Preview the new tradeshow venue and grand events at MGM

At the Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market, buyers will see a progressive, segmented format with 500 trend-setting exhibitors at the MGM Grand, opening Tuesday, Jan. 29.

The temporary exhibits of Las Vegas Market will be located at the MGM Grand Convention Center, MGM Grand Garden Arena and MGM Pavilion, which are adjacent to and adjoining the MGM Grand Resort on the incredible Las Vegas Strip and minutes from the permanent showrooms at World Market Center.

The five distinctly branded show sections will include Furniture, Vegas Accessory & Gift, Design & Living, Living Green and ConText. The environment at the MGM Grand is tailored for the convenience of buyers and to maximize efficiency, according to Tim Branscome, WMC vice president international.

“We have worked closely with buyers to understand how they shop and how we can design our Market to best fit their needs,” Branscome said. “Grouping our exhibitors into meaningful segments allows them to be readily discovered by the relevant buyer. At the same tine, we want to ensure the show floor design fosters cross-sales opportunities across the categories.”

Making a strong return to January 2008 Market, the highly acclaimed Design & Living area will offer an exclusive collection of companies featuring all styles of furniture, from contemporary to classical, as well as high-design home decor, art and lighting products. This juried segment of temporary exhibits will showcase new sources and fashion-forward ideas to inspire luxury stores, interior designers and independent retailers looking for fresh new trends.

The showcase will present what is new and fresh from around the world, including exhibitors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

Back by popular demand, the Living Green show section joins Design & Living at the MGM Grand Pavilion for its second Las Vegas Market. Living Green is a specialty focus that centers on sustainable furnishings or furniture using wood, cushioning, fabrics and finishing materials that can be renewed through natural processes over the long term. Sustainable home furnishings are not only environmentally smart business, but also high fashion. Living Green is a partnership between WMC, the Sustainable Furniture Council and Channel Logic.

ConText will make its debut at Winter Las Vegas Market and is sharply focused on textiles and mainly “on top of bed” products. ConText will feature the best of the best in textile design and decorative products.

In addition to a huge presentation of exhibits and new product, the MGM Grand will also play host to several social and educational events planned for Market:

• Attendees will enjoy a grand opening celebration Jan. 29 for the temporary exhibits, starting at 5:30 p.m. After a brilliant day of shopping the trade show exhibits at the MGM Grand Conference Center, attendees will take their star turns at MGM Grand’s stunning pool area, which will be transformed into a movie set. While classic movies play in the background, all the glamour and fanfare will be experienced as cocktails and culinary delights are be available in this ultra-vogue environment.

• Join Caroline Hipple, veteran retail furniture executive, for a “fireside chat” and Q&A and discuss “The Architecture of Change: How to Set Up Your Company to Deal with Change. Learn the ins and outs of change Jan. 29 at 10:00 a.m. in the MGM Vista Ballroom.

• Market buyers can take a break from their productive shopping Jan. 30 with a tasty lunch on the house. WMC will host a complimentary buyer lunch at the MGM Grand from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Located in the North Concourse area of the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

• The Brave New World Environmental Leadership Series Initiative will take place each afternoon during Las Vegas Market. This education series, hosted by WMC, Sustainable Furniture Council and Living Green, is designed to provide key information about sustainable home furnishings and proven strategies for effective change with a focus on long-term consumer and supplier education.

• What will tomorrow’s best dressed homes be wearing? Michelle Lamb, founder and chairman of Marketing Directions Inc., examines the emerging styles, colors, categories, moods and motifs shaping the way we decorate in this special live edition of her popular, monthly Trendwatch column in Accessory Merchandising magazine. Attend this “Forecast” seminar on Jan. 30 at 10:00 AM in the MGM Vista to find out why she is one of the most trusted trend authorities in our industry as she connects the dots between apparel, other cultural influences, international trade fairs and the latest furnishings—including up-to-the-minute examples snapped on-site in Las Vegas!

For a complete list of seminars and events taking place during the January Las Vegas Market, please see the seminar and special event calendar at www.lasvegasmarket.com.

Company spotlight: Welcome these companies as they make their debut at Design & Living

AM USA • www.authenticmodels.com
AM USA’s uncompromising drive for historically accurate gifts are what make these products exceptional. Authentic Models selects from the pages of history some of the finest nautically related objects. Then they travel around the world to find the best maker for these items, often in very similar locations as the originals were made. Includes exquisite wood carvings, intricate details and sand-cast brass polished to a high gloss. Finally, when they develop a product of which quality equals its standards, they introduce it to the world. Always with a story and whenever size permits, including exquisite Authentic Models gift packaging.

Haute House • www.haute-house.com
This Hollywood-based company “haute couture” furnishings for the home. Designer and owner Casey Fisher has been designing furniture for years as an upholstery, textile and retail space stylist. Through Haute House, he is able to use his talents to create a line that extends far beyond just sofas and chairs. His extensive fabric and trim selection offers hundreds of custom combinations. Haute House style is an eclectic mix of styles that defines the Haute House look. The designer is drawn to many different styles when done in a sophisticated way. It would have been unnatural for him to design a line just offering one look. Thus, the line consists of three looks offering something for everyone. The one element that is in every Haute House design, though, is a great sense of style.

Company spotlight: Welcome these companies as they make their debut at ConText

Papillon Linens • www.papillonlinens.com
Formerly known as Pom Pom Maison, this company creates products of enduring versatility, charm and beauty. With the classic padded sating stitch embroidery of Old Europe, these finely crafted treasures will last for years to come and complement any interior.

Peacock Alley • www.peacockalley.com
Peacock Alley’s linens are manufactured with luxurious 100 percent Egyptian cotton spun to the longest staple. Exquisite detailing and expert finishing creates richness you can see and feel. Quality is always in the details, and every Peacock Alley product sets the standard for quality in materials and craftsmanship.

SDH • www.sdhonline.com
SDH believes an all-natural lifestyle doesn’t have to mean giving up style, comfort and high quality. So SDH offers products that are purely refreshing for the body, the mind and the soul. By creatively designing and manufacturing products made of all-natural elements, the company produces elegant assortments that elicit a warm, peaceful feeling. The goal is to promote environmental friendliness while making exquisitely crafted products for customers. SDH’s timeless stylings in all-natural themes have become internationally popular and are available at distinctive boutiques worldwide.