Whether you’re going to market for the first time, still pretty new to market & getting your feet wet, or a seasoned market veteran going for the umpteenth time, navigating which events are happening when & with whom can be a pretty daunting task. 

After browsing through all the events listed on the High Point Market site (and a lot of events that aren’t) it became obvious that if you do not have a clear vision for what you want to accomplish at Market, you will drown in all the options — from networking events to education panels to exclusive tours, and everything in between. As an e-design community & designpreneurs looking to elevate in the online space, it was amazing quite a few events that really catered to the current industry landscape — tech savvy, social media inspired, systems driven, influencer friendly, and overall really future facing. 

Here are a collection of events that we are looking forward to and think you’ll love too! 

Friday 10-12

1pm - 5pm: Live Podcasts at The Point

(on Commerce Ave next to the Transportation Terminal)

Listen in as popular design podcast hosts interview industry insiders and then stick around for a chance to meet and greet with live viewers afterwards. 

Beginning at 1pm with Business of Design, The Chaise Lounge is on deck for 2pm followed by Design Between the Lines at 3pm and A Well Designed Business at 4pm. Kick off Fall Market with this unique opportunity to view the interview process live and jump start your at-Market networking.

3pm - 4pm: Digital Marketing for Designers

Universal Furniture International, Inc. — Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Join online brand builder FZK Franziska for a look at how designers should approach websites and digital marketing. In today’s business world, having a powerful online presence has never been more important - even for designers busy creating beautiful offline worlds. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dig deep into the heart and soul of your business. 

Get your hands dirty uncovering your brand values, narrowing in on your ideal clients and discovering an online strategy that works for you. You’ll walk away with powerful insights and a three-step process on how you can build (or grow) an online presence that connects with the right people and drives.

5pm - 7pm: Design Manager App Launch Party

Universal Furniture International, Inc. — Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Join us for food and drinks to celebrate the upcoming release of the Design Manager iPhone app. Have a cocktail and learn more about this new app for your design business.

5:30pm - 7:30pm: Market Kickoff Party

Center Stage between Showplace and Transportation Terminal

Come join us as we celebrate the beginning of High Point Market Fall 2018. Co-Sponsored by Shelba D Johnson Trucking and Global Shippers Association

Saturday 10-13

9am - 10:30am: Creative Women & Their Vision

Highland House Furniture, 200 Steele, Floor 1 — Shuttle Stop: 17 (Red Line)

Join Luxe Interiors + Design, Peacock Alley Founder Mary Ella Gabler, interior designer Denise McGaha, and Addison Weeks co-founders Lee Addison Lesley and Katherine Weeks Mulford as we explore the creative minds and visions behind their powerful women-led businesses.

10am - 11am: Dominate the Digital

The Point (on Commerce Ave next to the Transportation Terminal)

Join digital expert Dennis Sarlo and members of his Dering Hall team as they moderate a roundtable on web-based marketing techniques and how you can differentiate yourself with your online presence. 

This group coaching session will offer sound advice on everything from Instagram to SEO to overall strategy management so you leave ready to dominate the digital landscape.  

11am - 12pm: Platform Building: The Power of Persuasion

Suites at Market Square Seminar Room (SAMS T-1014)

Whether it’s a book, licensing collaboration or building an online following, many designers are using their platforms not only to market their businesses but also as an extension of their personal brands and values. 

In a panel discussion with interior designers and licensors Corey Damen Jenkins, Cheryl Luckett and Jennifer Gracie, moderated by author Kim Kuhteubl, designers will learn all of the online and offline ways to connect with the people who want to hear from them most and get practical tips on engaging their unique tribe that they can influence. 

Book signings to follow. 

11am - 12pm: Chaise Lounge Design Panel

Universal Furniture International, Inc. — Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

All of us in the interior design industry are passionate about Interior Design, but that doesn’t mean all of us are successful. Passion can only take us so far, so what differentiates those that are successful, from those that are trying to become successful? 

Join Nick May from The Chaise Lounge Podcast as he talks to industry-leading design firms from across the country, to learn how they’ve broken out of mediocre to build stand-out design firms. Learn not only how to get press coverage but also how to make REAL dollars.

12pm - 1pm: DESIGN VIEWPOINTS SERIES – The Interior Design Industry: The New Business as Usual

High Point Theatre (located in the Transportation Terminal)

The interior design industry is evolving, from online design services, to products widely available to consumers. The new business as usual is in a continuous state of change and your business must adapt. Designers need to consider new approaches to reposition their value and gain a competitive edge. 

Led by Julia Noran Johnston of Business of Home, this moderated discussion will bring together the perspectives of Justina Blakeney, Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS, Noa Santos, and Kimberley Seldon to discuss how they are adapting to the new business as usual. 

2:30pm - 3:30pm: YouTube: How to Use Video to Drive Customer Traffic

Home Furnishings Association Retailer Resource Center- 1st Floor Plaza Suites

Do you have any idea how many YouTube videos are watched every second? Over 74,000. 

Learn how to get started with digital video advertising, turning viewers of all ages into new customers who will discover and choose your store when they’re ready to buy. 

You will see real examples of videos being run on YouTube that are transforming the path to purchase to generate product and store awareness online. Learn new strategies to use video and rich media placements to attract high-intent customers, drive sales and how to leverage YouTube to “feed the Funnel”. 

5pm - 7pm: Black Interior Designers Network Mixer at The Point

The Point (on Commerce Ave next to the Transportation Terminal)

Join members of the Black Interior Designers Network as they mix and mingle. Enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres while developing and deepening important business connections.

Sunday 10-14

10am - 11am: Interior Planning: Taking Care of YOU so You Take Great Care of Your Clients!

Alden Parkes, 200 N. Hamilton St., Floor 1

Stress kills brain cells. It weakens your immune system and is associated with depression, anxiety and can overwhelm you. How do you release stress? 

Author and Brand Consultant, Kim Kuhteubl, says it’s by doing what designers do best: Interior Planning. Learn how to set boundaries, manage your calendar and personal time so you can increase your love of design, serve your clients better and reclaim your ‘Joy ROI’! 

A question and answer segment with follow. 

11:30am - 12:30pm: Recipe for Success

Suites at Market Square Seminar Room (SAMS T-1014)

Join us for Recipe for Success: How to capture press and leverage those placements for your design business. 

Learn how brand yourself to make yourself attractive to editors, how press can change the trajectory of your career, hhat it takes to pitch and close editorial, how to grow your business and leverage press for new projects and licensing deals and much more from these industry experts. 

Panel includes Barclay Butera, Amy Flurry, Nick May, Christine Phillips and Jane Dagmi. Book signings to follow. 

12pm - 1pm: DESIGN VIEWPOINTS SERIES – Tech Tools: Reviews from the Designers Who Use Them

High Point Theatre (located in the Transportation Terminal)

Learn about the technology tools peer designers use to make their businesses more productive and to effectively manage clients. 

In this panel discussion, LuAnn Nigara of A Well-Designed Business will ask our panel of design leaders including Kelli Ellis, Phyllis Harbinger, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, Corey Damen Jenkins, and Laura Thurman to provide their approach to evaluating the best software options for their businesses. 

Leave with the factors you need to consider when evaluating your software options. 

1:30pm - 2:30pm: Designing Women of the World

Suites at Market Square Seminar Room (SAMS T-1014)

How do you prioritize travel as a busy designer and business owner? How do you prepare for design inspiration at a particular destination? How does getting outside of your local marketplace help your business? 

Join our traveled designers as they discuss these questions and many more, while giving tips and inspiration on how to incorporate travel into your design process. Panelists include Adriana Hoyos, Tina Nicole, Toma Clark Haines, Sandra Espinet, and Aviva Stanoff with Deb Barrett as moderator. 

Reception and book signings to follow. 

2pm - 3pm: Social Media Mavens Top Tips for Social Media Success

Universal Furniture International, Inc. — Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Join Adam Japko of Esteem Media as he talks with interior designers Shayla Copas, Natalie Reddell and Lori Paranjape about the top social media trends right now. Keep abreast of the myriad of changes in social media so you won’t get lost in the shuffle.

5pm - 12am: Home TV Celebrity Reunion & Fall Celebration

Surya, Showplace, Floor 4 — Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)

The first-ever "Home TV Celebrity Reunion," hosted by Design Talk Live, will take place at the Surya showroom on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 5pm! 

Come see your favorite home design and renovation personalities take the red carpet and the stage at Surya's annual Fall Celebration party, while enjoying hors d'oeurvres, cocktails and live music.

Monday 10-15

10:30am - 12pm: Designers Today's "Business of Interior Design" Rapid Fire Info Session

Surya, Showplace, Floor 4 — Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)

Join Designers Today Editor-in-Chief Jane Dagmi at the Surya showroom for a rapid-fire info session centered around the business of interior design! 

Guests will speak on topics ranging from managing client expectations to genuine vendor relationship-building, determining your service fees to doing that book you’ve always dreamed about.

Lunch to follow.

3pm: From Overwhelmed to Organized Design Panel 

Alder & Tweed, Commerce & Design (1C, Floor 1) — Shuttle Stop: 14 (Red/Green Line)

Are you overwhelmed in your design business? Let's control the chaos and get you organized.

LuAnn Nigara will be joined by 5 MyDoma Studio designers in an interactive tell all discussion! Whether you're new in business or a veteran come and learn how your design peers are using MyDoma Studio grow and organize their businesses.

5pm - 7pm: Design Influencers Conference Mixer at The Point

The Point (on Commerce Ave next to the Transportation Terminal)

Mix and mingle at this conference reunion and celebrate the rebrand and expansion for 2019 with founder Adam Japko and fellow influencers, digital disruptors and design tastemakers. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

5:30pm - 7pm: Mentor & Mingle Experience

Surya, Showplace, Floor 4 — Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)

Presented by The E-Design Experience & the Black Interior Designers Network

Learn, connect and thrive among fellow designers at this unique speed mentoring event with industry experts, followed by an evening of drinks, photos and relationship building.

Mentors include: Tavia Forbes & Monet Masters of Forbes + Masters, Janice Palmer of Palmer Design Group, Ariene Bethea of Dress My Room, Cheryl Luckett of Dwell By Cheryl, and Tiffany Brooks of Tiffany Brooks Interiors.

Tuesday 10-16

9am - 10:15am: Style Spotters LIVE!

IHFC Ballroom - Green Wing, 11th Floor

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast while our panel of 2018 Style Spotters offer expert insight into the leading looks and on-trend products from Fall Market. 

As a bonus, meet the up-and-coming Style Spotters as the 2019 team is announced live! RSVP at highpointmarket.org. After the program concludes, join your favorite Style Spotter for a tour of two of his or her favorite showrooms. 

Tours will depart from the ballroom at 10:15am and will last approximately one hour. 

Speakers: Michel Smith Boyd, Mary Douglas Drysdale, Stacy Garcia, Bria Hammel, Jeffrey Johnson, Justine Macfee, Holly Hollingsworth Phillips, Sarah Walker, Michelle Jennings Wiebe

10am - 11am: Becoming an Influencer

The Point (on Commerce Ave next to the Transportation Terminal)

Growing your influence and cultivating connections has long been an effective means for generating business growth and opening the doors for development opportunities, but the rapid growth of the digital landscape has drastically changed the game. Discovering which mix of marketing tools yields the best results for your career is often a case of trial and error and a mixed bag of learning experiences. 

Learn from the experts and those who have successfully found their influential voice during this roundtable discussion with blogger-turned-designer Paloma Contreras, editor-turned-stylist Donna Garlough and Design Influencers Conference founder, Adam Japko, as they share their advice and helpful tips based on their own personal experiences.

11am - 11:30am: Visually Communicating Your Brand

Weston Farms, Suites At Market Square, Top Floor — Shuttle Stop: 14 (Red/Green Line)

Dena Verdesca, the communications designer who works with Weston Farms, will be on hand to discuss how to make your marketing materials stand out in a crowd. 

After 15 years designing magazines in NYC, where she worked at Oprah and Glamour, among other publications, Dena moved to Durham, NC, and is bringing her touch to small businesses. See how she and Erin work together to tell Weston Farms' story. Bring your questions!

1pm - 3:30pm: The E-Design Experience Group Tour 

Furnitureland South — 5635 Riverdale Dr. | Jamestown, NC 27282

Join us for an exclusive walking tour of the world's largest furniture store! You'll get a one of a kind chance to see the campus, meet the knowledgeable specialists, and get an inside look at how you can use Furnitureland South in your design business!

Only 5 minutes from the High Point Furniture District, be granted a one of a kind experience.

2pm - 3pm: What Now? Maximizing Your Market Momentum

The Point (on Commerce Ave next to the Transportation Terminal)

High Point Market is the perfect platform for making connections, expanding product sources and learning best practices for your business. But what do you do with all the momentum you build and connections you make while here upon returning home? How do you keep the conversation going in between October and April and ensure you’re applying lessons learned and wisdom gleaned? 

Join strategist Ellen Gefen (Gefen Marketing), designer Lisa Mende (Lisa Mende Design) and retailer Sarah Paxton (LaDIFF) for a roundtable discussion, complete with advice on market follow-up and contact organization as well as other insider tips from these market veterans, to help you maximize your market momentum.

6pm - 8pm: Tuesday Night BBQ

Suites at Market Square Seminar Room (SAMS T-1014)

We’ll be serving our traditional Southern Style BBQ with all the fixins. Enjoy good food, good friends, beer, and wine and simply relax while listening to live entertainment. 

Daily Events

8am - 10am: Mimosas & Macaroons

Century Furniture, 200 Steele, Floor 2 — Shuttle Stop: 17 (Red Line)

Start your morning off right with mimosas & macaroons!

8am - 8pm: #HPMKTmemory Hashtag Printer and Photo Wall

The Point (on Commerce Ave next to the Transportation Terminal)

Let’s get social! As you share your memorable Market moments to your favorite social media channels, be sure to tag High Point Market and use the #HPMKTmemory hashtag. Then, swing by The Point to pick up your printed memory and see what everyone else is posting from around Market on our photo wall.

8:30am - 9:30am: Showplace Complimentary Breakfast

Showplace Atrium

Start your day at Showplace with a complimentary muffins and coffee. 

5pm - 8pm: After Hours at The Point

The Point (on Commerce Ave next to the Transportation Terminal)

Unwind after a full day of inspiration at Market with beer and wine from a local brewery, Brown Truck Brewery, and some of the finest food truck creations High Point has to offer. Take time to reflect, connect with other Market guests or simply put your feet up and enjoy a quick break before heading back out for the evening’s social events.

One huge takeaway from this smorgasbord of events is that there’s something for everything! With this, you have to be crystal clear on what you hope to get from High Point — are you going to network with decision makers, learn new skills, expand your brand, get more visibility…etc.

Having clarity on your market mission will make navigating & choosing events a breeze!

Some events may require RSVP, so be sure to check out the full events site to get complete details for some events.

See you in October!