Dates change for furniture market

Starting next year, World Market Center Las Vegas will host its biannual trade show for the home-furnishings industry in fall and winter instead of summer and winter.

The change in dates is based on extensive third-party surveys and feedback from home-furnishings buyers and manufacturers, and is designed to better serve every segment of the industry both domestically and internationally.

In addition, starting with September 2009, the market will be held for four days instead of the traditional five, with the official start on a Monday and closing on a Thursday. The fall 2009 Las Vegas Market will be held Sept. 14-17 and does not conflict with the Jewish holidays. As in the past, showrooms wishing to remain open after the official close of market are free to do so.

The winter 2009 Las Vegas Market will take place Feb. 9-13, as previously scheduled.

Tenants, buyers and designers indicated that the unique efficiency of World Market Center’s campus allows them to maximize productivity in a shorter period of time while minimizing expenses.

“World Market Center Las Vegas is the only venue of its kind that can adjust so quickly to the evolving needs of the industry,” said Robert Maricich, president and chief executive officer. “Our comprehensive and fully integrated campus is the ideal market for conducting business productively and efficiently in four days. Our research clearly shows that buyers and exhibitors don’t want more days in a market; rather they want to focus on a market that is convenient and productive and is respectful of the value of their time and money. Las Vegas Market has emerged as the most efficient and productive market experience, and our new date pattern reinforces our commitment to maximize opportunities for participating exhibitors, buyers and designers. Importantly, our dates ensure a time of the year when hotel rates and other travel costs are quite reasonable, while delivering the world-class experience and amenities that only Las Vegas can provide.”

World Market Center also plans to launch a new and separate Gift and Decorative Accessories show in Summer 2010 to address the specific needs of this segment of the industry. The event will enable exhibitors to showcase their products at an opportune time for the holiday buying season.

The show is part of World Market Center’s expanding business platform; other industry segments will be evaluated for possible stand-alone trade shows as well.

The July 2008 event hosted a record-breaking crowd with more than 50,000 buyers, exhibitors and designers, representing a 7 percent increase in attendance from last year as well as a greater number of international attendees.