The Chicago Market Announces Robust Line-Up of Special Events
The Chicago Market announces a robust line-up of special events, programs and activities. Retail buyers can expect an exciting schedule of Merchandise Mart sponsored seminars and market events, and showroom and exhibitor hosted events that will educate, inform, and entertain.
This world-class market known for their Midwest hospitality will offer attendees an extraordinary line-up from new and established resources. Two important highlights of this market are the 50 and 20 year anniversary milestones reached by two of those established resources, Peterson Associates, Inc. celebrating fifty years in the Merchandise Mart, and Sarm & Nastovski celebrating twenty years in the Mart. Both showrooms will hold several Anniversary events in their respective showrooms throughout Market.
Another highlight will be the in-depth look at the inner workings of the glamorous floral design market, as presented by celebrity designers of the American Institute of Floral Designers (North Central Chapter). An AIFD sponsored floral design competition using products donated by floral industry suppliers’ takes place on Saturday. AIFD members will be judging the contest and the winner will be announced during market.
“We are extremely proud to offer buyers access to such an exciting line-up of special events this January,” said Mark Furlet, vice president gift + home, Chicago Merchandise Mart. “With a healthy mix of educational seminars, product presentations and hospitality-driven events, the increased activity taking place daily will give our buyers even more reasons to stay and shop the Merchandise Mart.”
SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
I. SEMINARS AND MARKET EVENTS
Thursday, January 19 and Friday January 20
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. I Meet & Greet with ‘Under $30 Pop Up Shop’ Product Display
Designer Mick Santiago
Merchandise Mart Lobby
Learn how merchandising expert and designer Mick Santiago concepted and curated this hip, current, vibrant display of under $30 (retail) products from the permanent showrooms of the Merchandise Mart and exhibitors from the Temporaries including several from the Beckman’s Handcrafted Show. Staged in the lobby of the Merchandise Mart, as buyers pass through registration they will be welcomed by this first of its kind display. Mick will answer questions and share his approach to merchandising this price point.
Saturday, January 21
1 p.m. | Mandy Majerik, AIFD, PFCI
13th Floor, Suite 13-600
“Flirting with Boundaries”
As a third generation florist, Mandy Majerik tells the story of the past, present and promise for the future of the floral industry. Mandy is Mayesh’s new “Design Star” and the face of Mayesh Wholesale Florist.
Fresh product sponsor for Saturday’s presentations: Baisch & Skinner Wholesale Floral Distributor Products donated by several permanent showrooms
Saturday, January 21
2:30 p.m. | Floral Design Competition
8th Floor, Space 8-1130
The North Central Chapter of AIFD will sponsor a design competition amongst 6-8 of their members. AIFD members will be judging the contest and the winner will be announced during market! Make sure to check out their extraordinary creations.
Fresh product sponsor for the Floral Design Competition: The Roy Houff Co.
Supply sponsor for the Floral Design Competition: Oasis Floral Products
Saturday, January 21
4:30 p.m. | Tim Farrell, AIFD, PFCI
13th Floor, Suite 13-600
FLOWERS…The Life of the Party!!…Exploring principles and elements of design. Since 2006, Tim has been a member of the Oscars design team assembled by Charisma Designs, which creates the floral designs for the Red Carpet and the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, CA for the Annual Academy of Motion Pictures Awards Show.
Fresh product sponsor for Saturday’s presentations: Baisch & Skinner Wholesale Floral Distributor
Products donated by several permanent showrooms
Saturday, January 21
6-8 p.m. | Shop Late Night
13th & 14th Floors
Enjoy Chicago style street food and snacks while you shop the permanent showrooms and bid on Silent Auction items to raise funds for Gift For Life.
Sunday, January 22
10 a.m. | Bob Williams PFCI, AAF, Vice President, North American Operations, Smithers-Oasis Company, President, Society of American Florists, 2011-2013
8th Floor, 8A
Floral Industry Trends
Bob Williams will present key findings that will help you grow your business, including top retailer trends, demographic and purchasing trends, floral purchasing by channel, price points and how the customer defines value when purchasing flowers.
Sunday, January 22
Noon | LUNCH and LEARN-Jodi Duncan, AIFD
8th Floor, 8A
Social Media Tips and Tricks
As a sought after social media savant, Jodi presents numerous programs for florists & retailers. She is a regular designer and contributor to Fusion Flowers, an international floral publication. This past March she was privileged to serve as their Royal Wedding correspondent, live-tweeting the wedding from London.
Monday, January 23
Noon | LUNCH and LEARN- Visual Merchandising Tips & Tricks with Bethany Lowe & Mick Santiago
8th Floor, 8A
Bethany Lowe & Mick Santiago
Creating a Story by Design:
Learn how successful retailers tell their story through displays & artful merchandising. Following the presentation please join Bethany in her showroom, Max Bentley’s Rusty Blades, showroom 13-100, where she will be signing a small gift for market attendees. Mick will also be available to answer questions and provide tips on visual merchandising.
Bethany Lowe Designs was named Country Business “Vendor of the Year” for 2009.
II. SHOWROOM EVENTS
Friday, January 20
Midwest-CBK and Colonial Candle | 13-155
Pack your suitcase and prepare to see the world with Midwest-CBK and Colonial Candle’s “Passport to Success” contest and event! Two winners will be chosen to receive their choice of a trip to romantic Paris, France, or a relaxing, tropical getaway to Nassau, Bahamas. To enter, simply request a passport in the Midwest-CBK and Colonial Candle Chicago showroom.
Saturday, January 21
Charlie & Me | 1467
5-8 p.m.
Celebrate our Grand Opening with our “We’ve lost our marbles” party.
Saturday, January 21
Peterson Associates | 13-126
50th Anniversary Celebration
2–4 p.m.
Lolita will make her first Chicago appearance.
4–8 p.m.
50th Anniversary Celebration, join us to celebrate! Enjoy live music and great food as we toast 50 years.
Saturday, January 21
Sarm & Nastovski | 13-203
20th Anniversary Celebration
12p.m.–1 p.m.
Sampling of new Tea Forte flavors
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Meet Peg Conley, creator of the Words and Watercolors, a greeting card line that combines her two favorite mediums with messages that enrich and inspire. Her love of nature is evident in the lovely watercolors that capture the florals, mountains, trees and moons that populate her world. Peg will be doing a drawing/painting demonstration.
Saturday, January 21
SNÖ of Sweden:
Modern Age Representatives | Suite 13-504
SNÖ of Sweden, unique jewelry is new to Market and new to the Merchandise Mart. Swedish cocktails & hors d’oeuvres served from 4:00 until 8:00pm.
Sunday, January 22
and! Sales | 1421
“and! We’re Making Waves in the Midwest!”
Celebrate the opening of our new showroom! and the opening of C&F and Gallerie II showroom!
We will be toasting all day long! Food, drinks, raffles, new vendors and new product introductions kicking off 2012!
All Day| Games and more!
Monday, January 22
Diane Baker | 13-417
All Day
Annie Falkenburger owner of French Studio Imports debuting Carriere Freres and offering a free candle with orders placed. Carriere Freres French candles, vegetable base with natural essential oils for fragrance.
EDITOR’S NOTE: to access the complete list of events, lines, showrooms and exhibitors please visit our press room: http://www.shopchicagomarket.com/shopchicagomarket/index.cfm/press/
2012 CALENDAR SCHEDULE
THE CHICAGO WINTER MARKET DAYS AND HOURS
Thursday, January 19 – Friday, January 20
Showrooms: 9 am – 6 pm | Floors 13, 14
Saturday, January 21 – SHOP LATE NIGHT
Showrooms: 9 am – 8 pm | Floors 13, 14
Temporaries and Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: 9 am – 6 pm | Floor 8
Sunday, January 22 – Monday, January 23
Showrooms: 9 am – 6 pm | Floors 13, 14
Temporaries and Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: 9 am – 6 pm | Floor 8
Tuesday, January 24
Showrooms: 9 am – 6 pm | Floors 13, 14
emporaries and Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: 9 am – 3 pm | Floor 8
Wednesday, January 25
Showrooms: 9 am – 5 pm | Floors 13, 14
THE CHICAGO SPRING MARKET
March 25-27, 2012
Running in conjunction with STYLEMAX and The National Bridal Market Chicago
THE CHICAGO SUMMER MARKET
Showrooms: July 19–25
Temporaries & Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: July 21–24
THE CHICAGO FALL MARKET
September 21-23, 2012
Running in conjunction with The International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market
Note: Dates are subject to change, please check www.shopchicagomarket.com for up to date calendars
The Chicago Market: is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). Beckman’s Handcrafted Show™ is a registered trademark of MMPI. The Chicago Market is a quarterly wholesale tradeshow designed for store owners, retail buyers and designers. The market offers a wide array of quality products ranging from home accents and furniture to handcrafted to collectible items, holiday, baby/children’s product, gourmet and more. The Chicago Merchandise Mart is located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. For more information call 800.677.6278 (MART) or visitwww.shopchicagomarket.com.
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 ; 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 in Washington D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owners of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (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.
