Officials with World Market Center Las Vegas today announced Briana Mackey as director of market operations for the 7.5 million square-foot home and hospitality contract furnishings showrooms complex under construction in downtown Las Vegas.

In her new role for World Market Center, Mackey will be responsible for planning and implementing all infrastructure and services related to the semi-annual home furnishings markets, including the temporary show, attendee registration, housing, transportation, special events, and buyer services and amenities. The first market is scheduled for July 18-22, 2005.

"We are fortunate to have someone of Briana’s talents on board. She comes to Las Vegas with a successful background in the trade show, market and design center business,” said Dave Palmer, general manager of World Market Center. "We have an opportunity to literally build this market from the ground up and to assemble the best team. Briana’s expertise is a key element to our future success.”

Before joining World Market Center, Mackey was director of marketing for the Columbus MarketPlace in Columbus, Ohio, where she overhauled existing marketing, communications, special event, advertising, and public relations programs, subsequently generating increased attendance and visibility for the wholesale gift and home furnishings market center.

She has also held the position of director of marketing for the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles, a gift and home furnishings marketplace, where she played an integral role in increasing the building’s attendance and occupancy while planning all market events.

Mackey was co-owner and director of marketing for Trade Show Temps, a temporary employment agency specializing in staffing and management of special events, conventions, and trade shows in Los Angeles and throughout California.

"I am thrilled at the opportunity to be part of World Market Center," said Mackey, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications/Public Relations from California State University, Fullerton. "My objective is to create a very seamless and positive experience for our attendees – from the moment they register to the time they step foot into our state-of-the-art facility. This city’s success is built on service, and our team is focused on exceeding the industry’s expectations for this new market center.”

World Market Center is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom complex and convention center being developed in Las Vegas. Phase One will span 1.3 million square feet of permanent showrooms and will showcase furniture, decorative accessories, lighting, area rugs, and related segments, as well as a Design Center open year-round to the trade.