High Point Market takes place October 26 to 30. Get a head start with these market tours. For more, check out BOH’s Designer’s Guide to High Point Market.
Fast-Track Your Business Growth Without Adding Another Client
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Tired of chasing after the next client? Discover new ways to accelerate your business growth with Pearl Collective co-founder Gail Doby, who presents the results from the 2024 Interior Design Business Survey. She shares the practical solutions designers across the country are using to navigate today’s business dilemmas. RSVP here.
A Leather Journey: From Hide to Handcrafted
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | The Point
Leather has long been a symbol of luxury, durability and timeless style. But how do you recognize a good leather product? Leading experts Taylar Hoffman and Carrie Cox of American Leather are joined by Frank Toldedano of Tiger Leather and Sackett Wood of Moore & Giles to talk about the life cycle of the material; its strength compared to synthetic alternatives; and how to address client concerns about cost, sustainability and maintenance.
Scaling Up: From Vision to Design Empire
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, 3rd Floor
A Well-Designed Business host LuAnn Nigara leads a panel with Brad Leavitt of A Finer Touch Construction and designers Kate O’Hara and Laura Hodges about how to successfully scale a firm from the ground up. They share their hard-earned wisdom on how to expand your business without losing your creative edge, from managing a growing team to navigating operational challenges.
Suzanne Kasler: Design Icon
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Hickory Chair, 200 N. Hamilton St., Suite 300
With four published books, countless licensed collections and a design firm that works on projects featured in the most coveted design publications, award-winning designer Suzanne Kasler has built quite the career for herself—and at the heart of that success is her singular signature style. Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen sits down with the designer for a thoughtful discussion about how she developed and refined her signature aesthetic, the design details she obsesses over, and her most surprising sources of inspiration as she built her multipronged business and brand. RSVP here.
The Lawyer Is In: Legal Essentials for Your Design Business
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Sherrill Furniture, 315 Fred Alexander Place
In the fast-paced world of interior design, having a solid legal foundation is crucial to your success. In this interactive workshop, attorney Wendy Estela and designers Denise Gordon, Jillian Hayward Schaible, Allison Mattison and Skip Sroka share the legal tools necessary to safeguard your business. They guide you through the essentials of crafting bulletproof contracts, the timing and tact of presenting them, and strategies for handling challenging conversations with confidence.
Behind the Design: Amber Lewis x Four Hands Live Styling Exhibition
10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Four Hands, Showplace, Suite 4101
House Beautiful’s Carisha Swanson hosts a live styling event with Amber Lewis as the designer shares her top styling tips and joins Four Hands vice president of design Adam Dunn to reveal pieces from her newly released fall collaboration with the brand. RSVP here.
Open House with Cisco Home and Alkemis Paint
10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Cisco Home, 1014 Mill Ave.
Celebrate the release of Cisco Home’s new Casual, Modern and Formal furniture collections, as well as its collaboration with Alkemis, maker of the world’s first wellness paint. The two like-minded companies share earth-friendly philosophies; now they’ve teamed up on three custom-curated color palettes—Sassafras, Hemlock and Tallulah—all on view in the showroom. RSVP here.
Designer Brunch with Rowe and Crypton
10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Rowe, Showplace, Suite 1100
Over fresh coffee, crepes and croissants, discover why designers utilize Rowe’s trade program and Crypton fabrics to enhance their clients’ homes. Plus, commemorate your Market visit with a personalized sketch from a live illustrator.
Be the Boss That People Want to Follow
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Antique & Design Center
By investing in your leadership skills, you can foster a thriving work environment, deliver exceptional service to your clients, and achieve your business goals. In this workshop, creative business consultant Ginna Christensen explains how to lead with confidence and creativity, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Free 15-minute power coaching sessions to follow.
Designing Wellness in Kitchens and Bathrooms
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Odette, 100 N. Centennial St.
Explore how cutting-edge design innovations are transforming kitchens and bathrooms into sanctuaries of health and wellness. Kitchen designer Paula Kennedy leads a panel featuring industry experts Elle Cantrell, Michel Smith Boyd, Nasozi Kakembo and Prudence Bailey to go over the latest trends, technologies and materials that promote well-being in these essential home spaces.
Creating Impactful Interiors
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Theodore Alexander, 229 W. Russell Ave.
Traditional Home’s Jill Waage moderates a conversation with designers Megan Molten, MA Allen and Arianne Bellizaire about selecting luxurious furniture and lighting for discerning clients—and as a result, creating spaces with staying power. Complimentary lunch to follow.
Marketing to Attract Affluent Clients
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Antique & Design Center
Elevate your design business with strategies to attract affluent clients and foster long-lasting relationships built on trust and creativity. In this session, business coach Melissa Galt delivers proven roadmaps to propel your firm to new heights in the luxury design sector. RSVP here.
Fierce Female Founders
1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Chelsea House, 200 N. Hamilton St., Suite 104
What do San Francisco’s Noz Nozawa, Nashville’s Stephanie Sabbe and Chicago’s Rebekah Zaveloff have in common? They are fearless female entrepreneurs who have built wildly successful design businesses and brands. Join The Business of Home Podcast host Dennis Scully as he chats with these three fierce founders about their successes as well as their stumbling blocks. RSVP here.
A Journey of Design, Family and Innovation
1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
HGTV and Bravo stars Robert and Cortney Novogratz celebrate the release of their most intimate book to date, The Novogratz Chronicles, in a conversation moderated by Rue editorial director Kelli Lamb. The design duo share their brand-building strategies and the insights they gained by transforming properties across the globe. (1 CEU)
Designing for Outdoor Living
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | Odette, 100 N. Centennial St.
Unlock the secrets to designing outdoor living spaces that are just as inviting and functional as your client’s interiors. In this panel moderated by Southern Home editor in chief Lynn Terry, designers Breegan Jane, Brittany Farinas, Daniel Keeley, Danielle Stewart and Tina Ramchandani dive into the art of creating outdoor kitchens, high-end residential gardens and elegant alfresco dining areas.
Scaling with Sanity
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Designers Lori Miller, Juliane Mazzarella and Cynthia Bolton-Smith share strategies to prepare your business for expansion. Having grown their own businesses into the seven figures, they offer tips to help solopreneurs and boutique firm owners scale with confidence. RSVP here.
The Art of Negotiation
2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
Master the art of negotiation in this dynamic session with Interior Design Community founder Laurie Laizure and her To-The-Trade podcast co-host, Nile Johnson; attorney Wendy Estela; Mine CEO Eoin Harrington; and business strategist Cheminne Taylor-Smith. They cover everything from securing contracts to closing sales, offering strategies to negotiate confidently in the design industry. (1 CEU)
Find Staying Power Through Storytelling
3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Vanguard Furniture Co., 301 N. Hamilton St.
Discover the transformative power of stories in a conversation about branding with DesignDash founders Melissa Grove and Laura Umansky, brand strategist Ericka Saurit, and interior and furniture designer Jillian O’Neill. They delve into how effective storytelling can elevate a business into a memorable brand and highlight the importance of crafting consistent narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. RSVP here.
Meet & Greet with Chris Loves Julia
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Loloi, IHFC, D-320
Chris Loves Julia design duo Chris and Julia Marcum host a reception with food and drinks while previewing their latest rug collections, pillows and floor poufs with Loloi.
Design Happy Book Signing
3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Villa & House, IHFC, IH-609 & IH-610
Betsy Wentz shares Design Happy, her colorful new book that offers pro tips, practical advice and inspiring creative lessons on designing functional, family-friendly homes. Signed copies available for purchase.
The Design of a Country Estate Book Signing
3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Currey & Company, IHFC, M-110
Cathy Purple Cherry shares the story of a ground-up coastal country getaway in her new book, The Design of a Country Estate, which documents the thought processes behind her designs. Signed copies available for purchase.
Happy Hour with Kim Salmela and Rue
3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Norwalk, IHFC, M-108
Norwalk hosts a happy hour and special tours of its newly designed showroom with designer Kim Salmela and Rue, offering a closer look at the brand’s latest Crypton Home fabrics and furniture.
Leveraging Book Publishing for Success
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. | Antique & Design Center
Unlock the marketing potential of your design expertise with designers Tineke Triggs, Nasozi Kakembo and Ginger Curtis, who share how publishing a design book can elevate your brand and expand your reach. The discussion is moderated by Traditional Home’s Krissa Rossbund.
Dream Client Magnet: From Not Knowing You Exist to Dying to Work with You
4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Century Furniture, 200 Steele, Suite 213
In this workshop, Sandra Funk demonstrates powerful strategies to attract your ideal clients, get them to see you as the designer of their dreams, and position yourself as an expert who understands their challenges and can navigate them to success. Get ready to say hello to a full pipeline of clients you love and who value your expertise. RSVP here.
Using Your Design Contract to Strengthen Relationships
4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Attorney Wendy Estela provides an overview of the key provisions you need in design contracts to ensure you maintain control of your client relationships, get paid on time, protect your intellectual property, and avoid disputes and misunderstandings. Discover clauses that will protect you in worst-case scenarios and learn how to create a solid foundation for professional relationships. (1 CEU) RSVP here.
Cocktail Crawl
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | 200 N. Hamilton St.
Fairfield, Wildwood, Chelsea House and Capel team up for a fun cocktail crawl. Pick up your “passport” at any of the four showrooms, then discover the signature cocktail at each one while enjoying live music in the courtyard.
Kravet Inc. Patio Party
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | 200 Steele, Suite 117
Join Kravet for their annual cocktail party to toast the brand’s new furniture offerings and celebrate the latest launches from Kravet Couture.
Shining a Light on Breast Cancer Awareness
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Hudson Valley Lighting Group, Market Square, M-70, M-90, M-97 & M-99
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, HVLG hosts a cocktail event that blends the power of design with the spirit of giving back. Come in your best pink attire and visit the mini floral bar to create your own pink bouquet to take home. For the first 50 attendees, the company will make a $50 donation to the nonprofit Susan G. Komen in their name. RSVP here.
MG+BW Launch Celebration
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, IHFC, G-265
Raise a glass to celebrate the relaunch of the iconic Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams brand, and be among the first to explore its stunning new Market introductions.
The Future of Sustainable Sourcing
4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Sherrill Furniture, 315 Fred Alexander Place
Designers Cheryl Luckett, Jessica Duce and Nancy Fire discuss the evolution of sustainable design and the transformative trends shaping the future. At this panel, moderated by Home Accents Today editor in chief Allison Zisko, discover the technologies that are revolutionizing sustainable interiors and how to sell them to your clients.
DAA Mixer and Awards Presentation
5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Pandora’s Manor, 407 W. High Ave.
In its inaugural awards ceremony, the Diversity Advocacy Alliance honors three stakeholders in the home furnishings industry who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion: upholstery brand Verellen, designer Rhonnika Clifton, and HPxD managing director Jane Dagmi. Awards are presented at 5:45 p.m.
Bernhardt Celebrates Designer in Residence Nicole Fuller
5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Bernhardt, IHFC, D-601
Designer Nicole Fuller transforms the Bernhardt Gallery into an immersive environment inspired by the beauty of Morocco at night. Celebrate the “Starlit Dunes”–themed space with the designer, as well as Elle Decor editorial director Stellene Volandes, Bernhardt president and CEO Alex Bernhardt Jr. Designers at the event will be entered in a drawing for prizes such as an all-expenses paid trip for two to Morocco or a selection of Bernhardt furniture.
Live Music at Center Stage: Bell Biv DeVoe
7 p.m.–9 p.m. | Center Stage
Enjoy Bell Biv DeVoe’s singular blend of R&B, funk, jazz and rap at Center Stage. A valid Fall Market pass is required for entry; doors open at 6:30 p.m., with early entry for buyers at 6:15 p.m. Presented by High Point Market Authority, in partnership with City of Hope.