International Market Centers (IMC) is expanding industry partner programming and market participation this winter at its Atlanta Market (Jan. 10-16 at AmericasMart Atlanta) and Las Vegas Market (Jan. 29- Feb. 2 at World Market Center Las Vegas).

“Industry associations and buying groups are keen to get back to markets for the Winter 2023 buying season,” noted Dorothy Belshaw, IMC executive vice president, chief customer officer. “As groups return after a pandemic-related hiatus, we are reimagining their presences at Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market. Augmented meetings and gatherings are opportunities for these groups to interact with the greater buying and selling community to showcase their immense value to the furniture, décor and gift industry.”

Groups are using Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market as major educational opportunities for members as well as all market attendees.

GC Buying Group hosts its GCX: Start the Year Conference exclusively at Atlanta Market when 80+ vendors and 160+ buyers assemble for education, a vendor showcase and multiple networking events including the GC Gala at Capital City Club and the Culinary Futures Scholarship Fundraiser in partnership with Les Dames d’Escoffier. Additionally, GC Buying Group will host the GCX Pop-Up in the Demonstration Kitchen in Building 2, Floor 8 where potential members can learn more about the organization.

Las Vegas Market expands its industry partner educational offerings with new programming by the by Interior Design Society adding to existing partnerships with American Society of Interior Designers, Business of Design and the Home Furnishings Association. New in Winter 2023, IDS National presents a seminar about personal branding and a group mentoring session. The ASID California Central/Nevada Chapter leads a market tour of industry partners and a student tour.

Business of Design Advocate-in-Chief Kimberley Seldon teaches a session about maintaining clear boundaries and offers live coaching sessions. HFA returns to Las Vegas Market to present 11 programs offering practical education in marketing and operations for furniture retailers. Additionally, representatives from ASID, Museum Store Association, the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group will serve as “Market Pros” sharing favorite product finds and market moments in takeovers of Las Vegas Market’s social media accounts.

Buying groups are tapping to showcase member brands to new retailer and designers.

At Atlanta Market, four organizations have a presence on the show floor. Greeting Card Association’s *Noted at Atlanta Market Village presents ten up-and-coming brands. Museum Store Association’s The Gallery Collection showcases 20+ members. Georgia Grown presents food products made in Georgia in a pavilion of nearly 20 brands in Gourmet. Fair Trade Federation will identify 12 participating brands throughout the temporary exhibits.

At Las Vegas Market, industry organizations are active in the Gift & Home Temporary Exhibits in the Expo. Fair Trade Federation will showcase a collection of members within the Handmade Section, doubling the amount of member exhibitors, including a micro booth of three companies who will be making their Las Vegas Market debut. Greeting Card Association’s *Noted at Las Vegas Market Village presents three up-and-coming brands. GC Buying Group will have a booth in the Gourmet category for members to network and retailers to learn more about membership. Some seven buying groups – American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, Fair Trade Federation, GC Buying Group, Museum Store Association, North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association, Spa Industry Association and Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group – will host a “Sip and Shop” in the temporary exhibits to introduce retailer and brand members.

In addition to open events, IMC is staging multiple member-only meetings, vendor forums and private gatherings for groups.

New in Atlanta for Winter 2023 are gathering spaces for American Specialty Toy Retailing and The Good Toy Group. Three member meetings returning after a hiatus are North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association, Purchasing Power Plus and Wild Birds Unlimited. Additionally, Hallmark, HTI, MAI Retailers and Palmer Retail Network host vendor forums and meetings and Southwest Buying Group hosts a member meeting.

In Las Vegas, Museum Store Association and Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group host board meetings. American Specialty Toy Retailing presents a gathering space.

IMC is cultivating conversations between leaders of buying groups and associations through in-person gatherings at Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market. Launched virtually during COVID-19 pandemic Market disruption and now in-person, these gatherings are a unique opportunity for leaders to network, discuss member marketing and growth opportunities and gain key insights from Market organizers.

For news of interest to the houseware and giftware industries, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. See previews of Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market in the January issue of Kitchenware News!