THE MERCHANDISE MART DESIGN CENTER ANNOUNCES 2ND TUESDAY DESIGN

INSPIRATION SERIES AUGUST - DECEMBER 2005 EVENTS

CHICAGO (Aug. 10, 2005) – Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) continues to support local design professionals with its 2nd Tuesday™ Design Inspiration Series. These one-day events at The Merchandise Mart Design Center (floors 6,16,17 and 18) feature special showroom presentations, guest speakers and are a convenient way for designers to improve their business skills.

Feature presentations take place in a host showroom, include refreshments and are CEU-accredited. The July through December schedule includes a range of topics, such as controlling project budgets and installing and caring for high-end home furnishings.

"The 2nd Tuesday Design Inspiration Series is a great asset for design professionals looking to stay on top of industry trends. It's important that The Merchandise Mart help educate and inspire the industry professionals who rely on our showrooms and resources," said John H. Brennen III, executive vice president, MMPI.

2ND TUESDAY, DESIGN INSPIRATION SERIES FEATURE PRESENTATIONS

 

Aug 9: 10 a.m.

Building a Brand: The 411 of Marketing

Presented by Lloyd Princeton, founder, Design Management Co.

Hosted by DessinFournir Companies, Suite 1813

 

Sept 13: 10 a.m.

Furniture Fair

Feature presentation by Alexa Hampton, president, Mark Hampton Inc.

Merchandise Mart Conference Center

 

Oct 11: 2 p.m.

Lasting Luxury: The Construction, Craftsmanship and Care of High-End Home Furnishings

Presented by Valerie Moran

Hosted by Grange, Suite 1825

 

Nov 8: 10 a.m.

Organized by Design

Presented by Linda Goldman, owner, Altogether Organized

Hosted by Westwater/Patterson, Suite 1806

 

Dec 13: 2 p.m.

Holiday Fête

Hosted by J. Marshall, Suite 1600

To R.S.V.P. for any of the 2nd Tuesday events, please call 312.527.7866.

For more information, please visit www.merchandisemart.com/designcenter or call 800.677.MART (6278).

Media Inquiries Only:

Jackie Paulsen

Director of Public Relations

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

Phone: 312.527.7555

E-mail: jpaulsen@mmart.com

Natalie Campbell

Public Relations Associate

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

Phone: 312.527.7790

E-mail: ncampbell@mmart.com

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart, 350 W. Mart Center, and 33 North Dearborn in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Washington Office Center in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

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