Event News


Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012

Sleepless in Havasu for a Cure Fundraiser

Lake Havasu City, AZMichael Alan Furnishings and Serta Mattress Co., sponsored their fourth annual 24-hour Sleepless in Havasu for a Cure Fundraiser. This year’s event raised $25,206 to benefit the Cancer Association of Havasu’s low cost Mammogram Screening Program.

The event was held at Michael Alan Furnishings on Friday, September 28, where over 33 obtained pledges to sponsor them in staying awake all night long. The event kicked off at 5 p.m. with the Bosom Buddies Cancer Survivor group, and was a night full of fun, including a silent auction. The event was also the kick off for the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Health Fair held on Sat. Oct. 6 at the Aquatic Center.

With one out of eight women diagnosed with breast cancer, the Cancer Association of Havasu was able to fund $86,000 in mammogram screening for women in the community.

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

L.A. MART® SPRING GIFT + HOME MARKET SET TO OPEN MARCH 18—Three-day Market Showcases New Spring and Summer Selections

L.A. Mart® will open its doors to the fast-approaching Spring Gift + Home Market in less than four days. This seasonal Market welcomes retail buyers with fresh new merchandise and ideas to augment their current line-up for spring/summer.

This Market continues to emphasize the California-centric focus that is the cornerstone of MMPI’s California Gift Show, produced in January and July. Many showroom resources are unique to L.A Mart and the region, offering buyers selections unavailable elsewhere. MMPI management remains confident in its Los Angeles venue as the must-shop destination to source both innovative California designed and made products, as well as those produced internationally.

“We are excited to host our retail buyers once again,” said Jeff Sampson, vice president of marketing, L.A. Mart and California Gift Show. “With the new retail sales report from the U.S. Census Bureau just out, the 6.5 % jump in February 2012 retail sales over one year ago February 2011 will undoubtedly translate into serious order writing next week.”

L.A. Mart presents a full year of buyer programming, including Spring and Fall Gift + Home Markets, hosted in March and September respectively, Market Tuesdays, Spring and Fall Gift + Home Sample Sales and the January and July California Gift Show.

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference Launches Facebook Sweepstakes

Win an All Expenses Paid Trip to the 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference in Palm Springs

Home Furnishings Industry Conference 2012 Palm SpringsROSEVILLE, California – The WHFA (Western Home Furnishings Association) and the NHFA (National Home Furnishings Association) are excited to announce a sweepstakes being held on Facebook and in the High Point Market Retailer Resource Center for an all expenses paid trip to the 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference (HFIC) in Palm Springs, California. Participants can enter a business card into a drawing in the Retailer Resource Center during market week, or they can visit the HFIC Facebook page to enter online. The contest will run for ten days, October 21-31, 2011, with a winner being announced on November 1, 2011.

WHFA and NHFA have teamed up with R&A Marketing, a marketing and advertising agency, focused in furniture marketing, from Columbus, Ohio, to help bring this promotion onto Facebook. R&A has developed numerous Facebook applications that allow retailers and businesses to bring interactive promotions to their Facebook page. One out of every 8 minutes is spent on Facebook by its over 750 million active users, creating a powerful tool for businesses to utilize and make more money. Kevin Doran, vice president of R&A Marketing had this to say, “Social media, and especially Facebook, has become such a vital part of successful marketing programs, that it just made sense to use the power of Facebook for the HFIC contest.”

With a theme of California Dreamin’ ~ Gaining the Edge, the 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference will show attendees how to gain a competitive edge in today’s marketplace while following their dreams to build a better future for their business and the industry. Education will be created to meet the needs of all attendees; retailers, manufacturers and services providers. The two and a half day event features over 24 educational sessions, a product showcase offering exclusive pricing from top industry manufacturers and service providers, a fun filled golf tournament and networking opportunities throughout.

To enter, visit www.facebook.com/HomeFurnishingsConference and click on the sweepstakes tab on the far left side. All you need to enter is your name and email address—it’s that simple. Business card entries will also be accepted in the Retailer Resource Center during High Point Market.

During High Point Market be on the lookout for R&A Marketing and WHFA teams who will be asking retailers questions, “What’s your California Dream?” and “How do you gain the edge?”. Responses will then be posted to the HFIC Facebook page, so visit it often and hear what Market-goers have to say!

For more information on the Home Furnishings Industry Conference, email Cindi Williams at cwilliams@whfa.org or call (916) 784-7677.

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

How Do Cultures Influence Color? – IDS Design Series in San Francisco

“How Do Cultures Influence Color?” presented by Stephanie Letsinger,   Sherwin-Williams  

Earn .1 CEU

Join us for this .1 CEU presentation as we explore cultures, understand historical significance of color families, view and compare cultural similarities and disparities among color families and understand global color impact.

Thursday, October 13, 2011  2:30pm – 3:30pm

Click here for featured speakers
Click here for complete conference information
Click here to register online
Click here for registration form

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

Market Square & Suites Announces Event Line-Up For October High Point Market

HIGH POINT, N.C. (September 19, 2011) – Market Square & Suites today announced its October Market events line-up featuring a combination of social, networking and educational opportunities for market goers. Below is a schedule of these not-to-be-missed events hosted by Market Square & Suites.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Daily: Saturday, October 22 – Wednesday, October 26

Daily Sweets in the Suites at Market Square
2:30 – 4:30 PM
Suites at Market Square, SALON and Market Square
Our roaming servers will be passing out a delectable treat for that burst of energy to keep you moving through your afternoon at Market.

Daily Afternoon Receptions
4:30 – 6:30 PM
Suites at Market Square, SALON and Market Square
Swing by one of our reception areas located at the entrance of SMS, by the interior escalator of SMS and SALON and in front of the Factory Restaurant at Market Square and join us for complimentary beer, wine, and specialty drinks every afternoon.

Sunday, October 23

Mimosas & Brunch in Suites at Market Square
11 AM – 1 PM
Suites at Market Square
Come join us for Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and a bite of southern goodness while being serenaded by a sweet little Jazz duo.

The Belgian Flax and Linen Association Reception

Sunday, October 23

2:30 – 4:30 PM – Passed Belgian Chocolates

4:30 – 6:30 PM – Belgian-style Beer and wine

Bars stationed throughout Market Square & Suites

Enjoy Belgian-style refreshments, including Belgian chocolates from Leonidas and Neuhaus , Stella Artois beer, and wine at bars throughout Market Square & Suites.

David Easton Launch Celebration and Book Signing

3 – 4 PM
Safavieh Showroom, Market Square #120

Renowned architect and interior designer David Easton and rug maker Safavieh will introduce Easton’s new Indian Sojourn collection of ikat carpets for Safavieh Couture with a celebration and book signing. The designer will sign copies of his latest book, “Timeless Elegance” at Safavieh’s Market Square showroom, Suite 120.  Wine and Indian-inspired refreshments will be served, and Easton will present the collection with insights into his extensive studies of weaving crafts in Silk Road Cultures.

Market Square Courtyard Party
7 – 9 PM
Market Square Courtyard
Come and join us in the Market Square Courtyard for a relaxing evening under the stars, featuring live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine.

Monday, October 24

UPCYCLE Artistry Runway Show
7 PM – 9 PM
Market Square Courtyard
In conjunction with DSTRIPPED Magazine, ITMA, and Market Square & Suites, we’re putting on a fashion show like no other! Designers from the apparel, footwear, jewelry, furniture and set design industries are coming together to show their creative solutions for discarded fabric Swatches. We’ll also have live entertainment, food, beer and wine.

Tuesday, October 25

Market Square Courtyard Party
7 – 9 PM
Market Square Courtyard
Come and relax in the beauty of our Historic Market Square Courtyard.  We’ll have a DJ on hand to play your favorite tunes, complimentary food, beer & wine.

Wednesday, October 26

Courtyard Cookout
7 – 9 PM
Market Square Courtyard
Pull up a chair and kick back under the stars and join us for our traditional Market cookout.  Connect with colleagues enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment on the last night of Market!

Educational Events

Saturday, October 22

Breakfast in Bed with Leslie: Waking Up to the Power of Social Media

Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership
Antique & Design Center at Market Square, Mezzanine Floor
10 – 11 AM
There’s one topic currently befuzzling the minds of designers, retailers and manufacturers everywhere: How do you measure the return on investment (ROI) of social media? Chock full of insight, specific tips on how to measure a program’s effectiveness, and real-world examples on how to connect the dots between sales, client acquisition and the kind of media exposure that leads to further financial opportunities. Complimentary breakfast served. Sponsored by Pandora de Balthazar

Modern-ique: Integrating Antiques and Artifacts with Modern Design for Today’s Lifestyles

Julia Buckingham Edelmann, Buckingham Interiors & Design LLC
Antique & Design Center at market Square, Mezzanine Floor
2 – 3 PM
Chicago Interior Design Firm, Buckingham Interiors & Design LLC, has a reputation for mixing styles and eras to create surprising, whimsical and unique environments. With an educated eye for only the best and most unique pieces, Edelmann sees aged objects as modern art. Join Edelmann for this engaging look at how she changes perspectives and provides clients with a new sense of history, time after time. Sponsored by VandM.com

Sunday, October 23

Yearbook 2011/2012: Trend Forecast for the Antique and Home Décor Industries

Bill Indursky, VandM.com
Antique & Design Center at Market Square, Mezzanine Floor
2 – 3 PM
For an in-depth and up-to-the-minute analysis of where the antique and home décor industries are headed, look no further than Bill Indursky, co-founder of VandM.com. An award-winning designer, architect, realist painter and author of the upcoming book, Emil Carlsen: The Complete Known Works, Indursky rivets audiences with a fact-based forecast that is thought-provoking and provocative. Indursky will provide insights drawn from the shopping site the “Los Angeles Times” called “the best vintage shopping on the web,” and Apartment Therapy dubbed a “dream source.” Sponsored by VandM.com

Passion and the Six P’s of Successful Retailing

Suzi West, Collier West
Antique & Design Center at Market Square, Mezzanine Floor
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Retail Sherpa, stylist, designer and entrepreneur Suzi West has more than 17 years of retail experience in merchandising, marketing and managing with brands like Express, Aeropostale, NBC, Homage, Limited Brands and DSW. The force behind Columbus, Ohio-based Collier West, with its unique mix of vintage and antique furniture, home furnishings and décor, Suzi is a passionate leader with a record of building brands and environments that turn ideas into profitability. With a focus on the Six P’s of marketing fundamentals, this session is appropriate for both the small business leader and large organization, breaking each practice into understandable and executable steps.  Sponsored by VandM.com

 

You Don’t Smell Potpourri in Here: Reinventing the Antiques Business

Moderator: Karen Luisana, founder of the Antique & Design Center at Market Square
Panelists: Hilary Eklund, Tandem Antiques; Breck Armstrong, Moss Studio; and David Drummond, David Drummond Antiques.
Antique & Design Center at Market Square, Mezzanine Floor
5 – 6 PM
Join Karen Luisana and a panel of experts for an insider’s take on the evolution and revolution underway in today’s antiques business. According to Luisana, people are tiring of disposable, mass-produced goods that don’t last. Everywhere we look, we see that consumers are craving furnishings of real quality. More and more want to invest in pieces with a story behind them that will continue to increase in value over time, and they are gravitating toward the sustainable nature of antiques as well. Sponsored by VandM.com

Monday, October 24

Discover the World of Belgian Linen

Dan Barsanti and Patricia Healing

Market Square #272

9:30-11 AM
Join Dan Barsanti and Patricia Healing, owners and principle designers of HEALING BARSANTI and HB HOME, for a discussion about their choice of Belgian Linen for a wide range of applications in their expanding businesses. Dan and Pat work with Belgian linen through their eponymous interior design firm; in their printed fabrics line (HB Luxe), their furniture line, and HB HOME Design Studios. Belgian-style refreshments will be served. Door prizes awarded. Sponsored by Libeco Home and Libeco-Lagae, Inc.

Understanding the Value of Antiques in Today’s Market

David Lindquist, VandM.com
Antique & Design Center at Market Square, Mezzanine Floor
2 – 3 PM
Prepare yourself to speak intelligently about what is currently happening in the world of antiques, particularly the astonishing decline of antique prices, which is bringing antiques into sharp competition with modern reproductions and fine modern furniture. Convince your clients of the overall enduring value of investing their valuable design dollars in lasting objects. Presentation includes slides and actual objects drawn from the floor of the Antique & Design Center. Sponsored by VandM.com

Found Objects Repurposed for Modern Home Décor

Breck Armstrong, Moss Studios
Antique & Design Center at Market Square, Mezzanine Floor
3:30 – 4:30 PM
With a unique and ever-changing collection of industrial salvage, Breck Armstrong has gained a reputation for creating industrial modern furniture and home accessories. Today, his “objects with stories” are featured in an enviable list of the country’s leading-edge home and style retailers. In this no-holds barred exploration of the category, the designer turns his practiced eye on the best of the industrial movement, how to incorporate the look into modern spaces, and reassuring clients about what they are buying. Sponsored by VandM.com

Tuesday, October 25

Entrepreneurship & Design: The Benefits of Local Sourcing

Clayton Oxford, Clayton Oxford Designs
Antique & Design Center at Market Square, Mezzanine Floor
2 – 3:15 PM
Lead times, delays, and headaches. Sound familiar? Designer and entrepreneur Clayton Oxford believes that when designers design from their local resources, furniture will be made in the U.S. again. Oxford believes design used to be driven by quantity, but now more than ever, it is driven by quality and value. Join him for a discussion on the anomaly of the small business importer and the forced switch to domestic production. Learn how a new sense of design guided by entrepreneurship and local materials will lead furniture production into the future, and gain inspiration from Oxford’s tenacious and naive endeavors to take on the archetype of today’s furniture company. Sponsored by VandM.com

October High Point Market runs from October 22-27, 2011. For complete information about Market events, exhibitors, featured exhibits and more, visit marketsquareandsuites.com.

Market Square & Suites is a property of International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC), the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. International Market Centers owns and operates 11.5 million square feet of world-class exhibition space in High Point, N.C. and Las Vegas.  IMC’s mission is to build and operate an innovative, sustainable, profitable and scalable platform for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries.  For more information on IMC, visit imcenters.com.

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Winning Logo Design Unveiled for the 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference

Roseville, CAWestern Home Furnishings Association and the National Home Furnishings Association have unveiled the winning logo for the 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference, May 6-8 in Palm Springs, Calif. The logo was decided by HFIC Facebook fans who were given the opportunity to vote on their favorite logo from four choices that were provided.

The winning logo of the 2012 HFIC logo contest!

The contest drove traffic to the HFIC Facebook page, increasing page visits by 184% during the two weeks it ran. Also during this time “Likes” of the Facebook page jumped 350%. “The logo contest created a great amount of excitement and activity on Facebook as well as on Twitter,” said WHFA Director of Events, Cindi Williams. “It was fun to see our members, partners and fans get involved and choose their favorite logos. In the end, it was a close race, with the winning logo receiving three more votes than the rest of the entries.”

The winning logo will be seen on all of the marketing collateral for the upcoming event, including ads, luggage tags and onsite materials. The “California Dreamin’ ~ Gaining the Edge” themed event  will show attendees how to gain a competitive edge in today’s marketplace while following their dreams to build a better future for their business and the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to co-create the conference agenda with their favorite sessions being repeated on the second day. The HFIC is geared to meet the needs of all attendees; retailers, manufacturers and services providers.

If you are interested in participating as a sponsor or partner of this event, contact Cindi Williams, WHFA, at cwilliams@whfa.org or (916) 960-0277. For the latest information and updates on the Home Furnishings Industry Conference, follow the event on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HomeFurnishingsConference.

Monday, August 29th, 2011

Home Furnishings Industry Conference Announces 2012 Dates and Logo Contest

Roseville, CA: Western Home Furnishings Association and the National Home Furnishings Association have announced the opportunity to participate in the second annual Home Furnishings Industry Conference scheduled for May 6-8, 2012 at the Westin Mission Hills in Palm Springs, Calif. Following on the success of the inaugural 2011 Home Furnishings Industry Conference, this year’s event promises to bring even more education, networking, expo time and a brand new product showcase.

With a theme of California Dreamin’ ~ Gaining the Edge, the 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference will show attendees how to gain a competitive edge in today’s marketplace while following their dreams to build a better future for their business and the industry. Education will be created to meet the needs of all attendees; retailers, manufacturers and services providers.

To launch the 2012 HFIC campaign, WHFA is letting attendees vote on their favorite logo through the Home Furnishings Industry Conference Facebook page. To submit a vote, visit http://tinyurl.com/hficlogo, scroll through the four logo designs, and leave the letter of your favorite logo in the comments section. The logo with the most votes will become the official 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference logo. “The industry is really starting to embrace technology, which will play a big part at this year’s conference. We have a brand new Social Media Strategy, are developing an HFIC app, putting together a more robust microsite and offering “you-tell-us” education where attendees can vote on sessions they want repeated on day two of the conference. What better way to launch the 2012 HFIC then with a fun interactive contest,” said WHFA Events Director, Cindi Williams.

Voting for the 2012 HFIC logo is open until September 14. If you are interested in participating as a sponsor or partner of this event, contact Cindi Williams, WHFA, at cwilliams@whfa.org or (916) 960-0277. For the latest information and updates on the Home Furnishings Industry Conference, follow the event on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HomeFurnishingsConference.

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

Vote for your 2012 HFIC Logo!

The 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference wants YOU to choose the logo for this year’s HFIC in Palm Springs. Visit the HFIC Facebook page, scroll through the four logo choices and leave a comment with the letter of your favorite logo. Your vote will be tallied and the logo with the most votes will be this year’s HFIC logo! Voting ends September 14.

Save the Date: May 6-8, 2012
Palm Springs, CA
California Dreaming ~ Gaining the Edge

VOTE NOW!

 

See official rules and details.

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Next Generation-NOW to Host Cocktail Reception at Las Vegas Market

Las Vegas, Nev.—The Next Generation-NOW group will host a “Chatter Over Cocktails” reception on Tuesday, August 2 at the Las Vegas Market. The cocktail reception will be from 5-6 p.m. in the One-Six Club on the 16th Floor of Building B.

During the reception, mentors from past generations will be on hand to share their stories and offer advice to the up and coming generation of the home furnishings industry. “Networking and communication are two of the tenants of growth in the furniture industry. Without listening and talking to our peers about current issues, new ideas and even our frustrations, it would be impossible to make any significant strides forward in this industry. This generation not only has its peers to turn to but a sea of individuals from our previous generations,” said Next Generation-NOW Committee Chair, Nick Gates, Gates Home Furnishings. “We have the opportunity at Next Generation-NOW to learn from and network with people who have been through many of the situations we are seeking answers to. Anyone looking for insight to where the furniture industry has been, where it is now and where it’s going is encouraged to attend Next Generation NOW’s ‘Chatter Over Cocktails’ event. There we will have the opportunity to learn, as the future of the furniture industry, from a group of mentors who are eager to extend their expertise and advice.”

Sponsored by FurnitureDealer.net, cocktails and hors d’œuvres will be served as attendees enjoy great conversation and views of the Las Vegas skyline.

Launching during last year’s August Las Vegas Market, the goal of the Next Generation-NOW is to provide professional development, networking and hosted forums and give voice to the unique needs of young furniture professionals through educational and networking events at Markets and industry conferences. The group has successfully hosted numerous networking events during Market and is moving forward on their own website and educational webinars.

RSVP for the Next Generation-NOW event by visiting the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NextGenNow.

Major sponsor for Next Generation-NOW is FurnitureDealer.net.

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

GE Money Is Rolling Out the Red Carpet During the Las Vegas Market

GE Money Is Rolling Out the Red Carpet During the Las Vegas Market. Visit them in the Retailer Resource Center, C-496.

GE Money at the RRC, C-496