SPECIAL EVENTS DURING THE MERCHANDISE MART
INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES FAIR™ OCTOBER 12-15, 2007
CHICAGO (September 6, 2007) –The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair™ hosts its first-ever Fall Fair, October 12-15, 2007 at The Merchandise Mart Chicago. Not only does the Fair bring world-class art and antique dealers together for the premier antiques event in the Midwest, but it offers special features and a celebrity keynote speaker, making it an exciting and educational experience for novice and seasoned collectors alike.
Preview Party to Benefit Lincoln Park Zoo
Thursday, October 11, 2007, 5:30-9 p.m.
The Women's Board of Lincoln Park Zoo will host the Fair Preview Party where guests can enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and exclusive shopping of the world's best dealers of antiques and fine art. In addition, a champagne toast with award-winning architect and product designer Michael Graves will kick-off the evening at 5:30 p.m. The first 100 guests will be given a complimentary autographed copy of Mr. Graves’ book, Images of a Grand Tour. All guests will also receive a complimentary pass to return throughout the weekend to The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair. One of the nation's oldest zoos and the only free privately managed zoo in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo is among the finest urban zoos in the world. Open 365 days a year, Lincoln Park Zoo depends on philanthropic gifts and corporate donations to maintain the quality of its educational and conservation programs and the Women's Board supports Lincoln Park Zoo through its fundraising activities. Preview Party tickets are $125 per person or $1000 for a group of 10. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 312-742-2296 or online at www.lpzoo.org. All proceeds will benefit the Annual Fund of Lincoln Park Zoo.
Keynote Presentation
Michael Graves, “Designs that Stand the Test of Time”
Friday, October 12, 2007, 10 a.m.
Merchandise Mart Conference Center, 2nd Floor of The Merchandise Mart
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. President Christopher Kennedy will lead a question and answer keynote session with award-winning architect and designer Michael Graves. Graves will explore what makes some things stand the test of time as well as provide background and inside information on his world-famous designs which include 300 buildings and more than 2000 consumer products. Admission is complimentary and a continental breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m. RSVP to Aida Sarvan at 312-527-7970 or asarvan@mmart.com.
“My Favorite Things”
Booth Talk Series
Friday, October 12 - Sunday, October 14
Each afternoon, dealers share their insights describing a few of their favorite things during intimate talks within their booths. Both the seasoned connoisseur and the beginning collector will find these talks captivating and educational. Visit www.merchandisemartantiques.com for the Booth Talk schedule.
Americana Night at the Fair
Friday, October 12, 2007, 6-8 p.m.
In celebration of the fair’s Americana dealers, the Fall Fair introduces The Americana Pavilion, a special area on the show floor showcasing dealers with antiques from American origin. Friday night attendees will enjoy special entertainment, food and drinks all in honor of American heritage and history.
Sunday at the Fair
Sunday, October 14, 2007, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday the Fair will be serving complimentary Mimosas and playing live classical music for a relaxed shopping atmosphere.
The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair is open to the public and held on the 8th floor of The Merchandise Mart. The Fair will be open Thursday 7 – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.– 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.; and Monday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased on-site or at www.merchandisemartantiques.com.
For more information, please call 800.677.6278 (MART) or visit the event website,
www.merchandisemartantiques.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Maura Bruton
Director of Public Relations
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
Phone: 312.527.7555
E-mail: mbruton@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 and 350 West Mart Center 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 Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owners 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.
# # #