World Market Center opening Hospitality Marketplace

Building C floor will be dedicated to hospitality year-round

-- Home Accents Today, 5/13/2008 7:33:00 AM

World Market Center Las Vegas is expanding the Las Vegas Design Center with an entire floor in Building C dedicated to hospitality manufacturers. Hospitality at Las Vegas Design Center is set to open in 2009.

“Las Vegas represents the recognized epicenter of the hospitality industry. We’re excited to announce our plans for this extension of the Las Vegas Design Center to include a dedicated area for permanent hospitality showrooms,” said Robert Maricich, president and chief executive officer of World Market Center. “Hospitality at Las Vegas Design Center will serve as an invaluable year-round resource for developers, architects, designers, specifiers and all decision makers in the hospitality purchasing process.”

With approximately 15% of its existing customer base already selling to hospitality channels – and a growing interest from hospitality specifiers and suppliers for a convenient, year round marketplace to conduct business – the timing is right to launch this new concept at World Market Center Las Vegas, according to Maricich.

“Not only is there an ongoing opportunity to bring hospitality buyers, sellers and specifiers together in a city where they do business all year long, but we also serve as a platform to expand channels of distribution for our existing tenant base looking to grow into new markets,” Maricich said.

More than 150,000 square feet of showroom space is planned, as well as features that specifically address the needs of designers including model viewing and presentation rooms, a comprehensive resource center and library, a fully equipped business center and other amenities throughout the complex.

World Market Center, along with 100 of its tenants who cater to hospitality buyers, will host a launch party on May 15. The event is called “Swing in to the Future of Design” and will feature Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performing in the atrium of Building B. The welcome event will include a High Ball Lounge Cocktail Party from 4-6 p.m., a Swing-a-Thon and Dance Lessons from 6-7 p.m., the performance by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy from 7:30-9 p.m. and an After Party Swing Contest from 9-10 p.m.  A donation will be made to The Network of the Hospitality Industry for every business card collected and one winner will receive a trip for two to Cancun, Mexico, courtesy of World Market Center Las Vegas.

During this week’s HD Expo, complimentary transportation back to the Sands/Venetian and Planet Hollywood will be available every 30 minutes from World Market Center on May 15 during the party.  On May 16 and 17, complimentary transportation from World Market Center Las Vegas to the Venetian will be available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.