There’s a lot to do in High Point before the furniture market officially opens on Saturday, April 13. As you are planning your trip, consider adding some of the events on Friday, April 12, to your schedule to make the most of your springtime in North Carolina.
With azaleas and dogwoods beginning to bloom and pollen counts rising, the Earth is reminding those of us in North Carolina — without even looking at the calendar — that the spring High Point Market April 13-17 is just weeks away.
For those of you who live elsewhere, the deluge of emails and social media posts from show organizers High Point Market Authority and Andmore and the multitude of exhibiting companies may serve as a similar reminder. We’ll be publishing our agenda of DNN-sponsored events at market as well.
And like spring, which seems to come a bit earlier every year, the start of the market creeps forward, too. The Friday before opening day has long been an unofficial market day, with many showrooms open for appointments. But associated events — like the Vacation Rental Design Summit April 10-12 and the Shoppe Object show-within-a-show April 12-16 — are also pulling people to High Point ever earlier. This year, Andmore, which operates some spaces in High Point, announced that Interhall, Suites at Market Square and Salon spaces will open on Friday, April 12, too. And there is a growing list of speakers, seminars and social events slated for the Friday before the show officially starts, making it a day nearly as busy as the opening Saturday.
As I’m starting to plan my own market schedule, I wanted to highlight five things you might want to add to yours, focusing on events happening before the official opening of the market so they don’t sneak up on you. And I’m going to start with the Vacation Rental Design Summit and Shoppe Object, both relatively new highlights on the April High Point schedule.
1. Vacation Rental Design Summit: This summit, presented by High Point x Design and the High Point Market at Congdon Yards, is back after a successful inaugural event a year ago. As someone who has had a bit of trouble booking flights, pet sitting and accommodations for a trip 2½ months from now, I can attest that people’s penchant for travel isn’t dissipating — and we want great vacation rentals! If you’re an interior designer, vacation rental design can be a lucrative way to broaden your client base and income stream, and this event is full of panel, keynote and breakout sessions on topics including designing to “stop the scroll,” brand collaborations, designing for ROI, photography, creating shoppable experiences, improving guest experiences and more. Intended for designers, property investors, real estate agents and home brands, it’s also a great event for networking. Register and learn more here.
2. Shoppe Object: This fixture on the New York show schedule debuted its show-within-a-show in High Point last fall, bringing more than 100 curated home decor and furnishings brands to the market. As with its biannual New York shows, the High Point version focuses on “the innovative, the beautiful and the well-made.” If you won’t be in New York this year or you’ve never attended Shoppe Object, this is a great opportunity to check it out. Find Shoppe Object exhibitors on the third floor of Market Square. Susie Novak will host a tour of Shoppe Object at 2 p.m. Friday, April 12. Meet at the Shoppe Lounge, MS 1600.
3. “Masters and Mavericks: A Dialogue of Differences Between Generations Managing Successful Design Firms”: I’m intrigued by this panel featuring Noz Nozawa, Hadley Keller, Byron Risdon, Peti Lau and Virginia Toledo, which promises “a riveting exploration of the contrasts and commonalities between seasoned veterans and innovative young leaders managing successful design firms.” Organizers say, “our masters and mavericks will explore how time and experience have shaped service offerings, pricing strategies and design processes while delving into the impact of technology on marketing and public relations. The panel will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, April 12, at Universal Furniture’s Learning Center. An RSVP is required.
4. Vintage vibes: Several showrooms dedicated to vintage pieces, antiques and original finds will host social hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 12, including Chelsea on Green, which features 36 exhibitors; and the Antique & Design Center in Market Square. Plan to grab a drink and a snack and then shop for unique items before everyone else does!
5. Taking it all in: “Market 101 Live” is ideal for new market goers but as much as the High Point market changes and grows each year, it offers invaluable tips and tricks for veteran showgoers, too. Style Spotter All-Stars Tami Ramsay and Krista Nye Nicholas of Cloth & Kind and Gary Inman of Gary Inman Interior Design will off ideas for planning your days to make the best use of your time, share ways to take advantage of the market’s transportation system and divulge their lists of don’t-miss events. “Market 101 Live” will be at 3 p.m. Friday, April 12, at The Point.
Bonus: A key keynote: These final events are on Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14, but merit mention because they typically draw large crowds. In an unusual encore, the High Point Market Authority is bringing back design stars Joanna Gaines, Amber Lewis and Brigette Romanek for its keynote panel, “Designing a Business That Endures,” at 11 a.m. Saturday. A similar event featuring the designers drew a full house last year and, with that in mind, I’ll emphasize that the doors of the High Point Theatre (in the Transportation Terminal) open at 10:30 a.m., and seating is first come, first served. Two other keynotes feature celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard at 3 p.m. Saturday, who will also sign copies of his latest book, “Star Style: Interiors of Martyn Lawrence Bullard,” and design legend Bunny Williams, who will share “Lessons from a Life in Design” at 3 p.m. Sunday. Both of those will also be at the High Point Theatre.
(For a list of many parties, educational panels, speakers and other exhibitor events, click here. For events specifically held at The Point pop-up space, click here.)
Whatever your plans might be for the spring High Point Market, I hope you take advantage of all the show has to offer and that you have a productive, enjoyable trip!
Photo courtesy of High Point Market Authority
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