The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) will present "Think Like a Brand, Act Like a Retailer_ - How To Make Your Store More Important Than Anything You Sell.

World Market Center is sponsoring seminars delving into the most recent design trends and use of colors in the home furnishings industry, all of which are free to attendees of Las Vegas Market. These special featured attractions will take place July 25 and July 26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Colorwatch Seminar” hosted by Margaret Walch, director of the Color Association, focuses on the industry’s most current color trends. Walch, a leading authority on the use of color, is a co-author of The Color Compendium and Living Colors: The Definitive Guide to Color Palettes Through The Ages. She has spoken to Fortune 500 companies and national groups such as Nike, Mohawk Industries, and the American Society of Interior Designers. Sponsored by World Market Center and Vance Publishing, this seminar will take place Tuesday, July 25 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, room S226.

"Hot Trends and Timeless Traditions: What’s Selling, who’s buying and where are they shopping?” features Mary Liz Curtin, a speaker and industry consultant specializing in the gift and home furnishings industries, as she focuses on customers and their purchase preferences today. The seminar, sponsored by Withit Inc. and eBay, explores recent trends, newest colors and hottest products. Curtin will highlight what’s in, what’s out and what to expect next year on Tuesday, July 25 from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, room S226.

“Trend watch Live!” hosted by renowned home trend analyst Michelle Lamb, takes her popular Trendwatch column in Accessory Merchandising magazine from the page to the stage. A popular speaker at past markets, Lamb returns to share her home fashion insight, gained from traveling to trade shows worldwide. Find out which colors, motifs and moods will impact tomorrow's décor styles based on the latest looks from a global perspective on Wednesday, July 26 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, room S226.

“Working with Italian Manufacturers” features International Business Consultant Massimiliano De Simoni offering insights regarding importing from Italy. Attendees will learn about developing relationships with Italian manufacturers, including where to find them and how to work with them. This session also presents an outstanding opportunity to meet representatives of up-and-coming Italian furniture lines. Stop by and meet Massimiliano De Simoni Tuesday, July 25 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, room S228.

The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) – the largest affiliate of the National Home Furnishings Association – will present the Academy Training Series, a four-part program created for the design community, which during the July 2006 market is spotlighting ways to better brand company images and increase customer awareness. Seminar topics in the series include:

Think Like a Brand, Act Like a Retailer ~ How To Make Your Store More Important Than Anything You Sell

How To Make Your Store Name the Brand Name

The "Nip/Tuck" Marketing Seminar

Inside Marketing Your Store 101

Speakers include Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender of Kizer and Bender; Leo Levinson of Prescott/Levinson Advertising; Steve Hurwitz of JRM Sales & Management, Inc.; and Willie Davis of R&A Marketing. All of the seminars are set to provide innovative marketing strategies aimed at increasing brand awareness.

In addition to the Academy Training Series, several of the 27 seminars being offered by WHFA in the Retailer Resource Center (Space 210) at World Market Center Building A will focus on strategies aimed at retaining good sales people, growing revenue and operating more efficient businesses.

Dana Pretner, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for World Market Center said, “From learning about current market trends to getting expert advice on running your business, we’re offering 30 terrific, information-packed sessions of a stellar caliber this July Market.”

Las Vegas Market Special Event Highlights:

A number of exciting special events are planned during the days and nights of Market week.

Monday, July 24, Market Kickoff Party, hosted by Furniture Today and World Market Center, is a special reception where buyers and exhibitors can mingle with some of the industry’s most influential people. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. in the World Market Center Atrium.

Tuesday, July 25, the Las Vegas Convention Center hosts Neon Nights! It’s an opportunity to dance to your favorite 70’s and 80’s music while sipping colorful libations and enjoying delicious nibbles. Neon Nights! starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Hall C2.

Wednesday, July 26, it’s time to mosey down to the grill for Las Vegas Market’s BBQ Bash. Experience real cowboy-style BBQ cooking. Beef brisket, ribs and pork start sizzling at 5:30 p.m. at World Market Center’s Food Pavilion.

Wednesday, July 26, head downtown for country crooner Tracy Lawrence’s live performance at the Fremont Street Experience, just blocks away from World Market Center. The free show starts at 9 p.m. on the Fremont Street Experience’s 3rd Street stage, located between the Four Queens and Fitzgerald’s casinos. Tracy Lawrence hit the national stage in 1991 and has been churning out hits and receiving accolades ever since. Influenced by Keith Whitley, Waylon Jennings, George Strait and Randy Travis, Lawrence’s songs like, If The World Had A Front Porch, Alibis, If The Good Die Young, and Can’t Break It To My Heart, are distinctively country with a cutting edge.

Thursday, July 27, an array of cocktails and decadent desserts await those winding down the July Market. Sunset and Cocktails, hosted by World Market Center in the Atrium, provides a perfect chance to meet with friends and relax.

In addition to these special functions, Live Entertainment will be featured daily at World Market Center during Market. See unique Cirque type performances roving throughout the main building and be sure to break for lunch and enjoy live bands playing in the Food Pavilion.

World Market Center tenants and exhibitors will also be hosting a number of promotional events and parties throughout the week, many featuring celebrity designers and television personalities.

For more information, times and locations about the educational seminars and special events planned for the July 2006 Market, please visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.