Las Vegas Market Insider



Las Vegas Market Insider is a quarterly publication of World Market Center Las Vegas www.LasVegasMarket.com	VOLUME 2, NUMBER 4 Winter 2008

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PREVIEW: Special seminar series for Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market

World Market Center Las Vegas will host a series of seminars designed to educate, inform and enlighten attendees on the latest trends and developments in the home furnishings industry. The seminars will feature expert voices from within the industry who will speak on a wide variety of topics throughout Market. Here is a sampling of the seminars taking place during Market week. For current information, including scheduling and locations, visit http://www.LasVegasMarket.com/events to view an interactive event calendar.

2009 Retail Survival Guide: Marketing & Sales – Proven strategies for reducing expense and increasing sales in a down market.
Monday, Feb. 9, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Jeff Hiller
Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas

Jeff Hiller

The retail market is the most difficult in a generation, making every dollar you spend more precious than ever. But it is just as tough in the media world, providing leverage you have never had in securing significant reductions in spending while increasing the effectiveness of your marketing plan. Learn specific, practical tools for reducing your media spending, allocating the most effective tools, optimizing your promotional strategy, enhancing your Web site and digital communications and integrating your overall efforts in support of sales strategies employed in our stores. Presented by Jeff Hiller, a nine-year veteran at the largest U.S. ad agency, 10-year owner of a thriving retail furniture chain and former VP of marketing at a high-growth furniture importer, a three-time INC 500 fastest-growing private company.

New Trends in Home Entertainment and Office
Monday, Feb. 9, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by WMCLV and WITHIT

Listen to a panel discussion among industry leaders that will focus on new and emerging trends in home entertainment and home office — the two targeted categories for future growth potential in the U.S. panelists featured will be consumer electronics industry experts, award-winning furniture designers and successful electronics furniture retailers.

Are You Selling a Design Knockoff? Get Ready to Be Sued!
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Jack Hicks, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas and the Living Green Pavilion^SM

Jack Hicks

Regardless of whether a piece of furniture is designed or sourced in the U.S., China, Indonesia or Vietnam, the intellectual property laws of the U.S. can protect original designs against unauthorized manufacture, sale, importation and even use. Elements of furniture, combinations of elements, as well as the entire piece itself, can be protected through trademarks, trade dress, copyrights and/or patents. Changes in vertical distribution and relationships, however, have lessened the reluctance of many manufacturers from suing everyone involved with the knockoff, including the foreign manufacturer, the U.S. distributor and the retailer. Is the end user next? Come learn the steps that manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers can take to protect themselves from an unwanted lawsuit!

2009: The Year in Anticipation
Tuesday Feb 10, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Moderator: Lloyd Princeton, DMC
Panelists: Katherine Stout, Williams Sonoma; Sims Bray Jr., Verandah magazine; Mark Cutler, Mark Cutler Designs

Sims Bray

Mark Cutler

The design world as we know it has evolved in many ways, some over time and some because of the economy. Join this panel discussion with industry leaders and hear their perspectives on what it will take to prosper in 2009 and beyond.

How Women Make or Break Your Business
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Kathryn Baird, Hiltachk Marketing Group
Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas

Kimberlie Hiltachk

Kathryn Baird

A comprehensive analysis of the female consumer and how retailers can connect best with this lucrative target — now making more than 80 percent of purchasing decisions on everything from diapers to drywall. In this discussion, attendees will learn why women are the most powerful economic force on the planet and how to tap into this market, increasing sales and market share.

Gifted Retailer Roundtable Discussion
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 9:00 a.m.
Moderated by Caroline Kennedy, editor in chief, Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine
Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas and Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine

As the gift and accessory segment continues to grow at Las Vegas Market, WMCLV and Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine have joined forces to host the first annual Gifted Retailer Roundtable Discussion. Moderated by Caroline Kennedy, editor in chief, this panel of gifted retailers, manufacturers and reps will take a close look at this vital and ever-changing industry. For more information, please contact Michelle Ovalle at Michelle.Ovalle@LasVegasMarket.com.

Ahead of the Curve: A live and online look at upcoming home design trends
Wednesday Feb. 11, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Susanna Salk, Joe Nye, Barclay Butera, Amy Lau

Susanna Salk

Joe Nye

Barclay Butera

Amy Lau

Are you ready to bring your clients the latest and greatest in home furnishings for 2009? Join design expert and “Today Show” personality Susanna Salk as she moderates a panel of high-profile designers who will review their favorite picks hot off the Las Vegas Market show floor. Fast-paced and interactive, this event will give design professionals and media direct access to fresh style directions and home trends during a real-time online Web cast. Limited seating available. RSVP to events@lasvegasmarket.com to reserve your seat today.

Ab Fab Nursery
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
HGTV’s Paige Rien of Hidden Potential
Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas, Vegas
Kids and the Living Green Pavilion^SM

Paige Rien

A fabulous nursery or child’s room means having it all — earth-friendly, kid-friendly and why not wallet-friendly too? Rien also believes it certainly can be absolutely low maintenance and easy to keep clean. Rien shares tips on how to make green choices for the nursery and kids’ rooms that can stand up to little feet, paws and claws and the test of time — from mashed peas and beyond. Increase your knowledge base for this important category and let her help you help your client make both earth- and pocketbook-friendly choices for the home.

Monitoring of Long-Term Trends and the Research Methods
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Ute Shumacher, director of Trend and Design at Crystalized™ by Swarovski Elements
Sponsored by Las Vegas Design Center

Ute Shumacher

Ute Shumacher, director of Trend and Design for Swarovski Crystal, will give a presentation on the company’s methodology and criteria for exploring the emergence and potential longevity of design trends, along with how to interpret the results. The seminar will be followed by a reception in the RobertAllen | Beacon Hill C101.

Design Icon Featuring Roger Thomas
Thursday, Feb. 12, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Roger Thomas, Wynn Design and Development
Sponsored by Las Vegas Design Center

Roger Thomas

The Las Vegas Design Center will honor Roger Thomas, executive vice president design for Wynn Design and Development and the creative genius behind the world-famous Bellagio and Wynn Hotels in Las Vegas. A highly regarded leader in the interior design industry, Thomas will discuss some highlights of his career as a designer, including some of his most prominent interior design projects for the hospitality industry. The presentation will be followed by a cocktail reception.

A Tour You Can’t Refuse
Thursday, Feb. 12, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Sponsored by LVDC and ASID Central California/Nevada Chapter

The first rule of the Mob Houses tour is do not talk about the Mob Houses tour. In fact, you must deny the Mob Houses tour exists. Join us for a guided, luxury coach tour with ASID docents who make the style connections to the homes and hangouts of the old mob bosses of Las Vegas. For more information, RSVP to Margaret.Casey@LasVegasMarket.com.

First Friday
Friday, Feb. 13, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Celerie Kemble, Kemble Interiors
Sponsored by Las Vegas Design Center

Celerie Kemble

This weekly mainstay of the Las Vegas Design Center will feature a presentation by Celerie Kemble. An uber-successful interior designer, Kemble’s New York firm, Kemble Interiors, has been profiled in a variety of top-tier publications such as Elle Décor, House and Garden, House Beautiful, Metropolitan Home, Domino and The New York Times. Kemble will speak on her work as a major player in the interior design industry.

The Forecast: Color
Monday, Feb. 9, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute
Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas and Furniture Style magazine

Leatrice Eiseman

Join us for an engaging and informative presentation about current color trends influencing the home sector. A host of external factors influence the rise in popularity of a certain color, and Eiseman knows which ones have the greatest impact on upcoming product palettes. Learn about the key colors for 2009 at this informative seminar.

The Forecast: Trends for the Home
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Michelle Lamb
Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas and Design & Decor magazine

Michelle Lamb

There has never been a more important time to understand trends before they happen, so you have time to prepare for what’s new and what’s next. Michelle Lamb, internationally known trend forecaster and editorial director of The Trend Curve industry newsletter, will present her color forecast for 2010, then talk about the décor directions you need to know about. A question and answer session will follow.

The Forecast: Lighting for the Home
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Randall Whitehead
Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas and Residential Lighting magazine

Randall Whitehead

Join award-winning lighting expert and author Randall Whitehead for his engaging and informative presentation about lighting’s impact in the home. Learn how lighting can influence a space positively and negatively, enhance color and texture, emphasize depth or dimension and combine comfort with drama. Whitehead will share best practices in energy-efficient lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Greening your Store, Part I: Sourcing and Operations
Monday, Feb. 9, 11:00 a.m.– Noon
Lisa Russell

Lisa Russell

Most retailers are interested in greening their operations, but it is a challenge knowing where to begin. Lisa Russell, director of sustainable design for contemporary manufacturer Animavi, draws on her extensive background as a LEED-accredited professional, LEED Retail Core Committee member and former developer of green building guidelines for the Harley-Davidson dealership network to provide specific recommendations for energy conservation, transportation, and product sourcing for furniture retailers. A practicing design professional for 14 years, she also brings a hands-on understanding of retail design needs to help minimize expense and become more sustainable.

Greening your Store, Part II: Marketing
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Jon Dougal, Green Sage Media
Sponsored by Living Green Pavilion and Sustainable Furniture Council

Jon Dougal

Once you have begun the transformation to becoming a sustainable retailer, the next step is getting consumers in the door while avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing. This lively discussion is led by the founder, editor and publisher of several newsletters that reach 300,000 people in 21 countries. His current focus is a course he has developed on environmental marketing, and his pragmatic approach and years spent on the front line of the green movement are sure to keep you entertained and informed. Also included is a summary of vital consumer survey data that speaks to trends in consumer awareness and interest, willingness to pay a premium, and other need to know topics.

Designers and Green Design
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Dann Foley, Dann Foley Design
Sponsored by Living Green Pavilion and WHFA

Dann Foley

How do we keep up? More importantly, how do we make money with “green?” This seminar will give discerning designers more insights, tips and sources on the topic of green design. Learn the sales techniques to encourage your clients to live better lives with green products and bring your clients the highest quality and the most sustainable products on the market. Come to this seminar and gain valuable information to go green and make more green.

Greening your Store, Part III: Sales Training
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 11:00 a.m.–noon
Greg Harden, Harden Furniture

Greg Harden

Conscientious consumerism is here to stay. Can you discuss the differences between sustainable, recycled and eco-friendly products with your retail customers and design clients? Join Greg Harden, CEO and fifth-generation leader of Harden Furniture, a respected manufacturer of solid wood and upholstered furnishings based in update New York, for an informative review of terms and tactics to sell “green.” This longtime steward of the environment who helped his company secure the first Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) Silver Award designation for furniture manufacturers will make an impassioned case for why “intentional consumerism” matters in the new economy - so that attendees can leave energized to capitalize on this powerful and growing trends.

Backstage with SFC
Thursday, Feb. 12, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

SFC leaders invite you to our Sustainability Salon, a discussion of how we are working to green our industry: what everyone should be able to do in their communities and operations, what is most challenging, what is most critical, etc. Join the discussion that is key to our future.

California’s New Composite Wood Products Regulation Guide for Fabricators, Importers and Distributors
Thursday, Feb. 12, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Angela Csondes, California Air Resources Board
Co-presented by WHFA and World Market Center Las Vegas

The composite wood products ATCM is a new California regulation that will reduce public exposure to formaldehyde by establishing strict emission performance standards on particleboard, medium density fiberboard and hardwood plywood (collectively known as composite wood products). The new regulation also requires all finished goods for California to be fabricated using complying composite wood products. This seminar will help furniture manufacturers, importers and distributors understand the basic requirements of this regulation and will provide an update on the status of the regulation implementation.

Green Leaders: Certified Training Program (CEU credits available)
Friday Feb. 13, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

The SFC is launching this first of its kind "Train the Trainers" program, a six-course examination series resulting in your accreditation as an SFC Certified Trainer with expertise in green home furnishings. Intended for manufacturers, retailers and designers, this fast-paced, fact-filled series provides an up-to-the-minute understanding of the essentials of sustainability as it relates to the home furnishings industry and the tools for communicating it effectively to others. Successful completion of the course will qualify you to move your business in the right direction, promote yourselves as a certified trainer, and educate your staff to be better able to deal with customers on this critical subject. Content is approved by ranking staff of Rainforest Alliance and World Wildlife Fund and CEU credits are available. This is a fee-based course offered by the SFC. For more information call SFC at [919] 621-2202.