AMERICASMART LEADS
The January 2012 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market jumpstarted the industry with high double-digit growth reflecting surging Southeastern traffic gains and large increases in a national buyer population representing top Northeastern, Midwestern, Pacific and Southwestern specialty-store retailers, plus a large and growing international buyer contingent. Both showrooms and temporaries reported record sales, driving infectious momentum for the year.
 
   
ACE Day at AmericasMart
On March 7 AmericasMart will welcome more than 500 ACE retailers to the campus. Following a meeting and educational sessions, they will shop across campus. It’s to everyone’s advantage for as many showrooms as possible to be open. For more information, contact Retail Services at 404.220.2122.

 
 
Welcome Douglas!
Douglas Broward joins AmericasMart as senior vice president-branding to help create and sustain AmericasMart brand continuity and growth. He comes to us following his leadership as chief creative officer at Grizzard Advertising, part of the global Omnicom Group. He can be reached at 404.220.2106.

 
 
YOUR TIME TO SHINE
The ICON HONORS Call for Entries closes soon! Compete for top recognition in ICON HONORS 2012. Submit your best work. Nominate your heroes. Enter now. Only online at www.americasmarticonhonors.com. Be a part of the most anticipated and important night in the home and gift industry.
 
 
THE VOICE
Auditions for the popular TV show The Voice will once again be held in Atlanta. Participants will be in Building 2 WestWing on March 17. Please advise our customers of all the free and discounted parking options available for buyers during the Market weekend.
 
 
An array of special events and seminars is lined up for March Market. From vendor partnerships to making memorable gifts to boosting profits with pillows, there’s a seminar to suit any buyer along with multiple fun parties and giveaways. Make sure to take a look so you can let your customers know everything that’s happening during Market. The complete list is online.
 
   
NEW MEMBER OF THE HOME TEAM
Nicole Hoppen joins the AmericasMart team as leasing manager for Home Accents & Fine Linens as a progression from commercial real estate leasing and training & development Center for The Ritz- Carlton Hotel Company. She can be reached at 404.220.2329.
 
 
BUILDING 1 CONTACTS
Please keep these contact numbers handy during Markets:
Building 1 – Jake Jackson: 404.220.2370     Security: 404.220.2553
     
HAROUNIAN RECOGNIZED
Harounian Rugs International chief executive officer David Harounian received the coveted President’s Award during the 2012 America’s Magnificent Carpets® Awards event in honor of his selfless service and leadership within the U.S. area rug industry.
 
     
NEW CORRIDOR IN BUILDING 2
Buyers loved the new corridors on Floors 8 and 9 of Building 2 so much that we’re at it again. Construction on a new corridor opening up Floor 7 begins right after March Market with the Grand Opening scheduled for July 2012. Stay tuned for construction updates.
 
     
BUILDING 2 CONTACTS
Please keep these contact numbers handy during Markets:
Building 2 & 2 WestWing – Kelly Campbell: 404.220.2592
Security: 404.220.2563
 
     
EXHIBITOR TOOL KIT AVAILABLE
To help exhibitors promote themselves and Atlanta Apparel, we developed a targeted kit of materials related to April Market. Exhibitors can use the provided materials to promote their showrooms and invite buyers to attend Market. There’s also a video coming to help you with set up with tips from a pro about creating a visual showcase.
 
     
APRIL HAPPENINGS
There’s a full line up in place for April with multiple runway shows, a design launch, educational opportunities and fun networking events. Check out the schedule online and pass the word to your buyers.
 
     
APRIL HOTEL ROOMS ARE READY
Don’t worry about ensuring everyone you need is in Atlanta for Market. Book online for four-night minimum, discounted hotel rates and additional promotions exclusive to AmericasMart’s Atlanta Apparel hotel block.
 
     
APPAREL TEAM ADDITION
Ashley Skaggs is the new sales coordinator for the PREMIERE Tradeshow working with Caron Stover to recruit and retain some of the top lines in the country to Atlanta. She can be reached at 404.220.2809.
 
     
BUILDING 3 CONTACTS
Please keep these contact numbers handy during Markets:
Building 3 – Chuck Welkner: 404.220.2888
Security: 404.220.25731
 
  SAVE THE DATES

Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market
March 16 – 18

Market Wednesday
April 4

Atlanta Apparel
April 12 – 16

Atlanta Spring Immediate Delivery Show
May 1 – 3

Market Wednesday
June 6

Atlanta Apparel
June 7 – 10

The Atlanta International Gift & Home
Furnishings Market:

July 11– 18

The Atlanta International Area Rug Market
July 12– 15

Market dates are continually updated online.
 
     
     
     
   
  PERSONAL INVITATIONS FOR JULY
Results show personal letters strongly impact buyer attendance. The Retail Services team will work with you to send a custom letter to your buyers to inform them about your best special offer for the upcoming Market and invite them to attend. To participate, contact Retail Services at 404.220.2122 by March 23. Together, we can encourage your buyers to experience all the benefits of attending Market.

MARCH WIFI ACCESS
For March Market, AmericasMart again offers access to a state-of the-art wireless network. Phase One includes all tradeshow floors, floors 9 and 10 of Building 2 WestWing, building lobbies and meeting room spaces. Once you exit these floors the WiFi signal will be lost. Upon returning to any of these floors, the service will be restored. Service will be available to buyers on a daily or Market basis. Permanent exhibitors should contact Technology Services for information.

SPECIAL HOTEL OFFERS
Whether you need hotel rooms for sales staff during Markets or want to provide information to your buyers, there are special incentives available. Special room rates also are available for Open Daily and Market Wednesdays. Find out more online.

MARKET WEDNESDAYS
The Market Wednesday program offers opportunities to your showroom. Contact Jennifer Powell to submit a Sign-Up Sheet with your special event or discounts. AmericasMart supports your plans and ideas throughout the year. Check 2012 schedules and updates online.
 
     
     
     
   
  APPAREL OPPORTUNITIES
There are still a few openings for advertising in the April Apparel Guide, but space is filling for one of the most anticipated directories of the year. Contact Phyllis Sangster at 404.220.2127 for options.

GET IN EARLY FOR JULY
Sales are in full swing for the July 2012 issue of AmericasMart Magazine. Get in early for the best placement. Contact Greg Joselove at 404.220.2129 to create your custom package.

UPDATE PUBLICATION INFORMATION ONLINE
Did you know you can update your listing information online and avoid faxing forms? It can all be done through the exhibitor portal on AmericasMart.com. If you have questions or need help, contact Kerry Gentry at 404.220.2118 for assistance.

REACH YOUR BUYERS ONLINE
Opportunities are available for multiple channels of online advertising from targeted email blasts to carefully placed website advertising. Don’t miss the chance to speak with buyers whenever they are online. Call Greg Joselove at 404.220.2129 to begin crafting your presence.
 
     
 
     
   
 
  OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Please remember that our buyers expect permanent showrooms to be open throughout Markets. While some buyers choose to shop earlier, others prefer to attend the latter days, so we have to accommodate everyone. When showrooms close early, buyers are understandably upset and complain. To help everyone succeed, stay open all Market days.
 
 
     
   
 
 
SPRING IDS AROUND THE CORNER
The Atlanta Spring Immediate Delivery Show is the perfect time to show off a new line or introduce a new product. If you’d like to exhibit, there are still spaces available.
GUIDE TO EXHIBITING
All the information you need to know to succeed as a Temp exhibitor is available online – including a how-to video.
If you need additional info, call:
Helpline: 404.220.2200
George Fern: 404.921.9904
APRIL IS PRIME TIME FOR APPAREL
The Atlanta Apparel Market in April offers a showcase of Fall looks to retailers ready to write orders. Ensure your lines are front and center by securing your booth space today.