High Point Market takes place April 13 to 17. Get a head start with these Saturday events. For more, check out BOH’s Designer’s Guide to High Point Market.
Biophilia: The Human Need for Nature
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, 3rd Floor
Curious about the connection between humans and nature in design? Explore the origins of biophilia and the studies documenting the health benefits of biophilic design with Science in Design founder Mike Peterson in the HF Designer’s Theater.
Charting Your Next Steps: Successfully Expanding Your Design Business
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Feizy Rugs, 309 N. Hamilton St.
From traditional retail avenues to the burgeoning land- scape of e-commerce and product development, the possi- bilities for brand expansion can feel endless and over- whelming. Designer Kelli Ellis moderates a conversation with design pros Eddie Maestri, Kendall Wilkinson, Blair Moore and Lisa Shaffer that explores strategies for expanding the scope of your design business.
Double Your Revenue in Half the Time
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Are you ready to earn more in less time and with less stress? Join design business strategist and coach Melissa Galt for her proven flat-fee formulas that deliver bigger returns without the headaches of hourly invoicing and tracking, protect you from scope creep and client surprises, and increase your profitability. RSVP here.
The Price Is Right: Generate Higher Design Fees that Reflect Your Value
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | The Point
How can you ensure that your fees accurately reflect the worth of your services? Explore the advantages and disad- vantages of various industry pricing models—and how to make more money in 2024—with an expert panel including Studio Designer’s Robert Stone and designers Katie Guzinski, Daniel Paul, DuVäl Reynolds, and moderator Julia Nikishina of New Age Financial Consulting.
Mélange Giveaway: Jewelry for Your Home
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, 3rd Floor
Visit the Mélange area in the Hooker Furnishings show- room for a special treat: The first 100 visitors will receive a free permanent bracelet.
Designing a Business that Endures: A High Point Encore
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | High Point Theatre
The Business of Home Podcast host Dennis Scully returns to the High Point Theatre for an encore after last spring’s full-house event, moderating a conversation with design stars Joanna Gaines, Amber Lewis and Brigette Romanek about building design-oriented businesses that endure in today’s unpredictable world. The event will be followed by a meet-and-greet with the panelists in the Loloi show- room (IHFC, D-320).
The Art of Marbling with Susan Schneider
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Antique & Design Center
Get creative in this hands-on workshop with artist Susan Schneider, the creative behind Shandell’s marbled paper lampshades and accessories, and learn the secrets of her colorful creations.
ASID Talking Trends in Residential Design
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
ASID research fellow Dawn Haynie, Ph.D., leads a discussion on the impact of residential design trends, including the focus on comfort and connected living, the importance of health and wellness, the rise in quiet luxury, the desire for customization and personalization, and new strategies in marketing.
Preparing Your Interior Design Business for Economic Shifts
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Fairfield, 200 N. Hamilton St., Suite 100
Traci Connell leads a discussion with fellow designers Allison Mattison, DuVäl Reynolds and Shay Geyer on preparing your design business for potential shifts in the economy. Discover strategies for adapting business practices in response to market fluctuations, and leave with a roadmap for stability and growth in challenging times.
How Nightmare Projects Test Your Limits—and Help You Grow
12 p.m.–1 p.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
No matter how hard you try, some projects go sideways. Maybe it’s an indecisive client who hems and haws over every selection, or a contractor who blows past the construction budget, jeopardizing the money set aside for furnishings. Products arrive late, or damaged, or not at all. When a nightmare scenario arises, there’s only one thing to do: pivot. Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen sits down with designers Cate Dunning, Lathem Gordon and Hema Persad as they discuss recent jobs that hit a roadblock—sharing what went wrong, how they found a new path forward, and how they’ve evolved their businesses to protect themselves in the future. RSVP here.
Storied, Not Staged: The Business of Welcoming History and Soul into the Home
12 p.m.–1 p.m. | Odette, 100 N. Centennial St.
What’s old is cool again! Join Traditional Home senior style and design editor Krissa Rossbund for a dialogue about ushering personality and soul into the home through items that were hand-made 100 years ago, or just yesterday. She is joined by designers Anne Hulcher, Joshua Smith and Tanya S. Lewis, who talk antiques, hand-crafted pieces, art, design bells and whistles like passementerie—and how to find room in your client’s budgets to obtain them.
The Celebrity Factor: How to Get It, How to Show It, How to Sell It
1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Feizy Rugs, 309 N. Hamilton St.
In an era where social exposure and multiplatform marketing are shaping the design industry, celebrity can be a driving force for both buyers and manufacturers. Designers and TV personalities Jennifer Farrell, Thom Filicia, Tamara Day and Dann Foley sit down with Furniture, Lighting & Decor editor in chief Diane Falvey to discuss how they have leveraged their celebrity status in the home furnishings industry to land licensing deals and build a brand that resonates with consumers.
Finding Your Freedom
1 p.m.–2 p.m. | American Leather, Showplace, 5th Floor
Explore how to find your path to creative and financial freedom with Pearl Collective co-founders Erin Weir and Gail Doby, Interior Talent CEO Kenneth Roberts, and designer Garrison Hullinger. High Point x Design managing director Jane Dagmi moderates a discussion that uncovers the rocket fuel powering design firms’ trajectories to success. Reception to follow, featuring swag bags, mini donuts and an espresso martini toast. RSVP here.
The Art of Storytelling in Design
1 p.m.–3 p.m. | Hudson Valley Lighting, Market Square, M-70, M-90, M-97 & M-99
Join House Beautiful’s Carisha Swanson and designer and Corbett partner Noz Nozawa for an intimate conversa- tion on the art of narrative interiors, weaving varied creative pursuits into your design work, and creating standout spaces that reflect your clientele while garnering media and brand attention.
Implementing Science in Design
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. | Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, 3rd Floor
Science in Design founder Mike Peterson leads a discus- sion of how to implement the industry’s latest scientific findings, with case studies on neuroaesthetics and biophilia from designers Lisa Kahn and Kristin Bartone that provide a roadmap for fellow professionals.
Sean Scherer’s Vignettes Book Signing
1:30 p.m.– 2:30 p.m. | Antique & Design Center
Join designer Sean Scherer—the proprietor of contemporary curiosity shop Kabinett & Kammer—as he shares his secrets for balancing color, texture and shape while composing groupings of favorite objects, incorporating cherished possessions and antique Market finds for a big impact on any space.
Behind the Seams: Live Maker Stage
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | Hickory White, 315 Fred Alexander Pl., 3rd Floor
Flower editor in chief Margot Shaw and Sherrill Furniture vice president Johnny Suddreth co-host an interactive demonstration showcasing what sets the brand apart in the world of luxury upholstery. RSVP here.
Design Without Borders: Crafting Tomorrow’s Spaces with Global Inspirations
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | The Point
Explore how international design trends and cultural innovations are molding the future of American interior and architectural spaces. Engage with a distinguished panel of world-traveling designers—Kelli Ellis, Nancy Fire, Monkia Nessbach and Edwin Van Der Gun—in a playful yet professional dialogue about blending global creativity with local sensibilities in diverse design environments brought to life by their invaluable experiences.
Investing in Business Leaders for Your Firm
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
When it comes to growth, having the right team and processes in place is crucial—and that doesn’t just mean your design team. Designer Traci Connell moderates a panel of business and marketing experts on designing a business—Adam Wasserman of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, Mike Yates of Yates Desygn, Alex Kearney of Lisa & Leroy, and Ruth Ann Janson of The Dove Agency—for an educational discussion about finding and hiring the right people, outsourcing back-office tasks, and more. RSVP here.
JoJo Fletcher x Abbyson Launch Party
2 p.m.–5 p.m. | 300 E. Green Dr.
Gear up for the most epic kickoff to the 2024 season: Hang out with TV personality, former Bachelorette star and Abbyson brand ambassador JoJo Fletcher for the reveal of her new product line.
Star Style with Martyn Lawrence Bullard
3 p.m.–4 p.m. | High Point Theatre
Immerse yourself in the world of design with the award-winning Martyn Lawrence Bullard, renowned for his broad range of styles and eclectic yet sophisticated and inviting interiors. He discusses his approach to design, offering a unique glimpse into his diverse port- folio. Immediately after, stay for a signing for his newest book, Star Style: Interiors of Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
The Power of Personal Branding
3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
Improve how you market who you are and what your firm stands for with this interactive discussion, led by Science in Design founder and Visionary Design Marketing president Mike Peterson, who identifies the key elements of brand marketing to provide designers with deeper insights into their personal brand.
Real Designers, Real Problems, Real Questions and Real Answers with Christopher Todd
3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Odette, 100 N. Centennial St.
Designer Christopher Todd leads an intimate discussion about the struggles, challenges and wins that come with building your own business. He offers firsthand accounts of lessons learned and answers questions about chal- lenges with clients, marketing and firm finances.
Nikki Chu x Leftbank Art Cocktail Reception
3 p.m.–5 p.m. | IHFC, H-304
Toast the launch of Nikki Chu’s line with Leftbank Art as the designer shares the inspiration behind the daring designs in this showroom presentation and reception.
Threads Pillow Pop-Up Reception
3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Currey & Company, IHFC, M-110
Meet textile collector and pillow designer Eileen Applebaum for the debut of her new soft goods company, Threads—a curated collection of hand-crafted pillows that celebrate artisans from all over the world.
Profit Glow-Up Workshop: Identifying Leaks and Leaves in Your Business
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. | Feizy Rugs, 309 N. Hamilton St.
This martini-filled meetup with designer and The Gloss founder Traci Connell offers an interactive master class to help designers capture the revenue leaks in their firms and identify where they are leaving money on the table. Walk away with a plan to implement five strategies to boost profits by pinpointing missed opportunities, modifying pricing structure and setting boundaries with clients.
Do You Want Fries with That? How to Upsell for More Profit
4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Selling can be hard, so why make it harder? In this session, designer John McClain shares how to easily upsell to existing clients simply by adding on services and products they might not even know they need, delivering a frame- work to add substantial new revenue streams to your business without having to source new clients. RSVP here.
Neuromarketing: How to Leverage Consumer Psychology for Business Growth
4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
Discover how to apply neuromarketing principles—the integration of neuroscience and marketing—to enhance brand visibility and strategically position your business for greater success and client engagement in a presentation led by aging-in-place specialist, LivAble Environment Inc. founder, and Science in Design cofounder Linda Kafka. Among the innovations discussed is visual attention soft- ware, a revolutionary tool that can improve marketing materials by predicting where the unconscious mind will look first—a pivotal feature for confirming whether your message will effectively capture attention.
Innovation + Design Industry Reception
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame
The results are in: Meet the makers and celebrate the category and best-of-show finalists of the International Society of Furniture Designers Innovation + Design competition, including 18 products from a mix of professional designer- makers and students.
Odette After Hours
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Odette, 100 N. Centennial St.
Meet and mingle with the editors of Veranda and Odette’s newest culture ambassadors—designers Cheryl Luckett, Christopher Todd and Noel Gatts—over light bites and craft cocktails while exploring the brand’s 10,000-square- foot showroom of unique finds. Free parking available behind the showroom.
Pizza Party and Prosecco with Kim Salmela and Crypton Fabric
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Norwalk Furniture, IHFC, M-108
Grab a drink and a slice of home-made pizza while perusing upholstered furniture featuring Kim Salmela’s new textiles for Crypton. RSVP here. Wine and Design with Pure Salt
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Modern Matter, IHFC, IH-202
Preview Modern Matter’s newest collaboration with California-based Pure Salt Interiors over wine and small bites with the design firm’s co-founders, Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln, and gain insights into the creative process that brought this collection to life. RSVP here.
Fabricut Launch Party with Kendall Wilkinson and Vern Yip
4:30 p.m.–7 p.m. | Fabricut, Market Square, Suite 217
Fabricut celebrates the latest launches from its designer collaborators, including Kendall Wilkinson’s Vignettes collection for Fabricut and Vern Yip’s collection of wall- coverings for Trend.
Celebrating Theodore Alexander’s Spencer London Collection: A Visit with Lord Spencer
5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Theodore Alexander, 229 W. Russell Ave.
Celebrate the introduction of Thedore Alexander’s new Spencer London collection with a discussion featuring its inspiration, Charles Spencer, and moderated by Flower editor in chief Margot Shaw. A book signing of Spencer’s memoir, A Very Private School, will follow.
American Leather VIP Party
5 p.m.–9 p.m. | American Leather, Showplace, 5th Floor
American Leather hosts its annual High Point VIP Party, with cocktails, conversation, and a sneak peek at the brand’s innovative new designs.
Nik West Live
7 p.m.–8 p.m. | Center Stage
Boasting an impressive resume, including collaborations with music icons Prince and John Mayer, Nik West, a sensational bassist, singer and songwriter, mesmerizes audiences with her soulful voice and funky bass playing. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; early entry for buyers at 6:15 p.m. Complimentary food and beverages provided. A valid Spring Market pass is required for entry (no admission for those under age 15). Presented by High Point Market Authority; sponsored by the Diversity Advocacy Alliance.