Atlanta—Officials for the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, scheduled to take place from Jan. 19 to 22, are once again ready to show off the world’s largest permanent collection of area rugs, exclusively in the nation’s only area rug market. Industry professionals, including retailers and buyers from across the country, are invited to “discover the widest selection of area rugs from the world’s leading manufacturers and importers,” said Chas Sydney, senior vice president of floor coverings and new business development at AmericasMart•Atlanta.

The Market, which features the National Oriental Rug Show (NORS), will once again include MOI: The Museum of Introductions, AmericasMart’s global showcase of the newest in area rug design and innovation. As the industry’s crowning achievement, noted Sydney, MOI makes its second annual showing as a signature event of the Market with a juried collection of the rugs presented as candidates for the world-renowned, Architectural Digest-sponsored America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards.

Industry Exclusive “MOI is an industry exclusive,” said Sydney, “the first and complete showing of new product introductions from around the world and the only place in which buyers can see the industry’s newest designs in a single setting. For many manufacturers, it’s their only presentation of new designs anywhere in the world.”

All rugs are categorized based on price points and whether they are machine-made or power-loomed. Three anonymous judges —representing designers, major retailers and/or museum curators—select their favorites in each category. Winning entries are based on quality of construction, value, design and saleability. None of the entries are identified by company so the judges’ selections are based strictly on the product.

In addition to these juried awards, there will also be an award for the most popular rug as selected by retailers. Following completion of the judging, MOI will open to buyers, Friday through Sunday, Jan. 20 to 22. Winning rugs will be displayed at Saturday’s America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards: The Grand Mysterium—the area rug industry’s most coveted honor —and further distinguished by the third year participation of Architectural Digest as program sponsor.

The awards, held Saturday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta, “also promises to be even bigger and more exciting this year, with more food and entertainment,” said Sydney. “This is the Academy Awards of the area rug industry, attracting up to 1,500 attendees. Exhibitors take great pride in this competition—winning can impact sales.”

Another highlight of the market will be the Armenian Odyssey, which features an exhibit of new and antique rugs from the region. Attendees are invited to enjoy this exclusive journey to Armenia and learn of its tradition-rich area rug industry. The event includes cocktails and an opportunity to mingle with Armenian dignitaries during the exhibit’s grand opening reception. “Boasting a storied heritage,” concluded Sydney, “the Armenian rug industry will celebrate a proud revival with a celebration of centuries of excellence and craftsmanship during the market.”

The Rug Market is preceded by the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, which runs from Jan. 10 to 18 for permanent showrooms, and Jan. 13 to 17 for the temporary showrooms. For more information on exhibiting at the Rug Market’s summer event, contact Kevin Malkiewicz, at 404/220-2437 or e-mail kmalkiewicz@americas mart.com.

For more information on attending the market, call 800/241-6405. —Louis Iannaco