July Atlanta Market To Offer Expanded Seminar Schedule
AmericasMart® Atlanta celebrates the home, gift and rug industry with exciting events, presentations and festivities at The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market®(Showrooms: Tuesday, July 7 – Tuesday, July 14, Temporaries: Thursday, July 9 – Monday, July 13) and The Atlanta International Area Rug Market® (Wednesday, July 8 – Saturday, July 11, 2015).
The industry experts, TV stars, tastemakers and well-known authors such as Shabby Chic founder Rachel Ashwell, the Beekman Boys, Chef Virginia Willis, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, Jamie Durie, Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot of HGTV’s “Love It or List It, Too,”; and “O, The Oprah Magazine” Creative Director Adam Glassman are all set to make an appearance at the July 2015 market. Multiple engaging discussions and presentations, such as “;10 Ways to Maximize from Blog Traffic, are to take place in The Education Center, as well as presentations with the Oriental Rug Retailers Association (ORRA).
The debut of the Portman Boulevard Summer Patio, the ICON HONORS ceremony, multiple celebrations in honor of the Portman White release including the Portman White Vignette Gallery and other innovative events are also set for the 2015 July market, including:
TUESDAY, JULY 7 – SUNDAY, JULY 12
Portman Boulevard Summer Patio
11 a.m.–7 p.m. | Parking Lot on the Corner of Portman Blvd. & Spring St.
Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Buyers are encouraged to cross the street to the Portman Boulevard Summer Patio to enjoy fare from Atlanta’s finest food trucks, listen to music, and explore what’s new and next in outdoor living products. Fred Schneider of the B52s hosts an “Evening of Fun” sponsored by Monster Coffee with DJ Vicki on Friday, July 10.
TUESDAY, JULY 7 – TUESDAY, JULY 14
Portman White Vignette Gallery
Market Hours | Building 1, Floor 14, Space 14-D-9
Seven talented interior designers have created unique vignettes inspired by the signature Portman White paint color, featuring products sourced throughout the AmericasMart campus. Open during Market hours.
WEDNESDAY, JULY8
Southern Traditions Cooking Demo
Presented by Chef Matt Deckard, Executive Chef of Glenn’s Kitchen
11 a.m.–Noon | Building 2, Floor 8, Demonstration Kitchen
Enjoy a sampling of Southern favorites and explore the flavors of the Low Country, tasting shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes. Deckard promises “y’all won’t leave hungry.”;
Be Prepared for Retailers on Opening Day
Presented by George Kacic, AmericasMart Executive Vice President of Retail Services featuring an Experts Panel
3–4 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 10, Room 1003
With over 38 years of experience as an exhibitor, Kacic moderates this can’t-miss panel of industry experts sharing invaluable insights for a successful Market.
THURSDAY, JULY 9
The World of Shabby Chic
Presented by Rachel Ashwell, Founder of Shabby Chic
Sponsored by Charles Ray & Associates
10–11 a.m. | Building 1, Floor 15, Designer Workspace
The essence of Shabby Chic is a timeless, romantic and charming interior filled with beautifully worn and well-loved objects, flowers in abundance and the promise of enveloping comfort. Hear the tale behind the iconic brand and purchase a copy of Ashwell’s new book, “The World of Shabby Chic.”;
Social Sites That Should Be on Every Retailer’s Radar
Presented by Christi Tasker, CEO, PuTTin’ OuT
11 a.m.–Noon | Building 2, Floor 10, Garden Seminar Room
Keeping up with social sites can be a time-draining chore if retailers are not using the appropriate tools. Tasker teaches timesaving tools and methods to build a social foundation and ensure a business hits the nail on the head this holiday season.
Meet & Greet with the Beekman Boys
11 a.m.–1 p.m. & 2–3 p.m. | Building 3, Floor 3, Booth 2407
Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, from television’s “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” and “The Amazing Race,” are the founders of Beekman 1802. Their goat milk skin care puts a modern twist on traditional life, emphasizing the use of botanical-based ingredients from a farm, rather than a lab.
Cooking Demo: Lighten Up, Y’all
Presented by Chef Virginia Willis, Author of “Lighten Up, Y’all!”;
Noon–1 p.m. | Building 2, Floor 8, Demonstration Kitchen
Chef Willis – popular chef and award-winning cookbook author – is back at AmericasMart with her latest cookbook, “Lighten Up, Y’all!” Willis is the former kitchen director for Martha Stewart and Bobby Flay, a contributing editor to “Southern Living” magazine, and a regular contributor to “FoodNetwork.com.” Join her as she captivates the audience with her stories and inspires with her tips, techniques, and recipes for summer entertaining!
Meet the ORRA Board of Directors
12:30–1:15 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, Seminar Room 4-B-1
An opportunity to meet the ORRA board members and share thoughts and opinions with new ORRA President Rob Leahy.
Knot to Be Missed
Sponsored by ORRA
1:30–2:15 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, Seminar Room 4-B-1
Jim Garner and ORRA Vice President Mike Joseph will examine and discuss a group of selected rugs to help attendees develop their own rug identification skills.
The Education Center: 10 Ways to Maximize from Blog Traffic
Presented by Christi Tasker, CEO, PuTTin’ OuT
2–3 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 10, Seminar Room 1002
Tasker shares powerful tips on attracting more potential shoppers to websites and blogs while getting higher search rankings on Google without paying a dime.
Enhancing Your Rug Appraising
Sponsored by ORRA
2:30–3:30 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, Seminar Room 4-B-1
ORRA Appraisal Committee Chairman Mark Keshishian and a panel of Certified Rug Appraisers (CRA) will open a forum to address the discipline associated with rug appraising in today’s marketplace.
Portman White Garden Party
3 – 5 p.m. | Building 2, Registration Lobby Vignette
Buyers are invited to see how RestyleSource’s talented design team incorporates Portman White into a garden party vignette while enjoying light refreshments.
The Education Center: How to Achieve Instant Sales with Instagram
Presented by Christi Tasker, CEO, PuTTin’ OuT
3–4 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 10, Seminar Room 1002
Tasker shares case studies of retailers with proven track records of success using Facebook, Instagram and other social sites to sell directly to their customers.
ICON Honors
6 p.m. | Hyatt Regency Atlanta
A special evening celebrating excellence in the gift and home industries featuring a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, awards presentation and entertainment by Hall & Oates. Tickets required: AmericasmartIconHonors.com.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
Certified Rug Appraiser Examination
Sponsored by ORRA
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, Seminar Room 4-B-1
Jim Garner and education committee members will conduct the exam in two parts: written and rug identification. Examinees will be quizzed on their historical and technical knowledge of hand-knotted rugs and tested on the proper identification of 35 Oriental rugs on site.
Legal Strategy Session for Creative Entrepreneurs
Presented by Angie Avard Turner, Esq.
11 a.m.–Noon | Building 2, Floor 10, Garden Seminar Room
Turner presents a beginner’s seminar on how to proactively protect a business, spot issues that may arise, and best practices on minimizing risk.
Cooking Demo: Summertime Classics
Presented by Alex Guarnaschelli of Food Network’s “All-Star Academy”;
Noon–1 p.m. | Building 2, Floor 8, Demonstration Kitchen
Chef Guarnaschelli creates old-school comfort dishes that are perfect for the summer season. Book signing and sale of Chef Guarnaschelli’s book, “Old-School Comfort Food,” to immediately follow.
Gift’s White Party
1:30 p.m. | Building 2, Floors 6, 9, 14, 15, 18
Who said the new Portman White paint color was only for the home category? Celebrate its launch by enjoying foods dressed in white.
Floor 6: 1:30 p.m.
Floor 9: 2 p.m.
Floor 14: 2:30 p.m.
Floor 15: 3 p.m.
Floor 18: 3:30 p.m.
The Education Center: Protecting Your Creative Works
Presented by Angie Avard Turner, Esq.
2–3 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 10, Seminar Room 1001
Turner presents a beginners/intermediate level seminar on the ins and outs of intellectual property including a discussion of copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets and licensing.
What’s Up in the Rug Market?
Sponsored by ORRA
2:30–3:30 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, Seminar Room 4-B-1
Interior Designer Liaison India Webber, and Information Technology Committee Chair Frank Eways Jr, will moderate a new session for ORRA that opens a discussion on the changing influences in our market. Topics will range from the best-selling rugs of today to the impact of the internet and the future role of ORRA.
House Party in Home
5 p.m. | Building 1, Floors 9 & 10
The Gardens® Summerfest
Hosted by Jamie Durie of FYI Network’s “Outback Nation”;
5 p.m. | Building 2, Floors 9 & 10
Summertime is here and the exhibitors in The Gardens® know just how to enjoy the season. Buyers are invited to mingle with Market celebrities, savor summertime foods, and vote on favorite drinks from the exhibitor cocktail competition.
Portman White Party
7–8:30 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 14, Space 14-D-9
Celebrate the launch of John Portman’s signature paint color and toast participating vignette designers: Stan Topol, Brian Patrick Flynn, Michelle Workman, Michel Boyd, Niki Papadopoulos, Kerry Howard and REstyleSOURCE. Hosted by AmericasMart and “Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles” magazine.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
“Elf Magic: The Story of a Timeless Christmas Tradition” Book Signing
10:30–11:30 a.m. | Building 3, Floor 3, Atrium
For Love or Money?
Presented by Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot, Hosts of HGTV’s “Love It or List It, Too”;
11 a.m.–noon | Building 1, Floor 15, Designer Workspace
Harris and Talbot share designer tips and tricks for the home and more.
Cooking Demo: Coastal Soul
Presented by Celebrity Chef Marvin Woods of Atlanta’s Asante Restaurant
12:30–1:30 p.m. | Building 2, Floor 8, Demonstration Kitchen
Chef Woods shares a unique genre of culinary art that pulls from his decades of experience cooking, traveling and studying global influence of the African Diaspora.
“Dog and Mouse”; Book Signing
1:30–2:30 p.m. | Building 3, Floor 3, Atrium
From beloved author/illustrator Michelle Nelson-Schmidt comes a wonderful tale about finding and being a friend.
How to Best Position Your Products for Media Coverage
Presented by Adam Glassman, Creative Director of “O, The Oprah Magazine”;
2–3 p.m. | Building 2, Floor 9, Seminar Room
In an interactive question and answer session, Glassman answers questions on how to pitch for high profile media and notice the warning signs of coverage that might not be ideal.
Superfood Snack Time with Julie Morris
Presented by Natural Food Chef Julie Morris
Sponsored by Road Runners, LLC and Sterling Publishing
2–3 p.m. | Building 2, Floor 8, Demonstration Kitchen
“New York Times” bestselling author Chef Morris creates a delectable recipe from her new book, “Superfood Snacks: 100 Delicious, Energizing & Nutrient-Dense Recipes.” She teaches how to create amazing treats that satisfy cravings and are boosted with superfoods—the most vitamin-packed and versatile health ingredients in the world. Plus, there will be a surprise giveaway.
Around the World Party
4 p.m. | Building 1, Floors 16-20
Take a tour through the globe on the holiday & floral/home décor floors. Each floor features snacks and beverages from a different country.
Designer Cocktail Hour & Recipe for Press Book Signing
Sponsored by Palore.com
4 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 15, Designer Workspace
Meet the author, Amy Flurry and pick up your complimentary copy of Recipe for Press as you enjoy cocktails and mingling.
Wine & Dine in The Gardens®
5 p.m. | Building 2, Floors 9 & 10
The Gardens® presents a night to remember. Buyers are invited to dine on fine hors d’oeuvres, sample a variety of wines offered by participating showroom exhibitors, and mix and mingle with Market celebrities.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
Seed and Feed Band
2–3 p.m. | Temporary Exhibit Floors
Don’t miss the wacky and fun roving band that guarantees to put a smile on your face.
