Dates for three Vegas markets to overlap
By Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, October 12, 2004
Las Vegas — Operators of two furniture shows here have changed their dates to coincide with the new July 25–29 dates of the first World Market Center event.
The Las Vegas Furniture Show in the Sands Exposition Center, and the International Furniture & Accessories Marketplace at the Las Vegas Convention Center are now set for July 26–28, the operators said.
Late last week, the WMC said it was pushing back its inaugural market by a week so it could secure 630,000 square feet for more temporary exhibits in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
If all goes as planned, the combined three shows could total more 3.1 million square feet of space with more than 1,200 exhibitors.
Stephan Phelps, president of Triad Expositions, organizer of the Las Vegas Furniture Show, said the WMC's move is "very positive."
"We have always believed the more manufacturers that are in Las Vegas for this furniture week, the better this is going to be for the entire furniture industry," Phelps said, adding he doesn't believe the WMC was trying to squeeze out the competing shows with its expansion of temporary space.
"They had a need to service their clients," he said.
Phelps said a number of national sources have reserved space in his show, which is almost 75% sold, and that the Sands has reserved an additional hall should he need more space. Phelps estimated the Las Vegas Furniture Show will have 125 to 150 exhibitors in 335,000 square feet.
Shane O'Sheeran, show manager for Bentley International's IFAM, said he is rescheduling with the convention center for about 500,000 square feet of gross space on the new dates, and is awaiting confirmation.
Between 25% and 30% of IFAM's space is now leased by more than 100 companies, O'Sheeran said, adding he expects 360 to 400 exhibitors will be on board by show time.
The WMC's date change could be good news for the San Francisco Market, which was facing defections when the two market dates overlapped. The San Francisco show is set for July 20–23.
Without the conflicting dates, "it makes it easier for buyers and exhibitors to plan their business trips for summer 2005," said Rose-ann Carini, San Francisco Mart general manager.
Two other industry gatherings are set for the same week in Las Vegas. The Assn. of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers will hold its show in the Las Vegas Convention Center on July 27–30. The Assn. of Progressive Rental Organizations will meet July 25–28 at the Mandalay Bay Resort.
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Vegas shows seek date changes
Oct 21, 2004 -
WMC date change stirs other Vegas movement
Nov 7, 2004
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