy Something tasty is brewing in Building 2 WestWing. David Shull of Jura-Capresso will spill the beans on barista-style techniques demonstrating coffee classics, coffee cocktails and tasty dessert coffees using the Jura-Capresso Automatic Coffee Centers. Join in for a true bean-to-cup experience. 9 – 10 a.m. The Art of Shopping & Customer Service AmericasMart’s Managing Director of Retail Services, Albert Maslia, shares tips to shop more efficiently and how a unique perspective plus good old-fashioned customer service can increase sales. 9 – 10 a.m. Hospital Gift Shop Explosion Learn how hospital gift shops are transforming and which products appeal to the target consumer as retail expert Debra Tenebaum explains how to harness the power of cross-merchandising to boost your bottom line. 9 a.m. – noon Museum of Introductions (MOI) Gallery A gallery of the world’s most exquisite area rugs. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cash Cube Retailers - step in for a chance to win cash, concession coupons and more! 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. AmericasMart and Traditional Home Magazine Present: The 2009 American Designers Roundtable - Accessorizing For a Custom Look In an exclusive partnership with Traditional Home, AmericasMart presents, a team of three nationally renowned interior designers ready to discuss accessorizing your spaces – home or retail - for fresh, new looks. Amanda Nisbet, Barry Dixon and Kathryn Ireland, along with Traditional Home Senior Style Editor, Krissa Rossbund host an open forum on colors and trends for the next season, plus, cross-merchandising strategies. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tyler Brings ‘Dinner to Our Place’ Come back for a second helping of Tyler Florence as he dishes up recipes from his new book, “Dinner at My Place.” The Food Network star will whip up scrumptious fare and sign books for attendees. 11:30 a.m. Tailgate Party Gear up for gameday at the Collegiate Products Licensee Pavilion and kickoff your Sunday with favorite tailgate staples. 1 p.m. Taste of Global Design The world’s most exquisite area rug creations plus fare samplings from around the globe. 2 p.m. Taste of Europe Feel like you have traveled across the pond for light European bites and top tier products. 2 – 3 p.m. Hospital Gift Shop Explosion Learn how hospital gift shops are transforming and which products appeal to the target consumer as retail expert Debra Tenebaum explains how to harness the power of cross-merchandising to boost your bottom line. 2 – 3 p.m. Vita-Mix Demonstration: Sponsored by Ben Tally Chef and Recipe Development Coordinator, Nancy Ferriss, will be demonstrating unique recipes using Vita-Mix. Learn how to produce an array of healthy and appetizing soups, sauces, spreads, desserts, and beverages. 3 p.m. Coffee and Gourmet Cookies 4 – 5 p.m. Tea Tasting with Beth Johnston: Presented by teas Etc. Explore the exciting world of specialty tea with tea expert Beth Johnston, founder and CEO of teas Etc., Inc. Join Beth to sample a handful of organic reserve harvest teas including; Silver Needle white, Golden Monkey black, and Lemon Ginger green tea. Discover what it takes to successfully sell tea in today’s competitive gourmet retail environment. 6:30 – 8 p.m. LIVE: Kool & The Gang One Night Only: Dance the night away as pop-funk-blues phenom Kool & The Gang rock you out of your seat and onto your feet. MONDAY, JANUARY 12 10 a.m. Breakfast in Bed Slip into the Fine Linens floor for a bite to eat to start the day. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cash Cube Retailers - step in for a chance to win cash, concession coupons and more! 10 – 11:30 a.m. Ten Top Concepts for Successful Interior Design Nationally-renowned interior designer Cecil Hayes says that success for an interior designer is defined by having the ability to attract new clients and maintain relationships. Hayes offers tips to ensure future projects, along with recommendations to friends and family. Noon – 1 p.m. Drink Your Tea and Eat It Too! Presented by IntimaTEA and Delectable Samplings Chef Danny Mellman, an internationally trained Restaurant Consultant, Recipe Development Expert and Food Stylist presents mouth watering recipes using the exquisite blends of IntimaTEA.