New Vegas furniture shows add more aspects

Jennifer Shubinski

Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005 | 10:38 a.m.

The World Market Center continues to gain momentum with the addition of two "state side" versions of European textile shows that will be hosted in conjunction with the inaugural Las Vegas furniture tradeshow this summer.

International tradeshow producer Messe Frankfurt Inc. along with the World Market Center will bring small versions of the Heimtextil and Ambiente home decor and textile shows to Las Vegas under the name Interior Lifestyle USA.

The show within a show will include global manufacturers in the home textiles and furnishings industries.

The show will be hosted in conjunction with the Las Vegas tradeshow, scheduled for July, and will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Also at the convention center will be the furniture show's temporary exhibits and the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers convention.

The shows are expected to attract more than 70,000 buyers from around the world.

"We believe that World Market Center is poised to become the predominant international marketplace for home furnishings and hospitality contract in the U.S.," Roland Bleinroth, president of Messe Frankfurt Inc., said in a statement.

Heimtextil and Ambiente, both held in Frankfurt each January and February, respectively, are important international industry trade fairs. Both shows are produced by Messe Frankfurt.

"World Market Center is positioned as a significant international player in the home furnishings and hospitality contract industries," Shawn Samson, co-managing partner of World Market Center said in a statement. "We will continue to expand our international strategic alliances in the future."

Hospitality contract industries cater to hotels and resorts.

Upon completion the World Market Center will include 7.5 million square feet of permanent exhibition space. The first 1.3 million-square-foot building is nearing completion at Grand Central Parkway and Bonneville Avenue near downtown Las Vegas.

Additional space has been leased at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing this summer's show to 2.5 million square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition space. The first market, open to those in the furniture industry, will be July 25 to 29.