High Point Won’t Shift Fall Dates

October 8, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on October 2008 The Las Vegas Market’s decision to shift its second 2009 event from July to September—within a month of the October High Point Market—won’t prompt any schedule changes for exhibitors in the North Carolina city, officials said.

In a news release Wednesday afternoon, World Market Center officials said input from exhibitors and retailers spurred a move to schedule the second 2009 event at the complex for Sept. 14-17. The Winter Market in Las Vegas will be continue to be held near its traditional dates, Feb. 9-13.

High Point’s Fall 2009 event remains set for Oct. 17-22, said Market Authority President and CEO Brian Casey.

“There will not be a reaction on our part except to move forward and continue to make this market as viable as possible for the customers who shop here,” he said. “The high end is very well represented here, unlike any other market, and I think that level of support will continue to provide a key differentiator to any other market that chooses to move close to our dates.”

He said the decision in Las Vegas to shift to fall dates may make some High Point exhibitors less likely to open Las Vegas showrooms because of the complexity and costs of showing in both cities. He said 37 percent of High Point exhibitors also have showrooms in Las Vegas.

“Ultimately, the decision is going to be made on what is going to deliver the best return on their investment and, thus far, High Point has continued to deliver that,” Casey said.

The World Market Center’s news release stated that the change comes after an extensive survey was conducted by Trade Show Week Research. Other feedback also indicated the change would serve overseas visitors better.

The Las Vegas complex also announced plans to launch a new and separate Gift and Decorative Accessories show in Summer 2010 to enable exhibitors to showcase their products well ahead of the holiday buying season. Officials said other industry segments will be evaluated for possible stand-alone trade shows as well.