As the host of the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, Chas Sydney, senior vice president of area rugs, feels “AmericasMart offers retailers from around the globe a complete package, including [top-notch] education.”
In addition to the vast array of product and exhibitors—half of which show exclusively in Atlanta—he noted, “AmericasMart provides retailers with the 
opportunity to expand their business knowledge through the AmericasMart University (AMU) program.”
AMU, Sydney said, “is the industry’s premier educational program, offering retailers a comprehensive schedule of informative business classes.” The curriculum is geared toward buyers in all industries and features a slate of facilitators, including consultants, designers, writers/authors and business practitioners.
In addition to dozens of general business classes, AMU features specific seminars for rug buyers—many of which are presented and sponsored by AmericasMart area rug association partners.
“These seminars are led by experts in the rug industry who are equipped to provide thoughtful insight and discovery from personal and professional experience and knowledge,” he explained. “Whether it is the winter or summer market,” Sydney said, “retailers can take advantage of the complimentary educational opportunities established to help area rug companies strengthen and expand their businesses.
This July is no different, as AmericasMart has already scheduled a full lineup of AMU classes and area rug seminars. The summer market is set for July 15 to 18, and courses designed specifically for rug buyers include:
- “Conservation, Re- pair or Restoration?” presented by Thea Sand, a certified rug specialist from the Restoration Industry Association and president of Emmanuel’s Rug and Upholstery Cleaners. Sand will facilitate a discussion about what’s realistic, and best practice versus client expectations and budget concerning the preservation and restoration of area rugs.
- “Modern Renaissance in Turkish Rug Weaving” and “Appraising: Modern vs. Old vs. Antique Rugs from Different Countries.” Both will be presented by Richard Amatulli, managing member of Amatulli & Sons. He will discuss the modern renaissance in Turkish rug weaving from the second half of the 20th century to the present and how similar productions in other countries evolved during the same period. Amatulli will also address the inherent difficulties in appraising rugs from different countries.
- “Pacific Collection—Re- creating Antique Rug Designs Produced in Afghanistan.” Presented by Fred Hazin, owner of Pacific Collection. He will provide details on rug weaving production—from sheep to carpet—in the regions of Hazara and Turkmen, Afghanistan.
- “Walk the Market with Phil.” Presented by Phil Menendian, education chairman of Oriental Rug Retailers of America. This popular guided tour through select showrooms, provides an opportunity to learn about new innovations in today’s market.
Complete details about the seminars can be found online at americasmart.com or by calling 800.285.6278.