The study is based on a comprehensive consumer study commissioned in 2007 by the publisher of popular shelter magazines Country Living, House Beautiful, O at Home, and others.

WithIt (Women in the Home Industries Today) will host "Home Rules", a furniture-trend event for Las Vegas Furniture Market attendees, presented by Kelly Peterson, Group Advertising Director, Hearst Integrated Media. The hour-long presentation is scheduled for Monday, January 28 at 4:00 pm, in the World View Conference Room in Building B with a reception following.

Home Rules is based on a comprehensive consumer study commissioned in 2007 by the publisher of popular shelter magazines Country Living, House Beautiful, O at Home, and others. The presentation will focus on how Americans create their most lived-in rooms. Peterson's talk will:

-  Quantify current decorating and renovating activity in the American home
-  Identify areas of growth in decorating and renovating
-  Explore what consumers are searching for when designing their most lived-in rooms
-  Understand American's current and future design aesthetic
-  Document the buying process for home-related products – from inspiration to purchase

Green Vegas
The Winter Furniture Market is scheduled for January 28 - February 1, 2008 at World Market Center and the MGM Grand. Sustainable furnishings and functions are expected to dominate the Market.

This Winter Market is World Market Center's most aggressive and environmentally effective programming to date, said Dana Andrew, vice president of marketing and public relations. "Green is no longer new to our industry, it is an expectation that is growing in importance and has moved into mainstream America. We've reached a tipping point, and as a market leader it is our responsibility to offer programming and showcase innovative products in this area."

The semi-annual Las Vegas Markets provide World Market Center the opportunity to present forward-thinking green philosophies and education. Whether someone wants to know about sourcing FSC wood, eco-friendly bedding trends, or marketing sustainable product profitably, the educational opportunities are available in Las Vegas.

Among many other initiatives and programs planned at January Las Vegas Market that highlights the growing importance of sustainability:

- The Brave New World Environmental Leadership Education Series will introduce Market attendees to some of the best practices covering all aspects of the industry. The seminar lineup will include Going Green: The 10-Step Program, The Greening of America: What It Means to You.

- Simmons Bedding Company executives will share their own valuable industry encounters in From the Plant Floor to the Sales Floor, a talk about eco-friendly bedding.

- How to Effectively Purchase FSC Wood features a panel discussion followed by a Q&A on the best practices for procuring Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. Topics also include practical information on where to get the best help and how the Mixed Source Rule makes it easier. Hear from The Rainforest Alliance's Rick Hilton, who is a respected international expert on global sourcing for wood, and others. Hilton provides consulting to Fortune 500 companies on responsible furniture procurement.

- Listen up as Buddhist monk-turned-world-traveler turned-designer Tucker Robbins presents the design community with an update on his current "Green Project." Robbins is turning a decommissioned high school in Virginia into a "green factory" for his designs, complete with a green restaurant. His client roster includes Barneys, Donna Karan, the Gensler Group, Ian Schrager Hotels, Le Parker Meridien and Mandalay Bay.

- Other environmental programming will include What Retailers & Consumers need to know about Natural & Organic Home Textiles.

- Designer Dann Foley will share his thoughts regarding how to sell green and still make money in a session put on by the Western Home Furnishings Alliance in the WHFA Retailer Resource Center.

- Expect to see a strong shade of green during the Market's trend sessions, including presentations by Michelle Lamb and other top forecasters.

- Closing out Market Week, the monthly "First Friday" seminar series in Building B will feature Michael Maury of Gettys Architecture and Design who will discuss the future of the hospitality design industry. He'll forecast future trends, such as the universal adoption of LEED standards.

Programming will take place at World Market Center's World Forum, MGM Grand (home of the Living Green Pavilion) as well as the WHFA Retailer Resource Center throughout Market week. All seminars are free. The Sustainable Furniture Council will also meet in Las Vegas, and guests are welcome.