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AmericasMart Promising Comprehensive Market Programming

AmericasMart will celebrate the dynamism of the home, gift and rug industry with presentations, celebrations and gatherings at The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market, Jan. 6 to 13 and The Atlanta International Area Rug Market featuring the National Oriental Rug Show, sponsored by the Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA), Jan. 7 to 10.

Industry professionals, TV personalities and authors including David Tutera, Jamie Durie, “Good Morning America's" Tory Johnson, Paula Deen, chef Jeff Mauro, chef Will Brown, James Farmer, Bobby McAlpine, Susan Ferrier and Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, and more will lead discussions supplemented by business education programming in the Education Center and rug-focused programming presented in partnership with the Oriental Rug Retailers Association (ORRA).

Some of the highlighted events include America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards on Jan. 10; celebrations for the opening of the bridge connecting Buildings 1 and 2 on Floor 6 on Jan. 7 and the new Home & Design collection on Building 1 Floor 15.

A day-by-day guide to market events is as follows:

Wednesday, Jan 7 to 10

Museum of Introductions (MOI) Gallery

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, Room 4-B-1

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

Wednesday, Jan. 7

New Bridge Grand Opening

3 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 6

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

Thursday, Jan. 8

The Education Center

Manage Your Social Media (And Your Sanity)

Presented by Shelly Brown of Inspiringly Social

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

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

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

Presented by Laurie Pressman, vice president, Pantone Color Institute

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

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

The Education Center

How to Run a Successful Retail Shop

Presented by Mercedes Gonzales of Global Purchasing

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

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

The Unique Rug Forum–The Future of the Rug Business

1:30 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, 4-G-7

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

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

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

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.

The Education Center

Creating the Ultimate Sales Team

Presented by Mercedes Gonzales of Global Purchasing

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

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

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

3:30 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, 4-G-7

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

Party On Peachtree 2015

6:30 p.m. | 200 Peachtree

The industry's newest event benefiting Gift for Life/DIFFA and the philanthropic endeavors of the Young Gift Executives. Hosted by AmericasMart Atlanta with presenting sponsor Poo-Pourri. $65

Friday, Jan. 9

The Education Center

A Retailers Guide to Beginning Blogging

Presented by Shelly Brown of Inspiringly Social

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

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

Meet and Greet with ORRA Board members.

10:00 a.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, 4-G-7

ORRA’s new president, Rob Leahy, CRA, ORRA senior advisor Rich Amatulli and other board members share what’s new for ORRA in 2015.

Knot To Be Missed

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

10:30 a.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, 4-G-7

ORRA continues this popular program geared toward its on-going efforts to educate its members.

The Education Center

How to Use Instagram to Promote Your Products

Presented by Shelly Brown of Inspiringly Social

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

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.

Walking the Market with Phil Menendian, Education Chairman

1 p.m. | Building 1, Floor 2, ORRA Booth

Design + Emotion = Sales

Presented by Jamie Durie of HGTV’s The Outdoor Room

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

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

America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards

6 p.m. | The Westin Peachtree Plaza

The rug and home industry’s signature event, recognizing the newest area rug introductions in a night of dreams, imagination and artistry.

Saturday, Jan.10

Breakfast of Champions

10 a.m. | Building 1, Floor 4, Room 4-B-1