The countdown to High Point Market is on. The design community will begin its descent upon on the Furniture Capital of the World next week, October 13-18. With over 10 million square feet of exhibit space, knowing where to start can be a challenge. Editor at Large has assembled a list of events and happenings—both social and educational—that punctuate this Fall Market.

2011 Withit Program

For the early birds who arrive Friday night, Withit is hosting a kick-off party at the red egg starting at 6:00 p.m.

On Saturday, opening day, the collaborative online community Decor Mentor and High Point Market Authority present events developed to help ‘elevate’ business for interior designers and retailers.

At 11:00 a.m., first timers to High Point can attend a Designer Orientation at the High Point Theater.

From 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., join Thibaut Fine Furniture for happy hour at their showroom at Market Square #315. Happy hour will continue on Sunday and Monday as well.

At 4:00 p.m., “Elevate your business,” a professional workshop, will take place in the Innovation showroom, #300 at 220 Elm.  Pre-registration is required: editorial@highpointmarket.org.

Also from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. join Alexander Julian as he presents his collection for Jonathan Charles, 200 N Hamilton, Suite 125. From 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. he will also greet market goers at Ziba Rugs and Modern Traditions Furniture, 200 Steele St, 2nd floor and enjoy live music, cocktails and hors d'oeurves. 

Stop by the Industry Mixer from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Phillips Collection Showroom, IHFC-C 202.

Then, check out the Bernhardt Showroom for a celebration of creativity at  IHFC Design Center, 6th Floor, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Finish the day with wine and hors d'oeuvres at Mr. and Mrs. Howard, 315 Fred Alexander Place, 2nd Floor, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Reply to rsvp@jmhoward.net.

Start Sunday morning with an educational breakfast, Withit hosts Kathy Ireland and Angelo Surmelis for a discussion at 7:30 a.m. at the IMC’s IFHC Bldg. Green Wing, 11th Floor.

Palecek will host Jeffrey Alan Marks for the High Point Press Breakfast also on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the IHFC Design Center, Suite 202. Open to members of the press only.

At noon on Sunday at the High Point Theater, a panel of experts will discuss the strategy “How to Get on TV” with interior designers Shay Geyer, Lori Dennis, Kelli Ellis and Nathan Turner. Stick around after for a meet-and-greet and book signing with Turner.

Arteriors, IHFC Hamilton Wing 320, invites designers to view the new collection from Barry Dixon from 11:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. 

From 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Drexel Heritage and Thomasville will host a showcase of Furniture Brands Runway Looks at IHFC Main Wing, 8th floor. 

2011 Halo Party

Also at 4:00 p.m. Joe Ruggierio hosts guests for wine and cheese at Miles Talbott, 1690 English Road.

On Sunday evening, Baker hosts a cocktail party and to view the launch of its newest designs, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at 319 North Hamilton, High Point.

On Monday morning at 9:00 a.m., a Home in Fashion discussion features Christian Siriano, Thom Filicia and Lela Rose, followed by a trunk show presentation at the High Point Theater. Open to members of the press only.

At noon, Houzz will present its new exclusive consumer research at the High Point Theater.

From 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., meet Thom Filicia while he celebrates the launch of his new book, American Beauty, in stores November 13. Filicia’s sustainable rug collections for Safavieh will be on display, and refreshments will be served at the Safavieh Showroom, Market Square Suite 120.

2011 Rizzoli Book Signing

Then head to the Market Square Courtyard at 4:00 p.m. for the Rizzoli Trendsetter’s book event featuring: Charlotte Moss, Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, Susanna Salk, Florence De Dempierre, Ronda Carman and James Lowell Strickland.

Also at 4:00 p.m., Nourison invites guests to its showroom, Interhall: 1H-101, to meet and mingle with Barclay Butera, and view his lifestyle rug collection.

Finish off your Monday at the Cresent Fine Furniture Showroom, Hamilton Square, 204, for the Why is Old New? panel discussion featuring Kathryn Greeley of Kathryn Greeley Designs and Karen Luisiana of the Antique & Design Center, who will speak about sponsored by Withit.

2011 Showroom Program

On Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m., four of High Point’s Style Spotters will present their market finds in the IHFC ballroom, 11th floor of the design wing.

At noon on Tuesday, Charlotte Moss will speak at the High Point Theater and will be singing copies of her new book, A Visual Life.

For more information on the High Point Market visit their website, and contact the individual event hosts for more information on their programs. Also, visit High Point Market’s online calendar for more information on the events listed.