Partnership with residential design, construction shows could boost January market in Vegas

The Las Vegas Market’s recently announced partnership with three major trade shows that overlap the January home furnishings market could be a boon for furniture industry exhibitors anxious to get in front of buyers from the design, construction and home improvement fields.

This unique buying opportunity is possible because of the market’s partnership with the International Builders Show (IBS), which is sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders; the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which is sponsored by the National Kitchen and Bath Association; and the National Hardware Show. (IBS and KBIS operate under the Design & Construction Week banner.)

All three shows will take place Jan. 31- Feb. 2 at the massive Las Vegas Convention Center. Those dates conveniently overlap the furniture market, which will be Jan. 29-Feb. 2 at the World Market Center.

And for good measure, a fourth related trade show, The International Surface Event, which caters to the flooring, stone and tile industries, also takes place Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

“By co-dating Las Vegas Market’s thousands of exhibitors in permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits showcasing the latest furniture, bedding, casual/outdoor, home décor and gift products, Design & Construction Week now presents the full spectrum of resources not just for building a house, but also for making it a home,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers, owner of the World Market Center. “Las Vegas will be THE residential design, construction, and furnishings destination for our industry.

Organizers say the partnership will include a number of cross-promotions leading up to the show dates. During show week, shuttles will be provided between the Convention Center and the World Market Center, and badges for the three Convention Center events will be accepted as credentials for the furniture market.

The partnership could be especially beneficial to companies such as Zuo who occupy permanent World Market Center showrooms that are open year-round.

“This is a great opportunity to show our product to buyers who probably haven’t attended a furniture market but could benefit from incorporating our line into their designs,” said Luis Ruesga, CEO of Zuo. “It will make it easier for interior designers and builders to seamlessly coordinate their plans, which is especially important as our industry continues to sort out supply chain issues.”

He believes Zuo’s eclectic line, which is heavy on mid-century modern designs in the upholstery, occasional, lighting and outdoor furniture categories, is “on-trend” for today’s designers and home builders who aren’t designing multimillion-dollar mansions.

“They’re looking for pieces that are out-of-the-ordinary and can’t be found in every other showroom,” Ruesga said.

World Market Center officials are encouraging exhibitors to keep their showrooms open throughout the last day of the furniture market, which is Thursday, Feb. 2, to accommodate buyers from the other three shows. They’re also advising attendees and exhibitors and attendees to make hotel reservations sooner rather than later because of the anticipated heavy demand for rooms in late January and early February.