December 3, 2008

Kool & The Gang, America’s favorite Funk-Pop-Blues band, headlines AmericasMart’s all-star lineup of top designers, tastemakers and celebrity chefs showcased on the January 2009 Markets stage to launch the Grand New Building 2 WestWing and help make the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® and Atlanta International Area Rug Market® the world’s number-one destination for buyers and sellers.

Retailers can expect nine days of unprecedented entertainment, featuring nine special events—all supported by the breadth of product, resources and innovation offered only at AmericasMart. The January 2009 exclusive celebrity headliners are:

• Kool & The Gang Market concert—center stage in the atrium of Building 3

• Acclaimed designer Barry Dixon in a presentation and launch of Barry Dixon Designs for LivingSM

• World-renowned designer and innovator Thomas O’Brien sharing his philosophy on blending designs, followed by a meet and greet

• International tastemaker Colin Cowie sharing his secrets for entertaining with style and grace, followed by a book signing

• Food Network star Tyler Florence cooking up tips to spice up dinner parties, followed by a book signing

• Amanda Nisbet and Kathryn Ireland with Barry Dixon in the 2009 American Designers Roundtable discussion presented by Traditional Home

• TV star and food extraordinaire Rocco DiSpirito revealing his cooking tips, followed by a book signing

• Best-selling author and chef Virginia Willis whipping up a full menu of Southern specialties with a French twist, followed by a book signing

This, plus the grand debut celebration of Building 2 WestWing and other major events and educational seminars, promises to make January an unforgettable Market experience.