Ready or not, Spring High Point Market (April 5 -10) is here and designers and buyers from around the world will be descending on High Point, North Carolina, for the semi-annual event, which is the American furniture industry’s largest trade show.
Editor at Large has assembled a handy reference guide of daily events and happenings, both social and educational, to help you navigate the week ahead.
Friday, April 4
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Bolier showroom (311 N. Hamilton Street) will host a special open house and preview of the Objets collection by M. Kirkpatrick. RSVP for this event.
3:00 p.m. The Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library (1009 North Main Street) will dedicate the Pat Plaxico Gardens. Music will be provided by the Penn-Griffin School for the Arts and there will be a garden tour followed by garden tea. (This is a private event, by invitation only. Call 336.883.4011 for additional information).
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The annual market kick off party sponsored by Ashley Furniture and Shelba D Johnson Trucking takes place at Center Stage between Showplace and the Transportation Terminal.
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. WithIt's annual President’s Welcome Reception gives attendees the chance to network, renew friendships and learn about the organization at Braxton Culler Furniture (310 S. Elm Street).
Each day, attendees of High Point Market can connect with top designers and bloggers who will be sharing their inspirations including their favorite showrooms, products and social events. Friday's @DesignOnHPMKT Instagram take-over starts with guest posts from Gretchen Aubuchon (Fashion + Décor) and Matthew Frederick (M. Frederick Interiors).
Saturday, April 5
Barry Dixon and Alexa Hampton
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. The Opening Day Press Breakfast features a conversation with Barry Dixon, Mariette Himes Gomez, Alexa Hampton and Charlotte Moss about their experience in broadening their creativity in the world of furniture design and their newest products being introduced at the April Market. A casual breakfast buffet is available at 8:00 a.m.; program begins at 8:30 a.m. at the High Point Theater.
8:30 a.m. Lexington Home Brands (1300 National Hwy, Thomasville) will host a hot breakfast and "Insider Tips for Getting Published" with Tobi Fairley, who will be joined by Krissa Rossbund, senior style editor for Traditional Home magazine.
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Kitchen Design Network founders Lori Gilder and Rebecca Reynolds will share tips from their one-day Kitchen Renovation Workshop. The kitchen designers will pave the way for decorators and designers at any stage of their career looking to develop another revenue stream or to create a niche within kitchen design and renovation. This event takes place at the Antique & Design Center in Market Square.
10:00 - 10:45 a.m. The High Point Market 101 Orientation Seminar, Part I, will provide tips on navigating High Point Market to make the best use of your time with Tammy Nagem, chief operating officer of the High Point Market Authority. This event takes place at the High Point Theatre Transportation Terminal. (This event will also take place on Sunday, April 6)
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. "The Interior Design Industry in 2014, “What’s Next?" will be led by Crans Baldwin, President and CEO of Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, and takes a frank look at business opportunities, trends and specific ideas that will benefit interior designers and their business both now and in the next few years. This event takes place at the Market Square Seminar Room MS #300.
Lisa Ferguson
11:00-11:45 a.m. High Point Market 101 Orientation Seminar, Part II, with Interior designer Lisa Ferguson of Decor Mentor, will give designers the tips and tools to help make the most of their time at market and show the inside track on how to work the world's largest home furnishings show. This event takes place at the High Point Theatre Transportation Terminal.
12:00 – 1:15 p.m. Design Viewpoint Series: Mary Leigh Howell will present "From Amateur to Authority: Understanding and Working with the Media." This lecture will show how media can play an important role in marketing your business. Learn how to understand and effectively work with different media, from television to radio, magazine, newspapers, websites and blogs. Attendees can earn .1 CEU credit at The High Point Theatre.
1:30 p.m. The Antique & Design Center presents "Design Tech Summit: Building a Bridge Between Design and Technology” with Katy Garrett, chief executive of Connexionsoft, Inc. This panel discussion of tech leaders and innovators will show the latest technology solutions for managing projects and project work flow, facilitating client communications, creating presentation/idea boards, creating online space planning visualizations and developing architectural specifications and renderings.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Designer Barclay Butera and Traditional Home’s Senior Design & Markets Editor Tori Mellott will present a lively dialog discussing the evolution of traditional design today as well as Butera’s casual-yet-sophisticated approach to this popular design idiom. Seating will be limited and advance registration is requested, RSVP here. This event takes place at IHFC, Green Wing, 11th floor, Ballroom B.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Currey & Company hosts Dwell With Dignity, a non-profit group of interior designers and volunteers who help families escape poverty and homelessness through design.
Dann Foley
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Designer Dann Foley from NBC’s American Dream Builders will be at IHFC (Hamilton 417) to share insights and inspiration for his newest SuppleStyle soft home collection.
3:00 – 5:30 p.m. The Elevate Seminar will show interior designers how to get exactly what they need from their business right now. Decor Mentor's Ferguson, Jennifer Brouwer and Lisa Kahn will openly share proven yet fresh solutions that can transform designer’s bottom line. Pre-registration is required. This event takes place in the Eilersen showroom (220 Elm #312). (This event will also take place on Sunday, April 6)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TrendWatch: The Future of Interiors will take place at the Market Square Seminar Room MS #300. The presentation by Greg Dunlop, ASID, Global Strategy Director of WGSN-Homebuildlife, will focus on key ideas that will direct the future of the interiors industry. These big picture trends are influenced by consumer insights and creative intelligence from the interior, fashion, and consumer product markets. Attendees will learn about the 3 key macro trends for the upcoming year. .1 CEU is available and attendees must pre-register via email.
3:45 p.m. To showcase the many design resources found in High Point Market’s IMC buildings, Madcap Cottage founders John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon will curate a display located in the Market Square Courtyard which will feature product from exhibitors in the 200/320/330 N. Hamilton buildings. A champagne toast and meet and greet with the designers will be held.
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Meet Barry Dixon and see his new offerings for Tomlinson (525 N. Wrenn Street). Refreshments will be served.
Mary McDonald
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Chaddock will host a cocktail party to launch Mary McDonald's furniture line. (This is a private event, by invitation only)
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Architectural Digest toasts the Ten Year Anniversary of Nathan Anthony Furniture (IHFC 302). RSVP for this event.
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.Robert Abbey, Inc. (IHFC 244) will host a cocktail party to celebrate the launch of the new Trend Meets Tradition collection of Williamsburg Lighting.
5:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Audi Family & Stickley Staff hosts a cocktail reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Stickley's Mission Collection. (This is a private event, by invitation only)
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Century Furniture (Historic Market Square 5th floor) invites press to preview Charlotte Moss’ new collection. Enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and live music.
6:00 p.m. CR Laine will host a Low Country Barbeque with music by Jay Bird and The Soul Central Band.
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. High Point Market is offering big-screen TVs to watch NCAA tournaments games, along with a live DJ while guests can play pool or Skee-ball with fellow Market goers. Complimentary food and beverages will be served at the Center Stage at the Transportation Terminal.
Saturday's @DesignOnHPMKT feed will feature Corey Damen Jenkins (DWV Design with Vision), Christian May (Maison 21) and Dwayne Clark (Century Furniture).
Sunday, April 6
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. The Annual WithIt Educational Breakfast’s topic is “Future Trends: Driving Forces‚” with Michelle Lamb, who will reveal the “why” behind the “what” of color and style preferences for next year. RSVP for this event. This event takes place in the IHFC Green Wing, 11th Floor in the International Ballroom.
Terri Taylor
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. The Antique & Design Center presents "Understanding Your Value as a Designer: Bigger Fees and Better Clients" with Terri Taylor, ASID, IDS. This presentation will help designers focus on bringing their creative genius into their jobs, rather than simply selling and marking up product. Designers can earn one CEU credit. A light breakfast will be served.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Arteriors (IHFC H-320) will host its annual brunch to celebrate Laura Kirar’s new collection.
12:00 p.m. Design Viewpoint Series: "Set Yourself Apart from the Crowd! - Essential Secrets for Every Designer" with Michelle Jennings Wiebe, ASID, and Style Spotter, will show how any motivated interior designer can break into the lucrative new construction design industry and what it takes to succeed there. Attendees can earn .1 CEU credit. This event takes place at the High Point Theatre Transportation Terminal.
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. The Zarr Design Center (741 West Ward Ave) will host a “Lunch n Learn” focused on social media with consultant John Lusher as he talks trends and social media strategies.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Aerin Lauder will host a book signing for her new book, “Beauty at Home‚” at the Visual Comfort showroom (Commerce & Design Suite 2G).
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Tomlinson (525 N. Wrenn Street) and C2 Paint celebrate Barry Dixon's newest designs with lacquer finishes: "The Naturals Color Collection for C2." RSVP for this event.
1:30 p.m. The Antiques & Design Center presents "Boomer Design is Big Business: How to Help Boomers Blend Their Past and Future Furniture Needs" with Mitzi Beach, ASID, CAPS, an award-winning interior designer, author and Baby Boomer marketing. Following the presentation, the author will sign copies of her book, Boomer Smarts Boomer Power. Gelato and coffee will be served.
Julia Buckingham Edelman
2:00 p.m. Interior designer Julia Buckingham Edelman will take market-goers on a tour of her favorite finds on all three floors of “The Suites” at Market Square, the largest presentation of temporary exhibits. RSVP for this event.
2:30 p.m. Rue magazine editor Crystal Palecek will lead another tour of “The Suites.” RSVP for this event.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Interior designer, author and design business consultant Mary Knackstedt will explore the keys to a strong design practice, which she says, “starts with attracting the right clients,” at the Red Egg showroom (415 W. High Avenue).
3:00 p.m. Interior designer and Design Camp co-founder Lori Dennis will be hosting the Design Tech Summit at Jaipur (Main Street, Suite 100).
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Nourison (IHFC IH-101) will hold a meet and greet with designer Barclay Butera.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. CR Laine (310 N. Hamilton Street Showroom #201) welcomes Traci Zeller of Traci Zeller Designs and Tracy Hiner of Black Crow Studios for a meet and greet in celebration of their new collections. Zeller will launch her new luxury embroidered velvet on linen pillow collection. Hiner will debut new mineral and agate images in both art and wallpaper from her collaboration with Brenda Houston.
3:30 - 5:30 p.m. AERIN and E.J. Victor (116 South Lindsay Street) will host a reception to celebrate the expansion of the AERIN furniture collection, including new bedroom and dressing room designs.
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. As part of The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation’s mission to honor industry leaders and preserve history, The Innovations of Our Leaders: An Exhibit to Honor the Members of the Hall of Fame, will be unveiled. The Wall of Fame is located in the lobby of Furniture Plaza. The reception will begin at 4:00 p.m. and will culminate with an unveiling of the new exhibit and champagne toast at 4:30 p.m.
Thom Filicia
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Thom Filicia, in partnership with Farrow & Ball and Vaguard Furniture (301 N. Hamilton Street), will welcome guests to a cocktail party in the Vanguard showroom. RSVP for this event.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Interior designer Libby Langdon will host her 2nd annual Sips, Snacks & Sass party. Attendees will be able to meet Langdon and network over cocktails and hors d'oeurves at the Braxton Culler showroom. RSVP for this event.
4:15 p.m. A second display of the IMC building finds, designed by Bradshaw Orrell, will be located in the courtyard area in front of 330 N. Hamilton Street and will showcase products from Market Square exhibitors. A champagne toast and meet and greet with Orrell will be held at Hamilton.
4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Highland House (311 W High Ave) will host a cocktail party to celebrate its latest collection launch by Barclay Butera.
5:00 p.m. Loloi (IHFC D320) celebrates its 10th Anniversary with an open bar, food and a band.
5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Christopher Guy (418 S. Wrenn Street) will host the premiere of its Mademoiselle catalogue followed by a buyer's reception.
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Oly Studio (106 N. Wrenn Street) welcomes designers to its cocktail and canapé party.
7:30 p.m. Chris Daughtry will take Center Stage to perform as part of the High Point Market Authority “Stars Under the Stars” entertainment series.
On Sunday, the lenses of Edelmann, Palecek and Tobi Fairley (Toby Fairley Design) will be front and center on the @DesignOnHPMKT feed.
Monday, April 7
Michelle Jennings Wiebe
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Join Michelle Jennings Wiebe, High Point Market’s ‘Style Spotter Emeritus’ as she gives her personal tips and strategies to make one’s market experience the best ever. After her presentation, join her on a private VIP tour to several of her favorite showrooms. Seats are limited, RSVP for this event. A complimentary breakfast is included. Presentation starts at 8:30 a.m. at the High Point Theatre Transportation Terminal.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. The Antique & Design Center presents "It’s Never Too Late for Wallpaper: Historic Wallpaper Takes on a New Life," co-sponsored by Thibaut Wallpaper, Fabric and Fine Furniture. Don Larkin will discuss the colorful history of wallpaper while Judi Larkin, design-decorating coach, will show wallpaper from Thibaut’s Historic Book Collection. A Never Too Late book signing follows and a light breakfast will be served.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. What colors will make assortments look fresh in 2015 and 2016? Which styles will drive business best in the coming years? Lamb, internationally recognized trend-forecasting expert and Editorial Director of The Trend Curve will answer these questions and more. This event takes place at the Market Square Seminar Room MS#300.
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Design Viewpoint Series: "More Money, More Profits," features interior designer Kimberley Seldon, author and editor of Dabble magazine, as she reveals her top strategies for plugging the gaps in profitability and increasing job and customer satisfaction through a unique 15 Step Project Management Plan. A book signing will follow for Sheldon’s Business of Design 1 and 2. Attendees can earn .1 CEU credit at the High Point Theatre Transportation Terminal.
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. The French Heritage showroom will host a press luncheon and preview of the new collections. RSVP for this event.
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. The Sustainable Furnishings Council will host a luncheon with Sean Sullivan, associate publisher of House Beautiful, Elle Decor and Veranda, who will moderate a panel of distinguished sustainability experts in a talk that will focus on green washing. Attendees will learn how to avoid the sins of green washing and use their own authentic sustainability story to build brand loyalty. This event takes place at the IHFC Green Wing Ballroom, 11th floor. Pre-registration for this event is required.
Billy Indursky
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Antique & Design Center presents "Home Decor Trends: The Year Ahead with Bill Indursky of Design Life Network." The architect, trend expert and digital entrepreneur is well known to ADC Lecture attendees as the founder of V&M.com and has recently launched Design Life Network, promoting inspiring design of all eras online and on TV, and home of the design obsessed.
2:00 p.m. Los Angeles-based interior designer Christian May will share his opinions and tastes during “The Suites” tour. RSVP for this event.
2:30 p.m. HGTV star Corey Damen Jenkins will also lead a group for the final “The Suites” tour. RSVP for this event.
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Lisa Mende and Traci Zeller, both interior designers, bloggers and two time High Point Market Style Spotters, share their secrets for leveraging social media into better projects, better press coverage and a vibrant brand presence both online and in real life—at the Antique & Design Center.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Currey & Company will host noted author James Farmer, who will premier his 6th book on Southern food and culture, Dinner on the Grounds, published by Gibbs-Smith. Enjoy Southern hospitality, meet the author and buy a signed copy of his book.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Accents (IHFC Suite C-1000) will celebrate 25 years and toast many more years to come.
Denise McGaha
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Antique & Design Center hosts interior designer Denise McGaha who will deliver “Designing with a Deadline: Design Secrets for A Timeline Sensitive Project.” McGaha shares her secrets to designing with a deadline, using vintage and antique finds. Happy hour will follow.
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Join Surya (Showplace Suite 4100) for a Design Tech Summit panel discussion featuring Jennifer Flanders, one of HGTV's Real Designing Women; Shay Geyer, Good Morning Texas design expert and High Point Market Style Spotter; and design technology firms Autodesk Homestyler and 3Dream. The designers will show you how to leverage the latest technology to design quick, easy and beautiful floor plans and interiors for your top clients.
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Lamps Plus (IHFC Booth IH609) will host a cocktail reception where designer Jamie Young's new product will be unveiled.
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The experts at HGTV are coming to High Point to share their trends and resources with designers. Meet Genevieve Gorder and learn about her experience with HGTV and her career progression. Hear from HGTV HOME Design Director, Nancy Fire, about today's latest trends and what that means for HGTV HOME products. Finally, Rich Lacey will share how you can get involved with the HGTV Professional Network to feature your work on HGTV.com. RSVP for this event.
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Loloi hosts Dann Foley, designer of Loloi’s new Palm Springs collection. In honor of the new collection, Loloi will also be giving away a trip for two to Palm Springs, including a stay at the Korakia Pensione. RSVP for this event.
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Trump Home by Dorya (200 Steele Street), a 50 piece contemporary collection, will be debut during a cocktail party. RSVP for this event.
5:30 p.m. American Leather (Showplace Suite 5000) will host cold drinks, good eats and an EDCEC accredited course on boosting your color IQ. The course will be presented by Sally Augustin. Networking and guided showroom tours will be available 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. The IDCEC course begins at 6:30 p.m. RSVP for this event.
5:30 – 10:00 p.m. The Linon Home Décor showroom (220 Elm Street Suite 202) will host a Greek themed party, with Greek food, wine, music and plate breaking.
Caroline Hipple
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. WithIt presents its Competitive Intelligence Panel, featuring industry strategist and author Caroline Hipple, chief energy officer of HB2 Resources, along with Dixon Bartlett, Anita Pugh and Chris Matthies co-authors of A Pathway to Profit, the new business book from Friesen Press. As part of this special event, the authors will share their unique formula for both personal and organizational success, designed to help both individuals and organizations navigate difficult times. This event takes place at the Antique & Design Center, and a book signing will follow.
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Celebrate Safavieh’s 100th anniversary at a cocktail party in the Courtyard at Historic Market Square. A yearlong program of promotions and events in honor of the centennial begins at High Point Market.
Lisa Mende (Mende Design) and Marisa Marcantonio (StyleBeat) will dominate @DesignOnHPMKT on Monday.
Tuesday, April 8
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. The NEWH North Carolina Regional Group will hold its second annual Hospitality Designer Day at High Point Market. This event, sponsored by over 20 NEWH-member manufacturers, presents a unique opportunity for the hospitality designers, purchasers and hoteliers to visit the world’s largest furnishings industry trade show and experience manufacturers’ products and capabilities in much greater depth than is possible at traditional hospitality trade shows. Participating sponsors will staff their showrooms on the day of the event with personnel knowledgeable about hospitality products and pricing. Kick off at the Designmaster Furniture showroom (201 S. Main St.) at 7:30 am for breakfast with a full day of showroom visits, lunch at the Samuel Lawrence Furniture showroom (220 Elm #200) concluding at the American Leather showroom (Showplace #5000) with a cocktail reception at 5:30 pm. RSVP for this event.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. The 2014 High Point Market Style Spotters will share their favorite looks and on-trend products found at the Spring High Point Market. Moderated by the 2013 Style Spotter "Emeritus" Wiebe and Runner-Up Geyer, panelists include 2014 Style Spotters Mitzi Beach, Jeanne Chung, Meredith Heron, Gary Inman, Denise McGaha and Michelle Workman. RSVP for this event.
Nancy Price
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Antique & Design Center presents “Designing With Antiques: Making Antiques Accessible for Any Client’s Budget.” Interior designer, international antiques dealer and blogger Nancy Price joins forces with Douglas Scott, founder of The HighBoy, a new curated marketplace for antiques and fine art, to explore how the most beautiful and personal interiors can be created by incorporating antiques regardless of a client’s budget.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Lloyd Princeton will lead an interactive program on the best ways to evolve a design practice to work with consumers flooded with the “do it yourself” messages and images. Learn how to position your brand, package your services and optimize your pricing so you can maintain design integrity, professional satisfaction and give clients what they want—more control over their projects. RSVP for this event.
12:00 – 1:15 p.m. Design Viewpoint Series: "Pause and Refresh 2014-2015 Color Trends" with Steve Shorthouse, PPG's National Color & Design Consultant and owner of DesignFive, will explore the exponential potential of the palette and theme for the 2014 season and will offer trends to watch for 2015. Attendees can earn .1 CEU credit at the High Point Theatre Transportation Terminal.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Gary Inman of Glave & Holmes Architecture will present, “Great Design Begins with a Great Story." The topic grows from the contextual approach that Inman and his team use in developing designs for fine homes and luxury hotels. This event takes place at the Antique & Design Center.
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. David Lindquist, owner of Whitehall Antiques and a noted antiques authenticator, appraiser, educator and author, presents "An Introduction to Wood Identification” at the Antique & Design Center.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Toma Clark Haines, owner of Europe’s largest touring and buying service company, concludes the Antiques & Design Center's lecture series with Antiques Diva Style Guide. Haines will provide a virtual tour of the major antique periods and styles, identifying their key characteristics utilizing modern day metaphors and inventory found at the Antique & Design Center. A happy hour tour of the ADC follows, highlighting topics covered in the presentation.
Kristin Drohan (Kristin Drohan Collection) and Jonathan Legate (Jonathan Legate Interiors) will be featured on @DesignOnHPMTK on Tuesday.
Wednesday, April 9
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The High Point Market Authority in association with the ASID will present a Designer Master Class that will take place in the High Point Theatre. The Master Class (IDCEC approved) will offer .4 continuing education units (CEUs) to those who attend this four-hour class, with a one-hour break for lunch, which will be provided. Princeton, principal of Design Management Company (DMC) of Los Angeles, New York and London, will be on hand to lead the class members through his best presentations. The program will provide attendees with all of the necessary tools to grow a business including marketing, attracting desired clients; pricing, how to charge them once found; and selling, the psychology of the buyer’s mind. RSVP is required for this event.
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. On the last night of Market, the High Point Market Authority will serve traditional Southern Style BBQ with all the fixings. Enjoy good food, friends, beer and wine and relax.
Throughout Market the Style Spotters will be selecting their favorite products and top trends, and will be posting them on Pinterest. The Style Spotters are Michelle Jennings Wiebe, Shay Geyer, Mitzi Beach, Jeanne Chung, Nicole Gibbons, Haskell Harris, Meredith Heron, Gary Inman, Denise McGaha and Michelle Workman.
Finally, Lisa Kahn Allen (Kahn Design Group) along with the duo Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke (Madcap Cottage), will takeover the @DesignOnHPMTK feed Wednesday. Join the conversation for fun, candid moments during market by these trendsetters, and don't miss the "selfie" videos posted by the designers sharing the myriad reasons they love attending High Point Market.
Top designers will be available for meet and greets at the Jonathan Charles and Frederick Cooper showroom (200 N. Hamilton Street Suite 125) throughout market. William Yeoward, Alexander Julian and Larry Laslo, will all be available daily to share their new collections with designers and the media.
Around market, various showrooms will host daily breakfasts, lunches and cocktail parties for designers and guests.
