STUDENT DAY RETURNS TO NEOCON® WEST, THURSDAY, MARCH 10,2005, AT THE L.A. MART®
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 27, 2004) – Student Day at NeoCon® West returns to the L.A. Mart® Thursday, March 10, 2005, providing the up-and-coming design professionals of tomorrow with the tools and preparation they need to enter the workforce. NeoCon West is their window of opportunity to go beyond the realm of the classroom and gain real-world exposure to their field of interest. More than 300 students are expected to converge upon the L.A. Mart to explore their career potential, network and discover the latest product innovations from the industry’s top manufacturers of corporate, health care, government, hospitality, retail and residential furnishings.
Addressing last year’s event, Kym Rodger of Mesa College, San Diego, Calif., said, “I haven’t been to the L.A. Mart before and I was impressed by the range and quality of product that I saw here today. As a future designer, I feel that this show is conducive to getting business done. I thought the Student Exchange was very beneficial to attend as a first-year student.”
Complimentary to students and educators, Student Day runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 10 and is sponsored by Herman Miller. Registration is required. The program, geared to interior design and architecture students throughout the West Coast, consists of the following:
• Continental Breakfast, 9:30 a.m.
Sponsored by: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Students can take advantage of this great networking opportunity. More than 25 top architecture and design firms, as well as manufacturers, will have representatives on hand to offer information on their companies, answer questions about careers in the industry and review portfolios.
• Show Floor Visit, Noon-2 p.m.
• Student Day Keynote, 2-3 p.m.
Larry Bisson, Gensler, Los Angeles
“Welcome to Your Future”
Sponsored by: METROPOLIS magazine
Students are invited to join keynote Larry Bisson as he advises them on preparing to enter the working world. The designers of tomorrow can attend this open discussion to learn about what they should be doing while in school to make themselves marketable to potential employers. Further topics of discussion include the importance of internships while in school, creating a portfolio and the “do’s and don’ts” of résumé writing. Upon mastering these items students will be ready to hit the pavement. Bisson also discusses the many career options that are available and where to look for them.
• Panel Presentation, 3-4 p.m.
"Learning Lessons: What to Expect the First Year"
Stephen Viscusi, host of the syndicated talk show, "On the Job with Steve Viscusi," and author of the career advice book "On the Job: How to Make it in the Real World of Work," will host a panel of young professionals from prominent A&D firms. They will help students gain insight on how to best navigate this tight job market and share valuable career advice on how to market themselves and prepare for the first year on their new jobs.
• Student Reception, 4-5 p.m.
Sponsored by: International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Students are encouraged to join the NeoCon West and L.A. Mart team in celebrating the end of another productive day at NeoCon West with refreshments and entertainment. They can mingle with IIDA design professionals and critique the finest student work from schools throughout the West Coast.
For more information about Student Day at NeoCon West and to register to attend, please visit www.merchandisemart.com or call 800.677.6278 (MART).
The L.A. Mart and NeoCon are registered trademarks of MMPI.
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, Chicago Apparel 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. 34th Street 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 equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
Joanna Mineau
Director of Public Relations
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI)
Phone: 312-527-7074
E-mail: jmineau@mmart.com
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