Seminars
The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market is pleased to present complimentary, informative, entertaining and educational seminars intended for Market attendees and exhibitors alike.
Keynote Presentation
Tuesday, September 21
Outdoor Elegance
3 p.m. | Suite 1520, 15th Floor
Roger Thomas, executive vice president design for Wynn Design and Development who created the interiors of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore at Wynnn Las Vegas, will headline as the keynote speaker for the 2010 Casual Market. Thomas will showcase his hotel design work and discuss his philosophy and approach to designing outdoor spaces. He also will investigate the trends to move indoor furnishings outdoors and outdoor furnishings indoors.
Retailers and designers can gain new insight into unconventional uses for casual furnishings and inspiration into designing and merchandising with outdoor furnishings and how to help their customers achieve the 'luxury resort' feel in their own homes.
A recognized leader in interior design for the hospitality industry, Roger Thomas was listed in Architectural Digest's AD 100 in 2010 & 2007. In 2008, he was named 'Designer of the Year' at The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York and was elected to the Hospitality Design Platinum Circle in 2005 and received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality in the same year.
Wednesday, September 22
The Big Picture – Are You Ready for the New Consumer?
1 p.m. I fifteen twenty, Suite 1520, 15th Floor
Global trend specialist Maxine Lauer will speak on how the consumer of today is changing and share insights on how you can better serve them, as well as implications on their expectations when purchasing patio products. Learn about the key touch points that appeal to the needs and desires of Gen Now, Gen X, Zoomers and Prime Timers: critical insights into how each segment lives and shops that will help you successfully position your company for future growth. Sponsored by Agio and Casual Living magazine.
Thursday, September 23
Women, Money and Buying Power
1 p.m. I Suite 1520, 15th Floor
Today, if you're not directing your marketing efforts at women, you're missing the mark entirely. Consumer spending drives the U.S. economy and consumer spending is controlled by women.
Lisa LaPorta, Interior Designer and host of several shows on HGTV such as "Designed to Sell," will share ideas on how to targe that female consumer. She will offer advice to make your store, your products and the shopping experience more appealing to your female customers. Presented by Hearth & Home magazine and Jordan Manufacturing.
We are pleased to welcome members of the design trade – interior designers, architects, landscape architects and designers – to Market! Friday’s seminar will focus on design trends in the casual industry and the evolution of outdoor spaces.
Friday, September 24
Perfect Porches; Designing Welcoming Spaces for Outdoor Living
10:30 a.m. I Suite 1520, 15th Floor
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) president and co-founder, Paula Wallace, will discuss the history of designing outdoor spaces and porches over the years and across the country. Showcasing stunning photographs from forty homes in her recent book, "Perfect Porches," Wallace will illustrate how varied and iconic these American spaces can be and present a wealth of structural appointments and designs. The presentation also will provide practical ways to bring privacy to urban porches, adding chic accents to old-fashioned verandas, and creating coziness to modern environments.
Outdoor/Casual Showroom Tours
Following the presentation, design trade professionals, as well as Market dealers and buyers, are welcome to explore the permanent outdoor resources that The Merchandise Mart has to offer year round.
Reference the on-site directory for complete programming information.
