Las Vegas Gift and Home Show Sets Educational Agenda

June 30, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on July 1, 2010

World Market Center Las Vegas has announced a slate of educational programming for the inaugural Gift + Home show, which will run in conjunction with Las Vegas Market, August 2-6.

A unique roster of speakers will share merchandising secrets, trend forecasting and insight into the minds of consumers.

"Gift is one of the most fun categories in our industry, but keeping up with evolving trends for the different product categories is a challenge" said Margaret Casey, director of programming for World Market Center Las Vegas. "Bringing in fresh perspectives is important--it's a very competitive business."

Gift guru, best-selling author and "Today" show regular Robyn Spizman will share core trends and secrets of gift giving with "Trends that Never Go Out of Style," Monday, August 2, 2-3 p.m., Building C 4th Floor. A leading trend expert, Spizman will help retailers think outside the box and stay relevant.

Sara Lyle, Home, Lifestyle and Gift Guide editor for Good Housekeeping magazine, will lead the Gift Forecast seminar. The publication polled readers to discover the kinds of gifts consumers really want.

Other highlights from the Gift + Home show programming include "Create Award-Winning Window Displays on a Budget," presented by Patricia Norins, publisher, Gift Shop Magazine, Wednesday, August 4, 12 p.m. Building C, 4th floor, which promises to deliver hands-on inspirational ideas to help create impactful window displays that will attract more customers and sell more products.

"Resort Retail: Competing for the Consumer's Dollar," presented by Joseph Federici, vice president, divisional merchandise manager, MGM Mirage Retail--set for Wednesday, August 4, 11 a.m.-noon, Building B 16th floor--will showcase the powerhouse behind MGM Mirage's 200 retail outlets. Federici has been a gift buyer for more than 19 years, none of which have been more challenging than the recent shifting economic times.

Jenny Heinzen York will present "From the Retail Floor: Home Accents Today Retailer Roundtable," Monday, August 2, 11-noon, Building C, 4th floor. Heinzen York, editor-in-chief of Home Accents Today, will take an in-depth look at new data fresh from the retail floor and a panel of retailers will weigh in on what's happening on their own sales floors.

The Gift + Home Launch Party, Tuesday, August 3, 5-6:30 p.m., Building C, 5th Floor, offers complimentary cocktails, hors d€™ouevres, and chances to win prizes.