Atlanta market to feature celebrity designers, special displays

Gift & Home event set to run Jan. 6-13

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 23, 2009

ATLANTA — Presentations by celebrity designers and special product displays are on tap for the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, to be held at AmericasMart Jan. 6-13.

Market officials say the event is building on the energy created by the opening of the redesigned 14th floor of Building 1 in July. Building 1 is the market's Home product center, featuring furniture, accessories, top-of-bed, area rugs and holiday/floral product.

Notable events at the January market include:

• The January 2010 Market Gala at the High Museum of Art, celebrating the exhibition, "John Portman: Art and Architecture." Thursday, Jan. 7, 6-9 p.m.

• Brad Ford speaks about "The Accidental Blogger," on how his quest for inspiration detoured into the world of social media marketing. Friday, Jan. 8, 10-11 a.m.

• Kathy Ireland presents "Creating a Home," a discussion of her design philosophy and aesthetic inspirations. She will share her process of combining pattern, texture and color to create the feelings of a well-lived life. After the session she'll sign copies of her just-released book, "Creating a Home." Friday, Jan. 8, 2-3 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Keynote address by Erik Qualman, the author of "Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business." Saturday, Jan. 9, 11 a.m.-noon.

• Thom Filicia shares his design philosophy and inspirations. The session will be followed by a meet-and-greet and signing of his book, "Style: Inspired Ideas for Creating Rooms You'll Love." Saturday, Jan. 9, 2-3 p.m.

• AmericasMart University, an educational program of business classes taught by industry professionals. Sessions are offered from Thursday, Jan. 7, through Sunday, Jan. 10.

• Museum of Introductions gallery, featuring design-driven area rugs and carpets in a sophisticated, museum-like setting, will be open throughout the market.

"The energy and excitement exuding from within the Home product center has brought this category to a new level, attracting major industry players and internationally renowned designers," said Dave Savula, senior vice president of Building 1. "We look forward to its continued development in 2010 and beyond."