12162014 AmericasMart to Host a Series of Educational Events during January 2015 Markets

AMERICASMART TO HOST A SERIES OF
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS DURING JANUARY 2015 MARKETS 

ATLANTA - AmericasMart will host a series of special events and educational seminars during the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market, January 6 to 13 and the Atlanta International Area Rug Market featuring the National Oriental Rug Show sponsored by The Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA), January 7 to 10, 2015. 

The Market events are as follows:  

Tuesday, January 6 to January 13

Market Hours
14-D-7 

STA Designs: Always Stylish Showcase

Design inspirations from Stan Topol & Associates.
 

Wednesday, January 7 to January 10

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4-B-1

Museum of Introductions (MOI) Gallery

The rug and home industry's exclusive showing of new product introductions in a museum setting.
 

Wednesday, January 7

3 p.m.
Building 1, Floor 6 

New Bridge Grand Opening 

A ribbon cutting and champagne toast launching the new Floor 6 bridge.
 

Thursday, January 8

10 a.m.
Building 1, Floor 10, Room 1003 

THE EDUCATION CENTER
Manage Your Social Media (And Your Sanity)

Presented by Shelly Brown of Inspiringly Social

Brown shares simple tips to help effectively manage social media in just a few minutes a day.     

11 a.m.
Building 1, Floor 14, Seminar Room 

New Harmonies: Changing Themes in Color and Design Trends for the Home in 2015 

Presented by Laurie Pressman, VP, Pantone Color Institute 

Pressman reveals the key color trends for 2015 and shares an inside glimpse into the selection of Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year. 

1 p.m.
Building 1, Floor 10, Room 1003  

THE EDUCATION CENTER
How to Run a Successful Retail Shop 

Presented by Mercedes Gonzales of Global Purchasing 

A crash course designed from an 8-hour workshop to highlight the most important key factors in running a retail shop.         

1:30 p.m.
4-G-7 

The Unique Rug Forum- The Future of the Rug Business 

An informal presentation and panel discussion with Rob Leahy, Jim Garner and Frank Eways Jr. 

3 p.m.
Building 1, Floor 14, Seminar Room 

Make It Memorable: Building Your Brand in the Digital World 

Moderated by Marisa Marcantonio of "Stylebeat Design Blog" 

Panelists include Lindsey Coral Harper of LCH Interiors, Mac Hoak of Mecox Gardens and Elizabeth Blitzer of Blitzer & Company

Industry expert Marcantonio presents a lively panel discussion on creating and building a successful brand image by harnessing the power of the new digital age in design. 

3 p.m.
Building 1, Floor 10, Room 1003 

THE EDUCATION CENTER
Creating the Ultimate Sales Team 

Presented by Mercedes Gonzales of Global Purchasing 

Gonzales teaches the five key training points every successful retailer should know for closing and increasing sales. 

3:30 p.m.
4-G-7 

ORRA's New Look...Our Mission, Logo and Educational Programs...A Virtual Approach 

ORRA's board and other members discuss where the organization has been, new developments and how it is going to get there.

Friday, January 9 

10 a.m.
Building 1, Floor 10, Room 1003

THE EDUCATION CENTER
A Retailers Guide to Beginning Blogging 

Presented by Shelly Brown of Inspiringly Social 

Brown shares the ins and outs of blogging to increase sales and build customer relationships.  

10 a.m.
4-G-7         

Meet and Greet with ORRA Board members. 

ORRA's new president, Rob Leahy, CRA, ORRA senior advisor Rich Amatulli and other board members share what's new for ORRA in 2014. 

10:30 a.m.
4-G-7 

Knot To Be Missed 

Presented by Phil Menendian, Mark Keshishian and Michael Joseph with a panel of member rug appraisers. 

1 p.m.
Building 1, Floor 10, Room 1003 

THE EDUCATION CENTER
How to Use Instagram to Promote Your Products 

Presented by Shelly Brown of Inspiringly Social 

Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app to a key sales channel for retailers. Brown teaches how to use Instagram to gain brand recognition and reach new customers. 

1:30 p.m.
Meet at Building 1, Floor 2, ORRA Booth at 1 p.m. 

Walking the Market with Phil Menendian, Education Chairman 

2 p.m.
Building 2, Floor 10, Seminar Room 

DESIGN + EMOTION = SALES

Presented by Jamie Durie of HGTV's The Outdoor Room 

Durie shares simple design tools and concepts that create emotional environments for customers that increase sales. 

6 p.m.
The Westin Peachtree Plaza 

America's Magnificent Carpets Awards

The rug and home industry's signature event recognizing the newest area rug introductions. 

Saturday, January 10 

10 a.m.
4-B-1 

Breakfast of Champions 

A breakfast recognizing the winners of America's Magnificent Carpets Awards with the winning rugs on display. 

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