Sustainability to receive spotlight at this month’s Las Vegas Market

LAS VEGAS — This month’s Las Vegas Market will emphasize sustainability more than ever with the third edition of the Living Green Pavilion, which will be on the fifth floor of the new Building C.

The pavilion gives buyers a central place to find eco-friendly products.

“All products shown inside the Living Green Pavilion have a legitimate eco-story. Some products are made from recycled materials, others from FSC-certified wood or other sustainably harvested materials,” said Jeffrey Hiller, World Market Center leasing manager for the pavilion, who also is a Sustainable Furniture Council board member. “It’s going to be a truly green showcase.”

Exhibitors in the pavilion span all product segments, including upholstery, case goods, accent furniture, accessories and bedding. Among the first-time exhibitors there will be Harden Furniture, a full-line manufacturer in New York that was awarded Silver Exemplary Status by the SFC earlier this year.

Other exhibitors include Eco Exotic, with products from Indonesia using 100% FSC-certified lumber, and design-oriented companies such as Natural Fine Furnishings and Asian Art Imports.

At 12,000-plus square feet, the Living Green Pavilion and adjacent buyer’s lounge will be in a glass-enclosed showroom on the fifth floor of Building C.

“Frankly, green areas are no longer a novelty at trade shows; they are expected by buyers,” said World Market Center President and CEO Bob Maricich. “Our leasing and programming teams have worked closely with the Sustainable Furniture Council to make our Living Green Pavilion at the July 2008 Market the most successful and authentic green furniture venue in the world.”

In addition to showing sustainable products, the WMC has scheduled a lineup of free educational seminars on everything green.

“This market, our goal was to broaden the scope of the Brave New World Environmental Leadership Series by bringing nationally recognized leaders to Las Vegas to speak to all aspects of the ‘greening’ of the home furnishings industry,” said Margaret Casey, WMC director of programming, who also co-chairs the education committee of the Sustainable Furniture Council. “The caliber of the speaker roster for July 2008 underscores Las Vegas Market’s role in facilitating meaningful change in the area.”

Series highlights will include:

Tuesday, July 29

Selling Green: How to Avoid Green Washing
Jeffrey Hiller, PROaction Marketing Group
Sponsored by WMC and Living Green Pavilion
4-5 p.m.
World Forum, Building B, 16th floor

Wednesday, July 30

Why Designers Are (and Should Be) at the Helm of Spreading the Sustainable Word
Carol Baumgartel, vice president of sales and marketing for American Clay Enterprises
Sponsored by WMC
1:10-2:10 p.m.
World Forum, Building B, 16th Floor

The Many Scales of Green
Susan Szenasy, editor in chief, Metropolis Magazine
2 -3 p.m.
C-316

One Good Chair International Design Awards
Sponsored by Las Vegas Design Center, Western Interiors & Design Magazine and SFC
3-4 p.m.
C-316

Brave New World Cocktail Reception
4-6 p.m.
C-316

Thursday, July 31

Let’s Go Green! But How Green and at What Pace?
Charlotte Matthews, vice president sustainability, The Related Cos.
Sponsored by WMC
11 a.m.-noon
C-316

The Sustainable Furniture Council also will host a variety of retailer-specific sessions at the market.

A listing of Las Vegas Market events is available online at www.lasvegasmarket.com/events.