International Market Centers (IMC) invested about $1 billion to consolidate the largest showroom buildings in High Point with the World Market Center in Las Vegas. The move set off months of fear and speculation over the future of the Triad's lucrative annual furniture market.

After six months researching a "comprehensive overview" of what home furnishings retailers and manufacturers want from their industry conventions, IMC says it does not see any big changes on the horizon.  IMC home furnishings president Tom Mitchell says two full-length events each year in each city will continue.