AmericasMart Opens Conference Center

With the grand opening of its newest building, Building 2 WestWing, AmericasMart has added a four-floor Conference Center. With more than 222,000-square-feet of trade show and conference space, the new addition overlooks Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. During the upcoming Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, January 6-14, 2009, Building 2 WestWing will house the HIGH DESIGN, Gourmet, Coastal Lifestyles, Garden Products, Collegiate Products, and Souvenir, Resort & Novelty Gifts temporary section in the Conference Center. The expanded temporaries will be connected via covered skywalk to AmericasMart’s Building 3.

To register, visit www.americasmart.com.

DPNC Honors Casey

Design Professionals of North Carolina (DPNC) recently honored Brian D. Casey, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority (HPMA) for outstanding contributions to the organization. Among the industry leaders who joined the effort to challenge a Department of Revenue audit investigation, Casey attended one of the first DPNC meetings and gave his time and expertise to help DPNC address the issue. Casey addressed the North Carolina State Senate on behalf of the organization and explained issues facing the design industry. The state’s Department of Revenue had been targeting an alarming number of interior design firms of all sizes throughout North Carolina.

Led by Winston-Salem, NC-based designers Susan Carson, allied member ASID and principle of Susan Carson Associates, Inc., and Emmy Williams, ASID, IIDA, principle of Interior Solutions, Inc., the group successfully passed two legislative bills in North Carolina prohibiting sales tax on interior design services. For their efforts, Carson and Williams were recently honored with the ASID Carolinas Service Award.

Susan Carson (far left) and Emmy Williams (right) recognize HPMA’s Brian Casey for outstanding contributions to Design Professionals of North Carolina.

Loloi Expands AmericasMart Showroom

Five years after its debut in Atlanta, Loloi Rugs has expanded its current AmericasMart showroom in Building One, #4C7). Loloi is adding 3,000 square feet and will unveil its new 8,000-square-foot showroom during the January Atlanta International Area Rug Market, January 7-12, 2009. Loloi will celebrate its fifth anniversary and expansion in its showroom on Thursday, January 8^th.

Global Views Doubles DMC Showroom

Global Views has doubled its showroom space at Dallas Market Center (DMC). The new space, which will now showcase furniture and lighting, will be unveiled during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, January 14-20, 2009. The expanded showroom is in suite #608-WTC.

Whitecraft Partners With PBS, Susan G. Komen For The Cure

PBS’s “For Your Home,” which provides renovated interiors for deserving families and individuals, featured Whitecraft outdoor furnishings in the Susan G. Komen Dream Home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Whitecraft’s transitional collection, San Miguel, is included in the design of two exterior spaces. Proceeds from the public tours of the home, which ended in mid-December, benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure.

Pieces from Whitcraft’s San Miguel Collection are featured in the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Dream Home.

Las Vegas Market Announces Forecast Series

During the Winter Las Vegas Market, February 9-13, 2009, at World Market Center, The Forecast Series will present the latest trends and developments within the home furnishings industry. The seminars, which are all held on the 6^th Floor of Building B, will be presented by noted subject matter experts. The Forecast Series includes:

• “The Forecast: Color,” Monday, February 9th, 10-11 a.m., presented by Leatrice Eiseman of the Pantone Color Institute.
• “The Forecast: Trends For The Home,” Tuesday, February 10th, 10-11 a.m., presented by Michelle Lamb of The Trend Curve.
• “The Forecast: Lighting For The Home,” Wednesday, February 11th, 10-11 a.m., presented by Randall Whitehead.

In addition to The Forecast Series, WMC will present a full schedule of educational seminars. Meanwhile, the Western Home Furnishings Association will present a series of industry seminars in the Retailer Resource Center.

To register, visit www.lasvegasmarket.com.

Peking Handicraft Debuts Trina Turk Designs

Home décor and gift manufacturer Peking Handicraft has introduced a new licensed textile collection, Trina Turk Residential. The new collection features the apparel designer’s signature clothing prints inspired by the culture, architecture and landscape of Los Angeles. The Trina Turk Residential Collection for Peking Handicraft offers needlepoint and embroidered pillows and hook rugs.

ASID Joins A+DEN’S Steering Committee

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has joined the Steering Committee for the Architecture and Design Education Network (A+DEN). A+DEN serves as a channel for sharing information with educators and students through national and regional conferences, forums and workshops, and sharing best practices in architecture and design education. A+DEN’s long-term goals include increasing the public’s involvement in the design process. The A+DEN Steering Committee organizations include:

• American Architectural Foundation (Founder)
• Chicago Architecture Foundation (Founder)
• American Institute of Architects (Founder)
• ACE Mentor Program
• American Society of Interior Designers
• American Society of Landscape Architects
• Architectural Foundation of San Francisco
• Arts Education Partnership Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution Learning By Design: Massachusetts,
• Boston Society of Architects National Building Museum

NYIGF Features French Pavilion

During the New York International Gift Fair, January 25-29, 2009, at the Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers, French designers of gift products for the home and more will be featured in two French Pavilions, sponsored by Ateliers d’Art de France and the French Ministry for Foreign Trade. Under the “Created In France” banner, visitors can discover both new and established companies showing their newest products, including wooden toys, dolls, bath products, writing instruments and more.

Jean-Pierre Lepine will offer its artistic pens in Booth #4154.

7W To Host International Buyer Appreciation Day, Expands Online Services

7W New York has announced the return of its International Buyer Appreciation Day during the New York Gift and Home Textiles Markets at 7W, January 23-29, 2009. Co-sponsored by the 7W Exhibitors Association, the building will welcome its international buyers on two days – January 23^rd and January 24^th – providing them with showroom specials, giveaways, raffles and pre-show tours. 7W is extending International Appreciation Day to cover a two-day period, allowing a greater number of international buyers to take part in the scheduled events and special amenities, including: in-suite events and receptions, complementary goodie bag, a welcome lounge area with refreshments and concierge services.

Meanwhile, 7W New York has launched of the 7W E-Catalog Gallery on its website, www.7wnewyork.com. The interactive resource allows buyers to shop and prepare for market visits prior to arriving at 7W. The E-Catalog Gallery officially launched for the New York Gift and Home Textiles Markets at 7W.

To register, visit www.7wnewyork.com.

GSMA Addresses Industry Challenges

The bi-annual meeting of the Gift Sales Managers Association (GSMA) was held at the Sanibel Harbor Resort this past November with 63 members from 101 member companies. The two-day conference included topics and group activities designed to encourage “thinking outside the box” strategies to face current economic challenges. Topics included technology applications for the gift industry, e-mail marketing, effective training and international business development. A number of industry professionals and guests provided keynote speeches and presentations.

During the meeting, GSMA members began planning its sponsorship of a buyer’s lounge during the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, January 6-14, 2009, located in Building 2, #707.

Lunt Silversmiths Renews 41 Madison Lease

Lunt Silversmiths has renewed its permanent showroom lease on the 4^th Floor at 41 Madison. Buyers will find the company’s sterling silver flatware, hollowware, a wide variety of gifts and stainless steel flatware during the New York Gift Show, January 25-29, 2009, and New York Tabletop Market, April 21-24, 2009.

To register, www.41madison.com.

L.A. Mart Announces January Market Events

The L.A. Mart has announced the schedule of events planned for the L.A. Mart Gift & Home Market, January 16-19, 2009. Each floor at the L.A. Mart will be themed around a popular movie, and this movie will provide the backdrop for food, drink, décor and entertainment. From 2-4 p.m. each day, the lobby will become a mini-party with themed food and drink. In addition, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 2-4 p.m. additional entertainment for guests will be provided, and on Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. there will be additional catering and party-like atmosphere on each floor.

The special event schedule includes:

• Power Lunch Seminars, 12 p.m., January 16 and 17, #740.
• Robert Rothschild Farm Tasting, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., January 14, #870.
• Joanne & Company Meet And Greet, 12-7 p.m., January 16, #340.
• Special Cultural HIV/AIDS African Dance-Drama Performance, 2 p.m., January 16-19, 2^nd Floor.
• Home Sweet Home Meet And Greet, 2 p.m., January 16, #405.
• Bridal Event Seminar, 2 p.m., January 16, #530.
• Stephen Young Cookbook Seminar And Signing, 5 p.m., January 16, #830.
• PINK’S Weenies And Bellinis, 6 p.m., January 16, #846.
• Late Night Shopping, 6-8 p.m., January 16.
• Woodstock Chimes 30^th Anniversary, 10 a.m., January 17, #560.
• Joy To The World Collectibles Product Launch Party, 1 p.m., January 17, #551.

To register, visit www.lamart.com.

DMC Announces Keynote Speakers, Next Big Thing Judges

Dallas Market Center (DMC) has announced the keynote speakers for the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, January 14-20, 2009. In addition to the keynote speeches, buyers will experience dozens of other educational seminars, walking tours and networking opportunities. The three keynote presentations include:

• “Meredith Baxter: Actress, Activist And Business Entrepreneur,” presented by Meredith Baxter, 2 p.m., January 16, WTC Hall of Nations.
• “Techniques For Trumping Tough Times: More Money, Less Stress,” presented by Bob Negen, 12 p.m., January 16, WTC Hall of Nations.
• “International Christmas Style,” presented by Jim Marvin, 2 p.m., January 17, WTC Hall of Nations.

Meanwhile, DMC has announced “The Next Big Thing” contest judges. “The Next Big Thing” is a national search for the best new products, and the judges will select the winner of the contest from among three finalists during the Total Home & Gift Market (January 14-20, 2009) on Saturday, January 17, 2009. This year’s four judges include Rob Brinkley, Brittany Edwards, Andrea Lillo and Bessie Nestoras.

To register, visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com.

Decor Place Announces Top 2009 Home Décor Trends

Decor Place has announced its list of the Top 10 Home Décor Trends for 2009. The trends include:

• Color Your World: Colors will literally be across the spectrum next year. The Pantone Color Institute forecasts lively colors and sophisticated, grounded hues with Fuchsia Red, Salmon Rose, Palace Blue, Lavender, Rose Dust and Vibrant Green predicted to be popular.
• Light Up Your Life: Because residential interiors are incorporating, more intense paint colors more light is needed to properly illuminate a room. Lighting manufacturers will introduce chandeliers with more arms or multiple lights per arm, as well as pendants and wall-mounted fixtures that accept higher-wattage bulbs.
• We’ve Got You Covered: Wall murals will continue to be in high demand in 2009.
• Establishing A Pattern: Patterns will be updated and reinvented, combining classic and contemporary styles in one piece, utilizing tiny, country patterns that include calico or patchwork, and trying distinctive materials that cluster and layer upon each other.
• Comfort Is Key: 2009 is the year of comfort, with furniture that is comfortable and functional, yet still elegant.
• Wood Is Good: Wood flooring is blending into an eclectic mix of wood tones. Floors, walls, ceilings (bead board) and furniture will incorporate wood at their center.
• Shining Stars: Metals will continue to shine next year, being translated into modern metallic finishes and textures that create a sense of visual excitement and high energy.
• Hooray For Hollywood: The glamour, class and luxury of old Hollywood will be popular in 2009 with modern updates such as bamboo and bold colors.
• Embrace The Outdoors: Seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor space are envisioned for 2009.
• Go Green: Eco-friendly products will continue to be in demand by today's energy-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

Heimtextil To Present AIT Innovation Award

Heimtextil, January 14-17, 2009, at the Messe Frankfurt Fair Grounds in Frankfurt, Germany, will honor innovative home and contract textile designers with the AIT Innovation Award and the Architecture, Textile and Contract Business Innovation Prize. The judges will consider both prototypes and finished products for the award exhibit during the show, and the award-winning designs will be announced in a special presentation on January 14^th.

To register, visit www.usa.messefrankfurt.com.