Atlanta Market combines education and celebration with daily programming to offer market exploration, industry insights and networking opportunities during the Summer 2023 edition, July 11-17, 2023, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
"A full slate of Atlanta Market events will inspire, educate and entertain buyers this summer," said Karen Olson, IMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "Our extensive programming, in combination with the market’s depth and breadth of product resources, gives both retailers and designers the tools they need for success."
On-Trend Educational Programming
Eleven educational seminars and workshops allow Atlanta Market buyers to hear from trendsetters and experts as they prepare for the busy fourth-quarter season.
The Atlanta Market Mainstage in the Atrium of Building 3 offers three keynote presentations from retail and design tastemakers. In "The Trend Pendulum: Staying Ahead of the Curve," internationally acclaimed interior designer and former global marketing executive Timothy Corrigan shares his expertise on trend forecasting, avoiding short-term fads and identifying future classics on Wednesday, July 12, at 1 p.m. "Real Talk: Mark-Ups" is a panel discussion moderated by Business of Home's Dennis Scully, with designers Wesley Moon, Max Humphrey, Leah Alexander, and Ashley Malone of Studio Wellington on Thursday, July 13, at 1 p.m. In "Engage and Inspire: Crafting A Visual Story with Artful Displays & Visual Merchandising," Accent Decor's Creative Director Becky Hillis and artist Toni Dammicci discuss the creation and success of their award-winning showroom displays.
Additional retailer-oriented programming includes "It's Your Time to Shine Online!" with Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media Co., addressing how to jumpstart a social media selling mindset and create meaningful results on Thursday, July 13, at 2:30 p.m. in the Seminar Space (Building 1, Floor 14). Complementing Vilkaitis’ seminar are "Social Media Audit with Crystal Media Co.," a series of free 20-minute personalized coaching sessions to help retailers to maximize and localize their social media efforts on Friday, July 14, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., in the Designer Workspace (Building 1, Floor 15). "HAT Retail Stars Panel," led by Home Accents Today Editor in Chief Allison Zisko, features a panel of independent brick-and-mortar retailers all recently named by the publication as “Retail Stars” on Friday, July 14, 2023, 2:30 p.m. (Seminar Space).
Designer-focused programming includes "Buyer Q&A: All Things Home" with Caroline Russell, IMC design services manager, helping newcomers to navigate home furnishing resources on Wednesday, July 12, at 10 a.m. (Designer Workspace). In "Prioritizing Project Profitability and Publicity," Traci Connell, founder of The Gloss for Interior Designers, shares her proven process of maximizing a firm's profitability while designing incredible projects on Wednesday, July 12, at 2:30 p.m. (Seminar Space).
Outdoor Living Education
Atlanta Market attendees can explore new casual furniture and outdoor living opportunities through free access to programming presented at the concurrent Casual Market Atlanta.
"Outdoor Living with Vern Yip" offers retailers and designers alike the opportunity to learn more about what's trending in casual furnishings and outdoor living spaces on Tuesday, July 11, at 2:30 p.m. (Seminar Space).
Atlanta Market buyers also have the opportunity to shop the new Casual Furnishings collection in Building 1, Floors 2-7, on both the day before and opening day of the Summer 2023 Market. The "Buyer Tour: Casual/Outdoor Furnishings" at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 11, will be led by Paula Eller-Cox, IMC marketing manager - casual, who will offer an overview of brands and products available as well as helpful tips for a successful market experience.
Gourmet Demonstrations
The JURA Demonstration Kitchen in Building 2, Floor 8, at Atlanta Market offers three days of interactive cooking demonstrations that celebrate the summer season. Chef and author Elizabeth Heiskell showcases the bounty of locally grown produce with a fresh Sunday Supper on Wednesday, July 12. Chef Mark Alba of Kimpton Shane Hotel in Atlanta prepares his signature lump crab salad on Thursday, July 13. Shane Quillin shares Sugar Shane's cookie secrets on Friday, July 14. All sessions kick-off at 2:30 p.m.
Summer Market Fun
Atlanta Market also offers multiple opportunities for buyers and brands to connect, share ideas and enjoy the Atlanta Market experience. The "Market Kickoff Party" is the must-attend social event of the Summer Market, featuring complimentary drinks and live entertainment by the band The Big Beyond amid the vibrant Gift & Home Temporaries on Wednesday, July 12, at 6 p.m., on the Atrium of Building 3. A "Designer Workspace Soiree" celebrates all things home with complimentary cocktails and light bites on Thursday, July 13, at 4 p.m. in the Building 1, 15th Floor location. "Afternoon Beats" gives attendees a chance to mix and mingle with music provided by DJ Ree De La Vega and complimentary beverages in the Building 3 Atrium Thursday, July 13 - Saturday, July 17, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Additionally, buyers can enjoy free amenities such as pop-up bars and buffets, photo-ops and more interaction opportunities throughout Atlanta Market.
The full Summer 2023 Atlanta Market events calendar including additional programming for the design community is at AtlantaMarket.com/Attend/