Ballooniversity

FRI, Jul. 29 | 9 am – 5:30 pm
Floor 2, Merchandise Mart Conference Center

burton + BURTON: Showcasing balloon and floral focused design seminars.
Market & Ballooniversity registration required.

For registration and seminar agenda details, please visit www.ballooniversity.com.

If you arrive at Market and are not registered for this event but would like to attend, please call 800-241-2094 to check space availability.

Fair Trade Federation: An Industry Movement | Lunch N' Learn

Click Here to Register

SAT, Jul. 30 | 12 – 1 pm
Floor 8, Room 8A

Chicago has recently been awarded Fair Trade city status.  Join Renee Bowers, Executive Director of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF), and Megy Karydes, founder of World Shoppe Fair Trade and board member of the FTF, as they discuss the importance of Fair Trade, the impact of its mission, and the benefit of integrating its distinctive, global products in your business. 

 Lunch will be served; RSVP required. Limited Availability.
To RSVP, please click here.

Country Business Awards & Happy Hour

SAT, Jul. 30 | 4 – 5 pm
Floor 8, Beckman's Light Atrium

Celebrating this year's Retailer and Vendor of the Year Awards, Country Business honors the 2011 winners with an award presentation and a "Learn From The Experts" retail Q&A with tips on running a great business. Join us to hear their success stories, network, and enjoy a happy hour with appetizers and refreshments brought to you by The Chicago Market.

Shop Late Night

SAT, Jul. 30 | 6 – 8 pm
Showroom Floors 13, 14 & 15

No need to feel rushed – stay and shop until 8 pm! Continue shopping the showroom floors on 13, 14, and 15 and enjoy the hospitality that The Chicago Market is known for during our Shop Late Night!

Refreshments, savory eats and dessert will be among the offerings found in our permanent showrooms. Bars will be scattered on the floors to complete the night!

Merchandising: Tips & Tricks | Lunch N' Learn

REGISTRATION CLOSED

SUN, Jul 31 | 12 – 1 pm
Floor 8, Room 8A

Join Cadmium Interiors LLC as they present merchandising and decorating techniques, and learn to apply their tips and tricks to your business - whether it’s based in retail or focused on residential. Cadmium covers all your design needs from concept and layout to the last finishing touches. Their specialties go beyond decorating, applying artistry and design aesthetics to create accessible, inviting spaces.

Lunch will be served; RSVP required. Limited Availability.
 

DESIGNER DAY: Chicago Home + Garden Lunch N' Learn

REGISTRATION CLOSED "Secrets of the Stylists: How to Make Rooms (and Vignettes in Your Store!) Look Picture-Perfect” Presented by Chicago Home + Garden Editor Jan Parr and members of her staff Introductions by Design Center Director of Marketing Julia Chappell

MON, Aug 1 | 12 – 1 pm
Floor 8, Room 8A

Whether you’re styling your space for a photo shoot, moving into a new location, or setting a window display, Jan and her team will show you how to take your space to the next level. Join them in this illustrated discussion of how to use flowers, pops of color, texture, and dynamic accessories to get the look you want.

Lunch will be served; RSVP required. Limited Availability.
 

DESIGNER DAY: Afternoon Cocktail Reception

MON, Aug 1 | 2 – 3 pm
Floor 8, Home Section

Continue Designer Day for more great design tips and resources that can bring it all together. Stop by for a sneak peak at Chicago Home + Garden’s upcoming coffee table book, Chicago Spaces: Inspiring Interiors. Enter a raffle for a chance to win a copy of the book or a subscription to Chicago Home + Garden, pick up a copy of the July/August issue*, and enjoy the afternoon while shopping in the Home Section of the Temporary Floor. Network with exhibitors and fellow designers over cocktails and afternoon appetizers.  

*First come, first serve. Limited availability; while supplies last.

Retail Tour

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Co-Sponsored by the GHTA and the following GHTA
Chicago Market members:
DNA Sales, Midwest - CBK, Roman, TECSYS & Transpac Imports

MON, Aug. 1 | 4:45 – 7:30 pm
Starts on Floor 1, in the North Lobby

Explore retail in Chicago! Join us on a tour of Chicago's Southport Corridor, a boutique neighborhood destination and cultural hotspot for retail shopping, dining and entertainment. The tour will be guided in partnership by the GHTA (Gift and Home Trade Association) and The Chicago Market, with stops at multiple retail stores. Meet the people behind the success in these vibrant Independent and Specialty businesses. See the latest in Home, Gourmet and Accessories, and even a place to find your favorite pet a gift! Enjoy appetizers, beer and wine as you travel on a trolley ride.

RSVP required. Space is limited and first come, first serve.

For specific questions regarding this event, please contact Debra Egli at degli@mmart.com or call 312-451-6429.