No Longer a Virgin: My First Trip to Las Vegas Market

I know, I know…it’s been over a month since the Las Vegas Summer Market and High Point is just around the corner.  I’m late.  But, I’ve finally been able to sit down, get my thoughts together, and put pen to paper…errr, fingers to keyboard.

I’m a fairly new designer and I’ve always wanted to attend a Market.  Of course High Point is THE place to be, but I figured I would take baby steps.  It was almost a last minute decision.  Last minute meaning less than a month out.  But it’s Vegas baby!  I knew I would still be able to at least get a room. 

My husband and I had just returned from taking our boys to Universal Studios in Orlando.  We had a blast!  When we got back home, the plan was to chill and take copious amounts of naps to “recover” from our trip.

But there was this nagging feeling.  No.  More like a strong pull to go to Las Vegas Market.  I had been receiving the emails but I didn’t think it would be possible for me to go this year.  You see, I started my business last year and it hasn’t been going the way I dreamed it would.  

I wasn’t getting the clients, maybe a consultation here and there, blah blah blah.  Discouragement had moved into my home, kicked off its shoes, and got comfortable.  But I remembered something that Business Boutique’s Christy Wright said.  “Do it scared”.

Soooo, I proceeded to do it scared.  I asked my husband if he wanted to go on a quick jaunt to Vegas with me.  Was I surprised at his answer?  No, not at all.  I told him all about Market and why I wanted (needed) to go.  He was so supportive but I also think he had “ideas” of his own (double wink)…

We weren’t able to be there from start to finish. Due to our schedules, we could only squeeze in a couple of days but so what?  I booked the trip, we packed our bags, and three weeks later we were Vegas bound.

1. The Experience

You’re probably wondering why I would be scared to go to Market.  Well, I felt like I had no idea what I was doing or even what to expect. I knew there was going to be a lot to see but where would I start?  

I didn’t know anyone.  I didn’t truly have a plan.  After registering for an account online, I just looked at the scheduled events and seminars, then made note of the ones I thought would be interesting or helpful for me in this stage of my business.

I made a decision – I’m going for the experience of it all.  That took so much pressure off of me!  To not feel like I had to know about everything and everyone was so liberating!  I was going to soak it all in and just have fun.

So, when I got off the shuttle at the World Market Center, it was amazing!  The buildings were so modern and sleek looking.  They just towered above you like they knew they were the “ish”.  I was so excited and nervous at the same time.

What was wrong with me?  Get it together Melissa.  My husband Mont accompanied me.  He is my knight in shining armor, my biggest supporter, my lifter-upper of a crushed spirit…my number one fan.

He’s not obsessed with all things interior design but he lives with someone who is, so he understood why I was like a kid in a candy store.

2. Furniture, Accessories and Lighting Oh My!

Remember when I said I didn’t have a plan on how to execute this thing?  Well, I knew of a couple of showrooms I wanted to hit but as I traversed Building C, I immediately became distracted.  It was like everything was so beautiful and the products I saw made me want to get back on a plane to San Antonio and redo our entire home!

But I snapped out of it and pulled myself together. There was such a massive selection of furniture pieces in different styles and looks.  The textures, colors, and patterns were phenomenal.

The accessories were just as fabulous.  Just seeing different pieces that aren’t available in retail stores made me truly appreciate what we do as designers to be able to help clients get a truly custom space that fits their personality, style, and lifestyle. Something unique to them and it doesn’t look like everyone else’s space.  It’s not a “room-in-a-box”.

What I think blew my mind the most, was the different lighting collections.  I absolutely love lighting.  To me, lighting is everything!  You could have a simple room that is decently designed and once you inject that perfect statement-piece lamp or chandelier, you have just set it off!

My favorite was the Hudson Valley Lighting Group (HVLG).  It’s where four beautiful, industry-recognized brands come together and form one Superhero.  Anyone remember Voltron?  Wait. Can Voltron even be considered a “superhero”?  I know. I’m old so if you’re a millennial reading this, go ahead and Google it…

Anyway, the HVLG was amazing.  I got lost in their showrooms knowing that didn’t even scratch the surface.  It was such a mix of modern, eclectic, contemporary, and unique designs.  The possibilities were seriously endless.

I know there were far more lighting showrooms I could’ve visited but there was so much to see and experience.  I now understand how and why any Market can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan.  Noted.

3.  Making Connections

Aside from all of the beauty, good food, wine, massage therapists with magical hands (yes, I absolutely partook in that), and trends that surrounded me…I would say probably the best part of my first Las Vegas Market was meeting and connecting with people.

It’s not like I was rubbing elbows with CEOs of major companies or world-renown interior designers.  But I finally got to meet my sales rep from Moe’s Home Collection.  We had been emailing each other and had chatted on the phone a few times for the past couple of months.  

I didn’t tell her I would be in Vegas for Market but I went into the showroom and asked for her.  We ended up meeting and it was such an awesome moment…we were so happy to finally meet each other!  She took me on a tour of the showroom, educating me on various furniture pieces and what was hot at the moment.  I was on a furniture high.

I was also able to meet a business development manager from HVLG.  She showed me the ropes on how to scan products and how they would email me information and pricing on everything I scanned in their showrooms.  Score!  

This wonderful human being also explained their process on opening an account and any minimums required.  I felt so enlightened – I was salivating and learning something at the same time.  Life is good.

Some Takeaways

So I have to be honest.  I did feel some intimidation while I was there.  It wasn’t because of any one person or interaction I had.  It was all me.  I had all these preconceived notions of how Market should or would be.  The people I encountered were super helpful and kind. I needed to get out of my feelings.

I said earlier that I had made a decision. I decided that this trip would be all about the experience of Las Vegas Market, not the structure or plan of purchasing products from vendors or hitting every seminar and event.

The cool thing is that there are future Markets to come.  I’m taking baby steps and the next one I’ll be able to attend will be a little different from the first time.  I’ll have the experience AND a thought-out plan.

Now I know what it’s like…what to expect.  I’ve officially been Market de-virginized.  Perhaps next time I’ll take a designer friend with me so we can experience Market and learn together.  I will be free knowing that I don’t have to be like everyone else. I don’t have to have everyone else’s schedule or plan.

What is for them is for them.  What is for me is for me.

Overall, I felt that I met my objective.  I achieved what I set out to do.  I came for the experience but I got so much more. I was able to have the best of both worlds.  I had Las Vegas Market and a fun time with my hubby!  How can you be in Vegas and not do it up?  The two just go hand in hand. 

I hope this quick snapshot of my personal experience was helpful for those who have never been to any Market.  I hope that it helps relieve you of any angst you may have about attending one.  You don’t have to know it all.  You don’t have to know everyone.

Be yourself and just experience it.  Give yourself permission to have fun and take from it whatever works for you and your business.  It’s such a simple concept but sometimes the most difficult to execute.

But don’t you worry love.  You’ve got this.  Go forth boldy and courageously to the next Market.  Be fierce and work those showrooms.  I know I will…I’m ready now.