Sep 24, 2008

7WNY presents inspiring keynote lineup for Tabletop Week

New York, NY – In addition to the latest tabletop, entertainment, gourmet and home accessory products on display in the permanent and temporary suites of 7 W New York, 7 W is pleased to announce an impressive program of keynote speakers and panels. Each Market day will feature a distinct presentation by distinguished media and hospitality experts sharing insight on everything from entertaining at home to this season’s must-have tabletop and housewares items. This programming complements a packed schedule of in-suite events, product launches and receptions.

According to Chris Collins, vice president and general manager of 7 W New York, “We are looking forward to the upcoming Fall Tabletop Market. The speakers on our program are all leaders in their fields. Our attendees can access TV and media personalities and hear firsthand their trade secrets. Besides these thought-provoking sessions, our reputation for hospitality and our ever-expanding list of tenants, we’re making 7 W the most productive venue for buyers and exhibitors during this Market.”

DAY 1 — Wednesday, October 22
The building’s special event schedule, which will all take place on the Market Suites 11th floor, will kick off with a 3 p.m. keynote presentation by bridal and entertaining guru Maria McBride. As the Wedding Director for Brides Magazine, McBride has focused on creative ways to celebrate those memorable moments in life. Her talk, entitled, Celebrating at Home: Great Ideas for Weddings, Holidays and Every Day, will focus on the party-ready pantry, clever menus and table settings, and affordable yet stylish inventions to make every social gathering sensational. Immediately following her presentation, Maria will sign her newest books, Party Basics for New Nesters and The Perfect Wedding Details at a cocktail reception. Her vision will also be on display in a lobby exhibit that will set the tone for visitors entering the building.

DAY 2 — Thursday, October 23
On the second day of the show, attendees will be able to grab lunch and sit in on a lively panel called Editor Picks & Predictions, which will run from 1-2 p.m. After shopping the show, top shelter and trade editors will update buyers on their favorite picks and share thoughts on what’s hot in the market today and what to look for in the future. Moderated by Michelle Moran, editor of The Gourmet Retailer, the outstanding panel of journalists includes: Katherine Nelson, Metropolitan Home design and architecture editor and author of the book New Scandinavian Design; Warren Shoulberg, award-winning business journalist and seminal voice and editor of HFN; Donna Ferrari, consummate wedding and entertaining expert and tabletop, food and wine director of Brides Magazine; and Bill McLoughlin, leading authority on the housewares industry and executive editor of Gourmet Insider and HomeWorld Business magazines. This all-star panel has seen it all through years, covering the markets with an eye on the trends in color, pattern and material. Their insight into trends will inform buyers for markets to come.

DAY 3 — Friday, October 24
The third and final day of the show will start off with an inspirational bang at a morning session entitled, The Chef’s Table: Bringing the Restaurant Home. This stimulating forum, which will run from 9-10 a.m. will explore emerging trends in restaurant design and their influence on home entertaining. From culinary techniques and food direction, guests will learn from hospitality mavens the inside scoop on creating stunning dining environments at home. Moderated by Melissa Feldman, freelance design and style editor for Bon Appetit and Harper’s Bazaar, the panel discussion will include: Fine Cooking editor-in-chief Laurie Buckle; successful restaurateur, TV personality and founder of the Donatella Food Collection, Donatella Arpaia; and world-renown architect and restaurant designer Stephanie Goto.

For more information about the full event program, showrooms and limo service, log onto www.7wnewyork.com.

7 W NEW YORK is a wholesale mart building, catering to the buyers of Home Décor, Table Top, Giftware, Textiles and Decorative Accessories. Its daily hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm with extended hours during special market weeks. 7 W New York is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI).

MERCHANDISE MART PROPERTIES, INC. (MMPI)is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.

VORNADO REALTY TRUST, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.