New group for young furniture leaders to meet at Las Vegas Market

Next Generation-Now to get together Aug. 3

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, July 29, 2010

LAS VEGAS — A new organization aimed at developing young leaders in the furniture industry will hold a meeting during next week's Las Vegas Market.

The Western Home Furnishings Assn. and former members of the defunct Next Generation organization have teamed to create Next Generation-Now. The group will hold a reception from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, in the One Six Club on Building B's 16th floor.

Next Generation-Now is the revival of the original group, which was formed in 1985 by a furniture retailer in Washington state who wanted to prepare his children to take over the family business. The group held annual conferences that discussed networking, management training, interpersonal relationships and more before eventually fading away.

With the industry now at a pivotal point, the WHFA and former members of Next Generation wanted to revive the group to help with the education of current young leaders, the WHFA said. There is no maximum age limit, but members are typically retailers and other industry professionals who are 40 and younger.

Next Generations-Now sponsors include FurnitureDealer.net, Aspenhome, Associated Volume Buyers, Emerald Home Furnishings, Lane Home Furnishings, Pacific Furniture Dealers and the WHFA.

More Las Vegas Market August 2010 Coverage