Vegas Market Sets Summer Seminar, Event Schedule

May 9, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Designer Weekly, Industry, Las Vegas, Market, Special Events   

Exclusive highlights include the Market’s signature Ahead of the Curve and First Look trend forecasts; the “only in Las Vegas” industry networking events, including the seventh annual “Up on the Roof” gala charity event benefiting Gift For Life; the third annual Andyz design awards, recognizing the year’s best interior design projects; and the first-ever Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Award. 

“Las Vegas Market is unmatched in its focus on directional thinking and emerging trends, making it a magnet for industry professionals, top designers, magazine editors and style setters across all segments of our industry,” said Karen Olson, senior vice president of marketing at International Market Centers. “As the leading furniture, home decor and gift destination in the western United States, Las Vegas Market provides an exclusive forum for industry networking and professional development – whether through ‘only in Las Vegas’ seminars, tours, awards programs or special events.”

Market participants will get vital insights and information about directional trends in the Market’s signature First Look trend display and seminar, curated by 20-year magazine editor Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media. Trend previews will be featured online on the DesignOnLVMkt portion of the web site prior to market and a companion print guide, will be distributed onsite.

The First Look seminar program, detailing each trend, as well as its influences and applications, will be held on Monday, July 31 from 10-11 a.m. 

Las Vegas Market also is partnering with influential home fashions magazine Luxe Interiors + Design, and an elite group of Western designers, to present its exclusive “Ahead of the Curve” seminars and designer-led tours spotlighting the most directional trends in color, design and style.

Luxe Interiors + Design will moderate the trend-setting designer panel, which includes Ben Johnston of Benjamin Johnston Design (Houston); Julia Buckingham launching her West Coast division of Buckingham Interiors & Design (Phoenix); and Jaime Rummerfield and Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design (Los Angeles). The seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, 10:00am – 11:30am; with four individual tours led by each of the program participants on Sunday, July 30 and Monday, July 31, 2:30pm – 3:30pm and 4:00pm – 5:00pm.

In partnership with Round Top Register, “The Design and Social Business of Modern Vintage,” will explore how “Modern Vintage” has sculpted and transformed design, social media’s influence on the resurgence of vintage and more. Katie Stavinoh of the Round Top Register and Round Top Texas life & style, will moderate a panel including Paige and Smoot Hull, creators of The Vintage Round Top; Anita Joyce, lifestyle blogger of Cedar Hill Farmhouse; and Tikaa Cone, designer, lifestyle blogger and influencer of Totally Tikaa. The session will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2:30pm – 3:30pm, and a guided tour through Discoveries: The Antique Vintage Marketplace will follow.

A two-day non-profit educational symposium, and networking reception, will be presented in collaboration with three leading association partners: Association for Healthcare Volunteer Resources Professionals, Museum Store Association and Zoo & Aquarium Buyers Group. On Monday, July 31, 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Julie Steiner, director of retail operations at The Barnes Shop in Philadelphia, and president of Museum Store Association, will present “How to Advocate to Administration;” and on Tuesday, August 1, 12:00 noon - 1:30pm, Melinda Greene, retail manager/gift shop buyer at Kansas City Zoo in Kansas City, will present “Selling to Millennials. A networking reception, for association members and prospective members, will be held on Monday, July 31, 5:00pm – 6:30pm.

Other special events planned for Summer Market include the debut of the first-ever Gift + Stationery “40 Under 40 Awards” presented by Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More magazines to honor an inaugural class of 40 young professionals. The event, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 30, 5:00pm – 7:00pm, is hosted by Las Vegas Market in partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association and its Young Gift Executives program.

Another first-time event, the Networking Reception for Spa Buyers, Managers & Directors will be jointly hosted by the Spa Industry Assn. and the Las Vegas Spa Assn. on Monday, July 31, 5:00pm – 7:00pm. The event is open to spa, salon and personal care buyers at no charge.

The market also will host its seventh Annual “Up on the Roof” Gift for Life fundraiser on Monday, July 31, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Tickets for this fun and festive networking event cost $25, with all proceeds benefiting DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS), an organization that supports HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, education and advocacy.

On Sunday, July 30, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, the third annual Andyz Design Awards will recognize the best interior designs in 10 categories, including a new “Outstanding Showroom Design” category. The event, which is hosted by ASID California Central / Nevada Chapter and the Las Vegas Design Center, will feature Christopher P. Ramey as master of ceremonies and celebrity host Dann Foley as presenter.

A special “Cash & Carry Shopping Spree” will be held in Pavilion 2, home of Discoveries: The Antique Vintage Marketplace, on Monday, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Buyers can enjoy extended shopping hours with complimentary cocktails.

In total, Las Vegas Market will host more than 20 seminars and events during the five-day summer market. Educational sessions will include Las Vegas Market’s signature “Meet the Makers” panel, Colormix 2018 from Sherwin Williams, a gourmet series in partnership with The Gourmet Retailer, casual furniture and design seminars in partnership with Casual Living, retailing strategies and more. 

The complete roster of Market-hosted seminars and events is available online www.lasvegasmarket.com/seminars-and-events/.

Las Vegas Market also is offering a slate of buyer amenities to enhance the overall shopping experience, such as fully-equipped Internet lounges for buyers, designers and media; a dedicated international lounge; and Hospitality Suite in Building A, sponsored by ASID and the Interior Design Society.

Onsite hospitality includes morning “grab-and-go” breakfasts on Sunday and Monday; complimentary afternoon bars in the Pavilions and on Gift and Home Décor floors; and happy hours on the Casual and Furniture floors; and Evening Courtyard Reception and nightly entertainment. Las Vegas Market also offers a campus shuttle and complimentary shuttle to/from host hotels; paid onsite valet parking; buyers’ lounges; mother’s lounges; and convenient café and food kiosks.

Enhancements to the onsite registration process will expedite badge pick-up for buyers and exhibitors alike this summer. Pre-registered attendees can pick-up badges at multiple off-campus locations, including the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas and the Aria on the strip.

The onsite registration area has tripled its size and capacity to speed the check-in process.