In the midst of a challenging economic climate, Las Vegas Market is still moving at full speed. Organizers are delivering a high-energy event to help attendees capitalize on opportunities to grow profitably.

The year's first major international event for home furnishings industry professionals kicks off in high style today in Las Vegas. From products to programming, entertainment to inspiration, cash giveaways to sheer cache, this Winter Las Vegas Market promises to be the best yet.

"As the first major Market of the year, we are making an unprecedented run at reinvigorating the industry," said Dana Andrew, vice president of marketing and public relations for World Market Center.

In the midst of a challenging economic climate, Las Vegas Market is still moving at full speed. Organizers are delivering a high-energy event to help attendees capitalize on opportunities to grow profitably, and buyers are responding. Just look at the numbers: Pre-registration figures exceed both January and July 2007 markets, with a significant increase in international buyer attendance, as well as thousands of new buyers who are attending Las Vegas Market for the first time.

In all, there is expected to be more than 50,000 registered attendees and approximately 1,300 companies exhibiting this week at World Market Center's main buildings, Pavilions and MGM Grand – and they've got everything "new" on tap to spark retailers into buying.

"Many market exhibitors are aggressively rolling out new products this week, introducing their wares to buyers searching for the next hot thing," said Andrew. "More companies than ever before are using Las Vegas Market as a stage to launch new products and lines."

But in Vegas, it's about more than exhibits. It's also about glitz and glamour. In addition to the new products on the showroom and tradeshow floor, buyers will behold the "Home Furnishings Runway" vignettes. These dramatic, highly stylized presentations are on display in World Market Center's atriums, highlighting the complementary nature of furniture and fashion.

Furnishings from trend setters such as Amini Innovation Corp., Haute House, Highland Design, Lexington, Magniflex, Abbyson, Vladimir Kagan, Four Hands, Scandinavian Collection, Zuo Modern, Oly, Zocolo and others will be on display, featuring new combinations on a daily basis.

Fashion savvy retailer Neiman Marcus is World Market Center's partner for this special exhibition. Together, they'll demonstrate how the fashion runway influences today's interiors. Couture can — and does — move from the catwalk into the home.
And it doesn't stop there. The hottest in fashion forward furnishings will set Las Vegas Market ablaze with excitement, forecasting trends and inspiring buzz makers.

Plus, get ready to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous in Las Vegas. The rich part comes in with Las Vegas Market's Fashion Runway Rewards, an unprecedented promotion which features a $500,000 giveaway with daily drawings, hosted by special guest Robin Leach. And the famous part? Bravo TV is using Las Vegas Market as the setting for the "Top Design" casting call this week giving aspiring designers and tastemakers their shot at the big screen.

World Market Center's reach expands beyond its showrooms and pavilions. The MGM Grand is the market's offsite venue, offering 320,000 square feet of exhibits, along with educational programming and events. Here, market-goers can look forward to an expansion of the Market's popular "Vegas Accessory & Gift" and the launch of ConText, the high-end textile segment. Also, attendees will be in awe of the expanded and elevated Design & Living area, a juried showcase that is larger and more cutting-edge than ever before. The Living Green Pavilion is especially noteworthy, as a partnership with Design Green Alliance and the Sustainable Furniture Council. Thanks to the industry's embrace of sustainable products and practices, the Living Green Pavilion has tripled in size this Market.

Market goers may also notice more design students in attendance this session. According to Margaret Casey, director of programming for World Market Center, dozens of in-depth seminars are drawing in design professionals, buyers and students, alike. "As a global player, we have learned that people come to our Market for more than buying, alone, and our goal was to add additional depth to our educational programs, focusing on issues that are relevant to our industry. Whether they are looking for operational guidance, the latest trends or the most pertinent information on sustainability, we have it at Winter Market."

On tap for the week:

• "The Forecast", a three-part trend series
• "Brave New World Environmental Leadership Series" will launch
• "Design Icon," a new series kicking off with legend Vladimir Kagan
• "Afghan Inspirations," a special feature in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Geographic
• Plus, among the most comprehensive "green" programming at any home furnishings tradeshow

It's a lot to take in. With that in mind, World Market Center provides special conveniences for the comfort of attendees. In addition to the popular complimentary M-line shuttle and improved parking program, on-site amenities abound, including full concierge services to help attendees book shows, make restaurant reservations and arrange for nightclub line passes. All attendees will also receive a discount certificate to attend the popular Cirque du Soleil show, Ka, at MGM Grand.

The Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market is happening January 28 to February 1, 2008 at World Market Center's Buildings A, B and Pavilions with temporary exhibitors at the MGM Grand Hotel starting January 29.

The semi-annual Las Vegas Market is the world's fastest-growing trade show for home furnishings. When fully built out to 12 million square feet, World Market Center will boast the greatest depth and breadth of furniture-related products and will be the largest trade fair complex in the world.