Atlanta Market Kicks off 2020 Trade Show Year with Campus Changes and Engaging Programming

October 9, 2019  by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

“The 2020 Winter Market in Atlanta sets the tone for IMC’s trade show year,” said Bob Maricich, IMC chairman and CEO. “With a reimagined marketplace, star-studded programming and trendsetting introductions by our exhibitors, this market launches a year of not-to-be-missed events.”

Winter 2020 ushers in updates across the Atlanta market’s more than 1,000 home décor and gift permanent showrooms and 3,300 temporary exhibits.

The Atlanta NEXT campaign, which in its first phase sees a remerchandising of the home décor and open-year-round showrooms at AmericasMart, sparks momentum for an expected 75+ campus-wide new, expanded and relocated showrooms. The Home Décor resources, including lighting, accent furniture, rugs, wall décor, casual furniture, linens and more, are presented in 300 showrooms on 12 floors.

The Gift Collection features 19 floors of Gift and specialty categories such as Gourmet & Housewares, Tabletop & Gift, The Gardens, Children’s World and Seasonal / Gift in more than 700 showrooms.

The Temporaries – operating Jan. 15-19, 2020 – present more than 30 merchandise neighborhoods located throughout the AmericasMart campus. Of note is six expanded LUXE categories driven by the Winter Market debut of Boutique LUXE. Additionally, 2020 marks the first Winter Market appearance of the rebranded Outdoor Living and Seasonal / Gift categories which launched in July.

Winter 2020 programming adds additional excitement to the market, most notably highlighted by the first-ever staging of Gift for Life’s Party for Life fundraiser in connection with the Atlanta market. The industry celebration takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020 at the Fernbank Museum with designer Thom Filicia serving as honorary event chairman and recognition of Anne McGilvray who will be presented with the Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Shop the Show program returns in January for a fourth season with five influencers who will update buyers on top trends. Trend predictions and Q&As with the influencers will be shared on the markets’ social media channels and blog as planning tools for attendees.

The market’s signature programming promises an engaging lineup ranging from presentations by celebrity chefs and tastemakers to business experts sharing actionable tips and more. It also celebrates the launch of Sherwin-William’s Color of the Year with an industry party decked out in the trendsetting hue. A full list of market events will be revealed at a later date.

Digital tools allow buyers to pre-plan their tip to the market. New and returning buyer pre-registration is available now at AmericasMart.com/registration allowing buyers to obtain “FastBadges” to expedite the onsite registration experience plus information about the market, special events, new products and more. Buyers can book flights, reserve hotel rooms and reserve parking all at discounted rated at AmericasMart.com/travel.

The AmericasMart App allows attendees to navigate the campus with turn-by-turn directions; save must-see exhibitors, events and specials; set up a budget for market and track spending; take notes; get real-time information about market happenings; learn about upcoming events and exciting news through social alerts; and locate on-site amenities.

For the Winter 2020 Market, showrooms are open Jan. 14 – 21, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (select showrooms are open until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 and Friday, Jan. 17) and temporaries are open Wednesday, Jan. 15 – Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.