World Market Center to Host Rep Appreciation Day on January 28, 2007

Furniture World Magazine

Sales Reps are typically the first individuals to arrive prior to Market and the last to head home at the end of Market, and World Market Center is planning to roll out the red carpet exclusively for these hard working representatives prior to the start of the Winter 2007 Las Vegas Market. World Market Center is planning a special all day “Rep Appreciation Day” on Sunday, January 28, 2007, offering food, beverages and hospitality throughout the day for all attending sales reps. The rep appreciation event will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the fountain foyer of Building A. Happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m. “Rep Appreciation Day is our way of rolling out the red carpet to the rep community, who are really the unsung heroes of market” said Harvey Dondero, CEO of World Market Center. “We also plan to run shuttles the weekend prior to the Market to and from hotels and World Market Center, for the convenience of sales reps who may be attending pre-Market meetings. Our new ‘M Line’ shuttles will better accommodate reps and exhibitors and will also offer pick up service to the Monte Carlo, a designated hotel for the IHFRA. ” Dondero added that World Market Center has outfitted a new office space on the 16th floor of Building B for IHFRA, which will help the association serve its members. According to Kathy Parks, Executive Director for the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA), Rep Appreciation Day and the new IHFRA office both underline the vital role reps play at the Market and World Market Center’s commitment to these industry professionals. “In a chaotic pre-market day of sales training, World Market Center is offering reps a welcome respite during the day and a great social outlet in the evening.” Parks added, “With the addition of Rep Appreciation Day on Sunday by World Market Center, now all sales reps have a full day of free food and drink and a special evening happy hour. What a positive energy boost for the reps that World Market Center is recognizing them as a driving force in our industry.” IHFRA has increased its member benefits dramatically in the last few years, Parks said. In addition to discounts on trade publications, lodging, car rental and office supplies, IHFRA has concentrated on providing members special discounts for Markets. In addition to members being pre-registered at Markets, the IHFRA pin is recognized as entry at all major US Markets. IHFRA members can take advantage of highly discounted room rates at the Las Vegas Markets and receive information on events and special discounts in weekly e-blasts to membership. Through IHFRA, reps can purchase insurance created specifically for the professional sales. Along with a host of other benefits, IHFRA offers educational training, with the opportunity to become a certified home furnishings representative (CHR). World Market Center is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and convention complex in Las Vegas. The Winter 2007 Las Vegas Market is scheduled for January 29 – February 2, 2007 at World Market Center and Pavilions and January 30 – February 2 at Cashman Center. When fully built, at 12 million square feet in 8 buildings, World Market Center will be the largest trade show complex in the World. The 12 million square foot campus will be complete by 2013 and will showcase furniture, decorative accessories, lighting, area rugs, home textile and related segments, as well as a Design Center (LVDC) open year-round to the trade. The second building will open in January 2007; officials are now leasing the third building to a broad cross-section of the home furnishings industry. For more information on Las Vegas Market, and to find out about leasing or exhibiting opportunities, visit the website or call 888-WMC-SHOW (962-7469).