The July Atlanta International Area Rug Market, July 15-18 at AmericasMart in downton Altanta, will feature a range of presentations, guest appearances by renowned designers, as well as parties, promotions and giveaways.

The July 2010 Market special guests include:

Suzanne Kasler(Friday, July 16 1-2 p.m., Building 1, Floor 4, Room 4-B-1): Kasler explains how time and place inspire each unique project and gives a behind-the-scenes look into her design process.

Jonathan Adler(Friday, July 16, 2-3 p.m., Building 1, Floor 14, Room 14-D-9): The lead judge on Bravo’s “Top Design” teaches how to keep up with new market trend ideas while staying true to an original point of view.

Eddie Ross(Saturday, July 17, 1-2 p.m., Building 2, Floor 9, Room 939A): Lifestyle expert and blogger shares 15 stylists’ secrets to easy entertaining.

The Market’s featured event is the inaugural ICON HONORS awards celebration with a headlining performance by five-time Grammy winner Michael McDonald on July 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis. Created exclusively by AmericasMart in partnership with the Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) and HFN, ICON HONORS is the first international program fully embracing the gift and home categories in an independent recognition of exemplary achievement across the industry for product manufacturing, product sales representative businesses and retailing.

Also available is a comprehensive schedule of educational seminars, events and workshops, featuring hands-on business-building solutions and education.  Setting the stage is AmericasMart University (AMU), offering complimentary business classes taught by business professionals. In addition to the 13 courses in the curriculum, AMU will spotlight two keynote addresses:

Oliver Blanchardwill discuss how social media can increase customer interaction and loyalty on Saturday, July 17.Kathy Juckettwill provide information on how retail can survive in a post-recession world on Sunday, July 18.

Nearly 30 other classes, seminars and workshops are available outside of the AMU program. Many of these offerings are category-specific, enabling retailers to grow in their niche area or learn more about pursuing new options for cross-merchandising and attracting new customers.

For more information, visitwww.AmericasMart.comor consult the Buyers’ Guide upon arrival to Market.