High Point Market is right around the corner and the design community is gearing up to make its way down to the Furniture Capital of the World this week. Editor at Large has assembled a handy reference guide of events and happenings—both social and educational—to help you navigate this spring’s ‘Inspiration’ Market. Listed by day, this guide will take you through the product introductions and events you won’t want to miss.

Friday, April 19

Thom Filicia

On Friday night from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Thom Filicia will be in the Vanguard Furniture showroom for cocktails and a signing of his latest book, American Beauty. He will also be signing books on Saturday evening in the showroom.

From 6:30 – 11:00 p.m. Traditional Home and the Junior League of Greensboro will host the opening night gala for the show house located at the historic Adamsleigh estate in Greensboro, NC. Guests will be whisked back to the era of The Great Gatsby at this black-tie optional gala, and will have the opportunity to preview the estate and it’s transformation by both local and nationally renowned designers. Food, live music and a silent auction are part of the evening and valet parking is provided. The show house will then be open for tours throughout market, for tickets and information, visit the website.

Saturday, April 20

The annual opening day press breakfast will take place at the High Point Theatre starting at 7:30 a.m. Doug Bassett, president of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company; Andy Bray, president of Vangaurd Furniture; Nathan Cressman, president of Magnussen Home Furnishings; and Alex Shuford III, president of Century Furniture will discuss and share their outlook on the current market and what it's going to take to build a business this year and in the future. This is a private event for press only.

Candice Olson

At 1:30 p.m. Surya will host “Solving Your Design Challenges: A Conversation with Candice Olson.” Interior designer and HGTV host of "Divine Design" and "Candice Tells All" answers market visitors' questions about the design and merchandising challenges they face. High Point attendees are invited to RSVP for the event and submit their questions. The top 10 questions will be selected prior to the event. Everyone who submitted a chosen question will be invited to speak with Olson at an earlier event and will receive a copy of her latest book, Favorite Design Challenges.

From 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. The Fast Forward presentation by Greg Dunlop, ASID, global strategy director of WGSN-Homebuildlife, focuses on key trends forecasted for the interiors industry. WGSN-Homebuildlife is an online trend forecasting agency dedicated to the home and interiors market sector and is the official trend partner for International Market Centers. The macro trends are influenced by consumer insights and creative intelligence from the interiors, fashion and consumer product markets. Attendees will learn about three key macro trends for the 2014 season. These macro trends will be followed by a review of color and material forecasts for 2014. This learning opportunity will focus on how these trends will influence style and décor for home furnishings products including furniture, textiles, tabletop and decorative accessories. 0.1 CEU. Three visual trend displays will be placed in various locations throughout market. Drinks and refreshments will be served. (IHFC - 11th Floor, Green Wing, Ballroom A)

Also at 2:00 p.m. Bill Indursky will present the 2013 Trends in the Antique and Home Furnishings Industries. For an in depth and up-to-the minute analysis of where the antique and home décor industries are headed, look no further than Bill Indursky, co-founder of VandM.com, one of the largest vintage, antique and design websites. An award-winning designer, architect, realist painter and author, Indursky returns to offer his popular design trend forecast, and to explain the larger context that continues to shape his forecast. (Market Square - MS-G/ADC 6)

At 3:00 p.m. Currey & Company will introduce more than 200 new products including new additions to the Marjorie Skouras Collection. Skouras will be present for the event on Saturday, and also on Sunday.

From 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. don’t miss “Perfect Pitches & Presentations” at the Eilersen showroom, #312 at 220 Elm. Decor Mentors Lisa Ferguson, Kati Curtis and Jennifer Brouwer will openly share their own successful sales and presentation strategies and tools to attract, wow, and land your ideal interior design clients. (Pre-registration required)

Kelli Ellis and Lori Dennis

From 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. interior designers Kelli Ellis and Lori Dennis will put on a "Taste of Design Camp." Creators of Design Camp, Ellis and Dennis have spent decades educating designers and design enthusiasts. For this presentation, designed to offer a taste of Design Camp, Ellis and Dennis take the stage with industry leaders and a panel of "Camp Counselors" that includes Leslie Newsom Rascoe, decoration and design editor, Veranda Magazine; Helene Hollub, principal of Hollub Homes, Inc., a premier building and design company in South Florida; Katy Garrett, nationally recognized interior design business coach, systems educator, and award winning custom home furnishings consultant; internationally renowned interior designer Barry Dixon and Lisa Mende, founder and principal of Lisa Mende Design, and winner of the High Point Market's ninth Style Spotter contest. All "Design Campers" are invited to join the counselors at a special event and book signing in the Market Square Courtyard following the presentation. (Market Square - MS-G/ADC 6)

Noir hosts happy hour from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. to celebrate opening day with drinks and hors d'oeuvres with the owner and designer of Noir Furniture, George Baehler. Guests will have a chance to meet with him and view the 2013 introductions.

Starting on Saturday, the Christopher Guy showroom will give showcase the expanded introductions of the Mademoiselle Collection. Cocktails will be served daily from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Also on Saturday, CR Laine invites guests to dinner and drinks at the showroom from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Southern Boots will be catering and the Soul Central Band will provide entertainment.

At 7:00 p.m. at Center Stage, “Carolina Stars” close out day one of market with a tasting menu from North Carolina wineries paired with famed Southern cuisine, accompanied by music from jazz-fusion band Tizer.

Sunday, April 21

Sunday's events kick off with the annual WithIt Educational Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (IHFC - 11th Floor, Green Wing, Ballroom A)

At 10:00 a.m. Hollywood comes to High Point direct from the red carpet with Academy Award-nominated art director and antique dealer Leslie McDonald, and her special presentation on designing for film with unique insights into the production process. Art director for the blockbuster hit Lincoln, McDonald has nearly three decades of experience as an art director and production designer for the motion picture industry. Get close-up with a few unique pieces from her movies on display at the Antique & Design Center, along with the mid-century art and furniture in which McDonald specializes. (Market Square - MS-G/ADC 6)

Also at 10:00 a.m. Jody Seivert presents "Pricing Design" in Hamilton Square. The seminar is presented by AIDP and is worth 0.2 CEU. (RSVP)

Laura Kirar

Mark Moussa, founder of Arteriors, hosts a preview of the latest collection and new introductions from designer Laura Kirar. Moussa and Kirar will be available for tours from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (RSVP)

“What Price Is Right?” starts at noon in the High Point Theatre and will address the questions: How do you bill for your goods and services as an interior designer without overcharging, or worse, undercharging? Designers struggle with that question as they work to balance their hard costs with payment for their intellectual property, creativity, and most importantly, experience. A panel of principal designers from various companies throughout the U.S. and Canada will discuss what they have found to be the best options for their businesses, including new ideas that can aid you in getting optimal dollars for the goods and services you provide. The panel, led by Decor Mentor founder Lisa Ferguson, includes designers Jennifer Brouwer, Kati Curtis, Lisa Kahn and Elaine Williamson. (.1 CEU Credit)

Paula Deen

Television star, cookbook author, magazine publisher and restaurant owner Paula Deen will host and officiate over Paula Deen’s Great Party Challenge! at 3:00 p.m. at the High Point Theatre.

From 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Currey & Company, guests will have the chance to meet Eileen Dycus, who is featured in Interior Design magazine's new book: Best of Residential Architecture and Design, grab a book and get it signed.

Also from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke of Madcap Cottage will be on hand in the CR Laine showroom, showing off their new collection of pillows. Guests are invited for cocktails, canapes and special "pupcakes."

“Perfect Paperwork” will take place from 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the Leif Petersen showroom, #328 at 220 Elm. Design mentors Ferguson and Kahn will openly share contracts, product worksheets, budget spreadsheets, and paperless apps to help you eliminate challenges and improve your efficiency and bottom line. (Pre-registration required)

From 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. join Aerin Lauder in the EJ Victor Showroom to celebrate her launch of new furniture, fabric and lighting collections for EJ Victor, Lee Jofa and Visual Comfort. This is a private event, by invitation only.

Libby Langdon

Get to know designer, author and makeover television personality Libby Langdon at the Braxton Culler Showroom at 4:00 p.m. Bloggers and design writers are invited to "sip, snack & sass" while they relax in the showroom, network and become the first to get the inside scoop on Langdon's new TV series, Daykeover with Libby Langdon.

Designers are invited to join HGTV host Joe Ruggerio at 4:00 p.m. at the Miles Talbott Furniture Showroom for wine and cheese. View his latest fabric introductions for Sunbrella and furniture introductions for his newest group, JOE Studio for Miles Talbott. (RSVP)

Surya hosts “Apartment Therapy: 5 Inspirations for Small Spaces” at 4:00 p.m. with author and Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell Ryan. Ryan shares tips for creating impactful rooms where space is a key concern. The first 25 guests will receive autographed copies of his best-selling book: Big Book of Cool, Small Spaces.

At 5:00 p.m. Misendemeure and Yves Delorme will host "Champagne & Line Review." (RSVP)

On Sunday evening from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Baker will host a cocktail party to celebrate the new designs from Michael S. Smith, Barbara Barry, Thomas Pheasant, Lexicon and Baker Upholstery. This is a private event, by invitation only.

Long-time friends Cisco Pinedo and John Robshaw invite guests to meet, mingle and enjoy wine and hor d'oeuvres from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Robshaw will be launching his collection for Cisco Brothers at this event. (RSVP to 336-887-4022)

Stanley Furniture will be celebrating the company's heritage and unveiling a complete showroom redesign by Woodson Rummerfield House of Design. The event will start at 6:00 p.m. and is strictly by invitation only.

From 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. join Halo Styles for an evening of laughs, luxury and bubbles.

Super-group The Temptations will perform to close out Sunday’s events, doors open at 7:00 p.m. at Center Stage.

Monday, April 22

Aerin Lauder

Aerin Lauder has launched home and lifestyle brand AERIN, and will be the keynote speaker at the annual Press Breakfast, starting at 9:00 a.m. She will discuss what inspires her, how she moves from inspiration to design, the ideas behind her signature look, and the creative process that led to her new collections of furniture with EJ Victor, lighting with Visual Comfort, and fabric and rugs with Lee Jofa. (This is a private event for press only.) Then from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. join Lauder in the Visual Comfort showroom to view and celebrate the new collection.

From 10:30 – 2:00 p.m. stop by the French Heritage showroom for a bubbly French brunch. Guests will enjoy gourmet food and bubbly champagne while viewing the new “Jewels for Home” collection. (RSVP to 336-885-2868)

Ronda Carman and Amanda Nisbet

“The Devil in the Details” talk takes place at noon in the High Point Theatre. “No one wants a cookie-cutter house, but rather a home full of personality and style,” according to All the Best founder and editor Ronda Carman. She leads a panel of designers in a discussion of how they bring their personal aesthetics into their own homes, and how designers can add details and touches that will give clients’ homes individuality and flair. Panelists include Barry Dixon, Celerie Kimble, and Amanda Nisbet. Book signings will follow for Carman’s new book Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living and for Nisbet’s book Dazzling Design. (.1 CEU Credit)

Retailer Tactics for Maximizing Accessory Sales takes place at 2:00 p.m. in the Surya showroom. A panel of leading retailers from across the country will discuss their views on the home accessory category and share strategies for building a profitable accessory program. Key areas of emphasis will include merchandising, promotion and cross-sell tactics using the Surya toolkit of support materials. Panelists include Ron Werner, president of HW Home, NHFA 2013 Retailer of the Year; Matt Huber, VP, merchandising for Belfort Furniture, NHFA 2012 Retailer of the Year; and Elisa Watson, Accessory Buyer for Hill Country Holdings (Ashley Furniture).

From 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. don’t miss “Our Industry is Changing! Are You?” in the Design 9 showroom, #311 at 220 Elm. Lisa Ferguson, Beth Dotolo, Carolina Gentry, and Elaine Williamson will openly share insight into the new challenges for designers and will offer innovative strategies not only to navigate the new waters but to thrive in them. (Pre-registration required).

Also from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. stop by Currey & Company to celebrate Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living by Ronda Rice Carman.

Ann Maine, editor-in-chief of Traditional Home, invites guests to celebrate the premier of Scalamandré Maison by Eastern Accents from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Cocktails will be served. (RSVP)

At 3:30 p.m. award-winning designer Allison Paladino presents what's important now, from the creative process to building a personal brand as a designer, and why the challenging economy may actually be the best thing that happened to her high-end interior design business. This presentation is for any interior designer who has ever dreamed of making the leap to product design or building a major brand, featuring actual samples of the forms and methods Paladino utilizes to make her business sing every day. Attendees receive 1 CEU credit. (Market Square - MS-G/ADC 6)

ASID will host "Society Social" at 6:00 p.m. at Surya featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, designer giveaways, a raffle drawing for a free 2014 ASID membership, and a keynote speech by ASID EVP/CEO Randy Fiser.

Tuesday, April 23

Jaime Rummerfield and Ron Woodson

At noon, head to the High Point Theater once again for “From Inspiration to Compensation.” Hollywood interior designers Jaime Rummerfield and Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield's House of Design are known for stepping out of the design box. The dynamic duo has branched out into their own online shop, a furniture line, their book High Style, showroom design for Stanley Furniture, and more. They will discuss how they did it, and how you can turn your inspiration into ideas that bring you compensation. (.1 CEU Credit)

High Point Market continues through Thursday, April 25, and showrooms will be hosting opening houses allowing designers to come and go as they choose. For more information visit the website, and visit High Point Market’s online calendar for more information on the events listed in our guide.