AT THE LAS VEGAS MARKET–Las Vegas Market organizers said attendance and optimism were “off the charts” for the opening day of September Market.
They added that registration numbers are higher than they’ve been during the last five consecutive markets, and international manufacturers have nearly doubled since the previous market.
“It’s quite remarkable that we have generated an increase in buyer and designer registration in this economic environment,” said Robert Maricich, president and chief executive officer of World Market Center Las Vegas. “It’s a new world, in which the industry has to go beyond the trade focus, and directly engage consumers. Our unique marketing and new initiatives aim to do just that, and buyers and designers are excited to be a part of it.”
Ron Wanek, chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, described buyer traffic in his company’s showroom on the first day as “outstanding.” The market “is going great and beating our expectations. Everyone is in a good mood and buying, so we are happy.”
World Market Center Las Vegas welcomes 17 new permanent tenants, 12 expanded showrooms, 300 new and returning temporary exhibitors and 100 permanent tenants have renewed their leases, with 26 of them relocating for this market.
Highlights for the week include the return of the internationally acclaimed One Good Chair competition and the inaugural Icons of Design, honoring 20 of the world’s top designers and architects. In addition, the lineup includes a Money Market seminar, Mexican Independence Day celebration and a presentation by Howard Putnam, formerly of Southwest Airlines, addressing survival in turbulent times.
Maricich announced yesterday that three new shows are planned for 2010: InspireDesign is a hospitality show that will launch with the February Las Vegas Market and VegasKids and Gift + Home will launch in June.
“Fast forward to the future and it’s possible we could have nearly a dozen shows on our campus,” Maricich said. “The value for someone being a permanent tenant here is magnified.”
