Variety of environmental seminars scheduled for Las Vegas Market
Sessions aim to educate industry on serving growing demand
Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 28, 2009
LAS VEGAS — A variety of environmental education seminars are scheduled throughout the Winter Las Vegas Market to educate buyers and sellers on ecological issues.
The Living Green Pavilion showroom has moved from Building C to B, Suite B-220. Market officials said the showroom will resemble a sustainable Shangri-La.
"As consumer demand for this product rises, retailers have to be ready to meet demand," Margaret Casey, director of programming for the World Market Center Las Vegas and a board member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. "We're focusing on growing as a credible destination for sustainable and eco-friendly furniture and furnishings."
Seminars will all be held in the Living Green Pavilion unless otherwise noted.
Seminars offered include:
Monday, Feb. 9
11 a.m. - noon.
Greening Your Store - Part 1: Sourcing and Operations, presented by Lisa Russell, director of sustainable design for contemporary manufacturer Animavi, draws on her extensive background as a LEED-accredited professional, LEED Retail Core Committee member and former developer of green building guidelines for the Harley-Davidson dealership network to provide specific recommendations for energy conservation, transportation and product sourcing for furniture retailers. A practicing design professional for 14 years, she also brings a hands-on understanding of retail design needs to help minimize expense and become more sustainable.
Tuesday, Feb. 10
11 a.m. - noon.
Greening Your Store - Part 2: Marketing, presented by Jon Dougal of Green Sage Media. Dougal leads a discussion on environmental marketing. Also included is a summary of vital consumer survey data that speaks to trends in consumer awareness and interest, willingness to pay a premium and other need-to-know topics.
2 - 3 p.m.
Dann Foley, principal of Dann Foley Designs, will speak to designers and manufacturers about techniques he employs in his design firm for marketing and selling green design. Foley will be joined by some of his favorite industry manufacturers to discuss green trends, including Tina Lewis, president of Nathan Anthony Furniture, and Hector Rodriguez, president of Wallteriors Custom Wallcoverings, who will share information about their companies.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
11 a.m. - noon
Greening Your Store - Part 3: Sales Training, presented by Greg Harden, CEO of solid-wood manufacturer Harden Furniture. Harden, whose company was the first to earn Silver certification status from the Sustainable Furnishings Council, will present a review of terms and tactics to sell green.
2 - 3 p.m.
Backstage with SFC is a sustainability salon discussion of how the group is working to green the furniture industry: What everyone should be able to do in their communities and operations, what is most challenging and what is most critical.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Retailers Guide to California's New Composite Wood Products Regulation, presented by Angela Csondes of the California Air Resources Board, reviews the basic requirements to furnishings retailers of the regulation and provides an update on implementation. The measure is a new California regulation that will reduce public exposure to formaldehyde by establishing strict emission performance standards on particleboard, medium-density fiberboard and hardwood plywood, collectively known as composite wood products. Location: Retail Resource Center, B-1630.
3 - 4 p.m.
Ab Fab Nursery with HGTV's Paige Rein, focuses on earth-friendly nurseries. Location: Building B, World Forum.
Friday, Feb. 13
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Green Leaders: Certified Sustainability Training Program is a six-course examination series resulting in accreditation as an SFC Certified Trainer. Course segments include environmental issues, consumer understanding, materials, operations, marketing and sales and interior design. Intended for manufacturers, retailers and designers, the series is to help provide an understanding of sustainability as it relates to the home furnishings industry and how to communicate it to others. Content is approved by ranking staff of the Rainforest Alliance and World Wildlife Fund and CEU credits are available. This is a fee-based course, offered by the SFC. For more information, contact Susan Inglis at (919) 621-2202 or susan@sustainablefurnishings.org.
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Educational seminars set for market
Feb 2, 2009
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