Business strategies, PR techniques and top trends: ASID and High Point Market are teaming up on a variety of design-centric programming at this spring’s upcoming market, from April 15 to 18. The sessions are free for designers and retailers who attend market, and designers can earn up to 0.8 IDCEC-approved continuing education unit (CEU) through the Design Viewpoints Series (0.6 CEU), the ASID Bonus Sessions (0.1 CEU) and the Opening Day Event (0.1 CEU).

Shares Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority, “Our research has shown that interior designers and retailers come to the High Point Market to see new products, network with peers, meet new friends, and take advantage of our Design Viewpoints Series for continuing education credit. We are excited to partner again with ASID on this seminar series, as they really have their pulse on topics of interest to our buyers.”

“By attending the popular Design Viewpoints Series, Bonus Sessions and the Opening Day Event, designers and retailers can accumulate a total of 0.8 CEUs,” said Randy Fiser, CEO of ASID. “Our collaboration with High Point Market gives ASID the opportunity to offer superior educational opportunities for our members and market attendees during one of the industry’s most respected home furnishings shows.”

All seminars are presented by the High Point Market Authority and ASID. Check out the schedule:

OPENING DAY EVENT
Saturday, April 16 (9–10 a.m.)
Topic: Re-inventing Design and Retail: Mavericks Driving the Future
Keynote speaker: Polly LaBarre, founding member of Fast Company magazine and MIX (the Management Innovation Exchange)
Learn from innovative leaders Polly LaBarre and Wayfair co-founders Niraj Shah and Steve Conine. (0.1 CEU)

DESIGN VIEWPOINTS SERIES
Friday, April 15 (1:30–3:30 p.m.)
DVS Extended Session: The Power of Interior Photography: Position Your Existing Work to Appeal to New Clients
Speaker: Bert VanderVeen, VanderVeen Photographers
Hear directly from the official photographer of the High Point Market Authority, Bert VanderVeen, on what it takes to make an impact through interior photography. This is a course to help designers work with professional photographers—what to expect, what to search for, and how to get the most out of one shot. A potential client can judge you on the first image they see—are you prepared to take your design work to the next level? Advance registration is required. $125 for ASID members, $195 for non-members. (0.2 CEU)

Saturday, April 16 (12–1:30 p.m.)
Topic: Benefit or Detriment: The Impact of Government Laws and Regulations on Your Design Business
Speaker: Jim Brewer, The American Society of Interior Designers
Whether a design firm focuses on residential or commercial spaces, public policy issues will arise and impact its business. Therefore, it is imperative for interior design business owners to understand how government decisions will affect them, their employees and the services they offer to clients. This course will encourage design firm owners to strategically think how to better their business plan through awareness of public policy decisions affecting them, and therefore, the industry as a whole. Complimentary boxed lunch. (0.1 CEU)

Sunday, April 17 (9–10:30 a.m.)
Topic: The Press Release Is Dead: How to Perfect the New Pitch and Get Published!
Speaker: Amy Flurry, Recipe for Press
Why do some interior designers seem to get all the press, and how can you become one of them? Hint: They’re not writing press releases! Learn valuable insider tips from an editor of Lucky, Country Living, Condé Nast Traveler, House Beautiful, and Refinery29. Hear what editors everywhere look for in today’s pitch (but rarely tell you), and what sends them reaching for the delete button. In addition to dissecting the winning formula, Flurry will show you how to anticipate what editors need, and the call to action that gets a response. Complimentary breakfast buffet begins at 8:30 a.m. Immediately following the presentation, join Amy for a meet-and-greet book signing event. (0.1 CEU) 

Sunday, April 17 (12 –1:30 p.m.)
Topic: Your Firm and Your Legal Contracts: The Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Speaker: Alan Siegel, Levy Sonet & Siegel, LLP
Hear from the expert in interior design contract law, and prioritize what really is important to your firm and your contract agreements. In just one hour, you will gain critical insight from Alan’s 40-plus-year career working with the top designers in the industry. This course is relevant to designers starting their own firm or established designers who need to refresh their contract operations. Complimentary boxed lunch. (0.1 CEU)

Monday, April 18 (9–10:30 a.m.)
Topic: Key Drivers of Emerging Trends: Designing Winning Spaces and Products That Sell
Speaker: Stacy Garcia, Stacy Garcia Inc.
Looking to expand your brand and position yourself as a design expert? A design firm no longer just designs interior environments, it shapes how clients live, work, play and heal. Get ready to focus on the proven forecasting process and emerging trends in materials, color and design. Walk through steps of running a licensed product brand and how this can influence your business. This course can inspire and empower you to elevate your brand through proven techniques. Complimentary breakfast buffet begins at 8:30 a.m. (0.1 CEU)

BONUS SESSIONS
Friday, April 15 (4–6 p.m.)
Topic: Houzz University
Speaker: Lauren Gold, Houzz
Location: High Point Theatre
Houzz University is a two-hour, interactive, hands-on workshop where Lauren Gold, a Houzz marketing expert, will work with industry professionals side by side in a classroom-style setting. This style helps attendees get acquainted with your showroom in a relaxed way. This is a great opportunity to partner with Houzz, the industry leader in the residential design space, while bringing new faces from the trade into your showroom. It is highly recommended to bring your laptop to this event. This course is free to attend, and advance registration is required. This session does not include CEU credits.

Monday, April 18 (3–4:30 p.m.)
Topic: Are You Ready to Become the Preferred Designer for Affluent Customers?
Speaker: Gail Doby, ASID, Design Success University
Location: Lexington Home Brands Showroom (1300 National Hwy)
Gail Doby, ASID, knows firsthand that most designers need and want more affluent clients because they feel it is the key to making more money. Getting more affluent clients is just a small part of building a more profitable business. In this workshop, you will discover best practices for attracting and winning clients, and setting expectations so you are in control of your clients. Reception to immediately follow. All tickets are being generously sponsored by Lexington Home Brands ($195 value), allowing you to attend this highly valuable session at no charge! Advance registration is required. (0.1 CEU)

Note: This event will be held at Lexington Home Brands Showroom. Complimentary rides every five minutes from the Lexington downtown reception studio (116 E. Commerce St.) to the showroom.