Worldwide appeal: Las Vegas grows as an international marketplace

More than 1,300 exhibiting companies showcased their latest home furnishings products at Las Vegas Market, with an impressive 205 exhibitors, or 15 percent, coming from outside of the U.S.

The worldwide roster of exhibitors included 205 companies from 25 different countries, which translated to 15 percent of the total exhibitor base. The broad cross-section of geographic regions represented 33 percent from Canada; 32 percent from Latin America; 25 percent from Asia; and 10 percent were European brands. The Sands Expo featured the greatest number of global exhibits where buyers benefited from a number of trend-setting international companies from Italy, Japan, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, United Kingdom and Australia and much more.

“The temporary exhibition at the Sands Expo represented a broad range of cultural influences in the world of home furnishings,” said Tim Branscome, vice president of international business development for World Market Center. “The diversity of exhibitors has been expanding since this market launched and is growing with popularity, especially among Latin American companies and those abroad. By infusing meaningful international content and community into our show, we have been able to benefit buyers looking for something new. In particular, our Design and Living juried pavilion featured some of the hottest high end products from around the globe.”

The Summer Market also saw an influx of international buyers attending their first event. In comparison to the July 2006 Market, international attendance increased by 27 percent, representing 90 countries that participated at the Market.

International services and events were arranged so that international attendees were welcomed in style, including international buyers breakfast, international lounge and cocktail party. In addition, for an authentic taste of Japanese culture, a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony was held on the Fuchu Furniture Brands booth. Performed by Midori Yokoyama for three honored guests, visitors were invited to watch the intricacies of the tea ceremony and taste the sweet biscuits and fresh tea.

Stephen Mallard, a buyer from Southport, Australia, who attended the international breakfast in Building B, said, “What an enormous show — something completely different from those in Australia. This is very easy to get around. It’s 16 minutes from our hotel to the car park at World Market Center.”

Further proving Las Vegas Market’s international appeal, for the first time, members of the International Association of Furniture Publications visited Las Vegas Market, bringing 14 journalists from throughout the world. Zeki Yucel from Mobilya in Turkey said, “I visit around 20 to 30 fairs during the year in Asia, Europe, Russia, and this is the best. Organization, the media centers and general services are perfect.”

Fellow member Nicoletta Armenes from GDA RIMA Editrice, Milan, Italy, said, “This is great organization, the signage is clear and it’s very different from the European shows. In the permanent buildings, the showrooms’ shopping windows make it easy to see things at a glance and plan who to visit.”

There was plenty of time to party once daily business was complete. The Sands Expo Center was home to a fabulous Venetian Festival party on its opening night. Living statues, stilt walkers and jugglers joined visitors and exhibitors for cocktails and food that brought the sights and sounds of Venice to Las Vegas.

This growing element of international exhibitors and buyers ensures that Las Vegas Market enjoys a place on event calendars worldwide.