International Exhibitors Look to Vegas

July 26, 2006  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on July 2006 International exhibitor and buyer attendance is on the rise at Las Vegas market.

Attendees from abroad came from 116 countries, compared to 80 countries at the January show, and account for 8 percent of total registrations.

Exhibitors throughout the show registered a dramatic increase of international buyers, especially from Europe, Australia, Mexico, Canada and the Middle East.

“International business is exploding in Las Vegas,” said Douglas Furniture’s Rick Parker. “Not only have we seen more international buyers this market than ever before, but we’ve written significant orders from these companies, the best numbers in the history of our business. This phenomenon has created the impetus for us to address the international market more seriously. We plan to pursue new export strategies and expand our international business as a result of what we’ve experienced here this week.”

Las Vegas Market officials reported that the 308 non-U.S. manufacturers showing here this week accounted for 20 percent of exhibitors. Almost half of those, 143, are from Europe; followed by Canada with 59 tenants, 19 percent of exhibiting companies; Latin America, 50 companies, 17 percent; and Asia with 55 companies accounting for 18 percent of the total international presence.

“Our international contingent is healthy and growing” said Tim Branscome, director of international business development for World Market Center. “The European presence in exhibitors is by far the greatest with exhibitors from Canada, Latin America and Asian showing in about the same percentages.”

The WMC is focusing on creating strategic alliances with trade fair organizers and associations around the globe to bring “shows within show” and significant brands to the U.S. market, many for the first time.

July’s Market includes the summer edition of Interior Lifestyle USA, which showcases high-end companies from 14 countries, including ideas, product lines and exhibitors from Europe’s Heimtextil and Ambiente shows.

From Germany, the Interior Trends exhibition by Koeln Messe spotlights four themes focusing on different consumer trends.

Other international groups keyed in on the Las Vegas market.

For example, 16 Brazilian companies combined for the 6,900-square-foot Brazilian Pavilion to showcase trend-setting styles in dining rooms, accent furniture, leather and fabric sofas, and home theater. Twelve Mexican manufacturers displayed original pieces of decorative art, gifts and handcrafts at Las Vegas Convention Center.

IDOT, or “Italian Design on Tour,” showcased 10,000 square feet of the best in Italian furniture design.

Branscome noted that international exhibitors have helped to drive the Market’s overall growth.

“They recognize Las Vegas Market as the leading trade fair in the U.S. with international appeal, and prefer the July show due to a number of conflicting European events in January,” he said.