The Las Vegas Market is the most
comprehensive furniture, home décor and gift market in the Western United
States and I was chosen to give a seminar and be a ‘tastemaker’ during the
January market. The market was half from the 24th through the 29th
and I was sent on behalf of the Young Guns in Antiques Organization. I was more
than honored to be representing this organization and very excited to see a
different side of doing business than what I am used to. The Las Vegas Market
has a new ‘DISCOVERIES’ Pavilion which houses antique and vintage dealers and
that’s where I had my booth.
First off, this was the BIGGEST pavilion I
have ever seen! Everyone was on the top of their game from the moment I arrived
to when we packed out of the show. I have done many shows in my life but have
never been to one this large or this well organized. BRAVO!
On Sunday, I was excited and nervous to present my seminar,
“The Many Hats of the Antique Industry” which focused mainly on the tips and
tricks I wished I knew 5-10 years ago.
I talked about my involvement with AYG,
my association with the International Society of Appraisers, and focused
heavily on how I promote my business. I was just elated – my name was on a SIGN
and I was a presenter at this market and in the company of some incredible
speakers. It was truly a ‘moment’ for me.
My seminar went very well. People were engaged and I was
asked to give it twice! All the people I met were wonderful and I has several
conversations with them throughout the week as they came to my booth and told
me what they liked about my presentation and asked me questions.
I promoted the AYG organization all week. The Las Vegas
Market even made us this fantastic sign!
All
week I handed our AYG information and also the AYG sponsor, Ruby Lane, sent
tote bags and tape measures for me to distribute. People loved them!
Throughout the week, I was also able to attend some other
seminars and learned a lot from each. My favorite was how to keep an Instagram
audience engaged by Justina Blakeney. She is a designer and has a really colorful boho vibe. Full disclosure: Justina is awesome. I
loved her seminar and learned a lot.
In my seminar, I talked a lot about social media and I was
absolutely astounded at the quality of social outreach that the Las Vegas
Market utilized. Their social channels were on point from the time leading up
to the market, during, and recapping the event. I was IMPRESSED. One of the best
parts of their social outreach was the Instagram takeovers. I was chosen to do
this. I have to admit, I took one of these boards home because really, how
often are you deemed a ‘tastemaker’ with your face on a foam board?! Again,
another moment. If you want to check out all of the posts, use the hashtag
#viewonvegas
One of my favorite finds was this set of doors. I love a large set of doors. They're the "eyes" of
your home and one of the first things people comment on. These huge
"elephant" doors add texture and personality to just about any type
of space from contemporary to traditional. I love the spiked hardware. Just
lean doors like art or use as an interior divider wall or as barn doors for
luxury horses.
Every day, we had a shuttle to and from our hotel and coffee
and Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the morning and hot chocolate in the afternoon. There
was staff everywhere, a red carpet to get in, posh portable bathrooms
everywhere, and food trucks all the time. I really can’t say enough about the
Las Vegas Market. If you have a wonderful product, this is the place to come to
showcase it to wholesalers. They drew huge crowds and there as ALWAYS something
interesting happening. They also know how to promote you and your business. Oh
and they also had mimosas in the morning and happy hour in the afternoon. That
alone is why you should come.
To learn more about Rachel Hoffman’s appraisal practice,
visit: www.rachelhoffmanappraisal.com
To learn more about the Las Vegas Market, visit http://www.lasvegasmarket.com/
To learn more about AYG and join as a member, visit: http://youngguns.usantiqueshows.com/
