High Point Market is just days away, undeniably one of the largest home furnishings markets in the world. It’s become the barometer for the design industry and an indication of what we can expect to see in the following year. While it’s always exciting to see new introductions, my outlook has changed recently. I’ve been gravitating more toward styles that are classically inspired with a modern twist rather then those which are “trending.” I’m so excited to attend this year, and I’m back to blogging after taking time off.
My philosophy has always been “invest in timeless pieces, adding a trendy piece (or two) to prevent an interior from becoming too dated.” I’ll be sharing what I find hopefully inspiring others to create unique and personal spaces! You can follow me on Instagram here for ongoing updates.
And of course, there are panels and parties to attend. I’m going to share some of the seasons hottest collabs, panels & soirees! Market is buzzing with several new collections from Holly-wood A-Listers, and I’m looking forward to meeting Miranda Kerr & Diane Keaton both of whom are debuting new collections with Universal Furniture & Aiden Gray respectively.
PANELS GALORE…
Each year High Point offers an array of panels consisting of the industries elite, those who have not only built successful businesses but social media platforms. On the blog, I’m focusing on panels that help with branding, marketing and navigating the current Social Media landscape, as well as building long lasting & mentoring relationships in the design industry. Here is just a sampling of what’s scheduled at High Point Market!
ONGOING EVENTS
Universal-To-The-Trade Designer’s Lounge-You can recharge at Universal’s 2,000 square foot workspace. From make-up touch-ups to charging your devices, Universal is the place to stop to relax and mingle with the design crowd. It’s also a great opportunity to connect and network with industry professionals.
Bubbly & Biscuits Brunch-A must stop is the ever expanding Antique & Design Center on the ground floor of Historic Market Square. While you immerse yourself in discovery, enjoy a glass of bubbly and a Southern Brunch from 11AM-1PM, October 19-20th.
The Crypton Patio-The Crypton Patio is open for your outdoor enjoyment from meet-ups to relaxing in the center of all the action. If the weather permits it’s the perfect place to sit back & relax in between showroom visits. From 11AM to 4PM, October 19-22.
Thursday, October 17
Made Good’s Third Floor Unveiling | 7:30AM-7PM |The Bank on Wrenn, 203 N. Wrenn St.| Made Goods is expanding after a very successful grand opening last market. I’m excited to see the new showroom as Made Goods never disappoints, and their new terrace will feature the entire outdoor collection!
Currey & Companies REVEAL Party | 6PM-9PM | I’ve heard that this is possibly THE party to attend during Market. Currey has something really big planned, and it’s a closely guarded secret. The evening will be catered in “Currey style,” with 5-star food served in one of the most beautiful showrooms in High Point. And if you can’t make the party, the Currey Showroom should always be on your Market itinerary!
Friday, October 18
The Panels
High Point’s Hidden Gems: Market Insiders Tips & Tricks | 2PM-3PM | The Point (Commerce Ave. between S. Main St. & Wrenn St.) | Learn the tools, tricks & tips designers to maximize your time at Market. The engaging panelists featuring Cheryl Luckett of Dwell By Cheryl, Jeremy Bauer and Jason Clifton of Bauer/Clifton Interiors, and Tamara Matthews-Stephenson of Root Cellar Designs discussing everything from what’s hot in product introductions to how to navigate market. A market primer not to be missed!
BIDN Workshop:Getting-Camera-Ready-Tips and Tricks for TV Appearances and Hosting | 4PM-&PM | The Point | TLC’s Mikel Welch and A&E Network’s Evette Rios in a lively, interactive workshop where you”ll learn how to be camera ready with exercises that will help you shine! I’m excited to attend this workshop since social media is becoming so visual, from IG stories to You Tube Videos!
The Parties
Mix & Mingle with Alexa Hampton at Theodore Alexander | 4PM-9PM | Theodore Alexander | 229 W. Russell Ave. | Tour the showroom and meet the “darling of the Design Industry”!
WithIt Presidents Reception | 6PM-7:30PM | Malouf Market on Green, 204 | An opportunity to attend a powerful networking reception in Malouf’s new showroom. WithIt’s mission is to encourage leadership, mentoring and education for professional women in the home & furnishings industry. This is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with like minded women in the home furnishings & design industry!
Baker x Veranda | 6-8PM | Baker Interiors | 319 N. Hamilton St. | Meet the lovely Steele Marcoux, Editor-in Chief of Veranda while celebrating the new collections from Baker & McGuire.
Designers’ Showhouse Gala Preview Party | 6PM-9PM | Aspire Design & Home and The Junior League of High Point present the 2019 Junior League of High Point Designer’s Showhouse Preview Gala & Fundraiser. I’ll be attending a sneak preview in the morning, so if you can’t attend be sure and follow along on Instagram to see pictures of the Showhouse.
Saturday, October 19
Coffee with Creatives: Tobi Farley and Lauren Leiss | 10AM-11:AM | Woodbridge Furniture, 200 Steele, 301 | Lauren & Tobi discuss what it takes to build a brand from the ground floor to product launch. Collectively they have over 100,000 followers on Instagram, three books, six collections and four companies between them! With more brands seeking to partner with Designers & Influencer’s, this panel is a must for those looking to take their brands to the next level. And if you are on Instagram, Lauren’s feed is truly one of my personal favorites.
Meet the Makers of Mill Collective | 10AM-&7PM | Red Egg, 415 W. High Street | The Mill Collective invites you to meet the makers of the small-batch studios and talk with industry people who are making a huge impact in the field of design.
Styling Secrets-Behind-the-Scene Tips for Fabulous Photos | 11AM-12PM | Join Stacey Kunstel of New England Home as she talks with Interior Photographer, Carley Summers and prop and food stylist, Michelle Smith Owner of Gather Goods on how to make the most of an interior photoshoot when you have a limited budget. Learn behind the scene tricks to making your interior photography look magazine ready from the best in the industry!
Design Viewpoints Series: Cultivating Industry Relationships to Build Your Brand | 12PM-1PM | High Point Theatre, Transportation Theatre | Moderated by Laura Thurman, Principal Designer of Thurman Design Studio, learn how to harness the power of building authentic industry relationships from esteemed Panelists Amy Ferrer, Owner of Miko & Boone Home, Amy Flurry, author of Recipe for Press, Michel Boyd, and Jane Dagmi, Editor of Designers Today. Join the conversation as they discuss how to use networking to build strong relationships in PR, Communications & Publishing. Developing strong and healthy mentoring & business relationships can be so critical to success in this industry.
Social Media and Your Brand: Deconstructing Authenticity and Attracting the Perfect Client | 2PM-3PM | Chandra, Showplace, 2402 | Authenticity is the marketing buzzword of 2019, but what does it mean? Join Nicole Heymer and Darla Power as they help you develop a practical and repeatable process to attracting your dream client.
KEYNOTE: A Conversation With Diane Keaton | 3PM-4PM | High Point Theatre | Transportation Terminal Terminal | Known for her iconic style and point-of-view, and more recently for creating industrial-chic interiors with a sophisticated edginess, Keaton will be discussing her passion for design, and also her latest collab with Aiden Gray. A book signing to follow!
Another panel of note taking place from 3PM-4PM is What’s the Price of Fame? Defining Your Niche and Saving Your Sanity | Alden Parkes, 200 N. Hamilton St. Suite 110 | How do you define your brand as an Interior Designer? Join “Showhouse in A Showroom,” designers Shannon Gmem, Andre Jordan Hilton, Patti Johnson, Keita Turner, Philip Gulotta on a panel moderated by Kimberly Wray, Contributing Editor of Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine.
Luminary Session Featuring Timothy Corrigan | The Point (Commerce Ave. between S. Main St. & Wrenn St.| Gary Inman will be interviewing nationally acclaimed designer Timothy Corrigan. The pair will discuss topics from early influences on Corrigan’s career to life at his “dream chateau.” Following the chat, Currey and Company will host a cocktail reception with Inman & Corrigan.
The Parties
There are always private parties but some of the more popular soirees open to all market attendees are:
Grand Opening of InsideOut Performance Fabrics Showroom | 3PM-5PM
Libby Langdon for Fairfield Launch Party | 4-7PM | 200 N. Hamilton St. | N. CT.,100, Floor 1 | Fairfield is celebrating it’s first ever designer collection, a complete line of home furnishings designed by the darling of the design industry, Libby Langdon.
Business of Design Birthday Party | 5-7PM | Business of Home celebrates it’s 15th year sharing the who, what, when & where of the design industry. Cake & champagne will be served. RSVP-businessof design.com/events/bod-birthday-party-15-years
Great South Bay by Thomas O’Brien Collection Party | 6PM-8PM | Century Furniture | 200 Steele Street | 213| View O’Brien’s latest collection with Century Furniture, inspired by his travels and private collections O’Brien that reflect the cultures of his favorite seaside places.
Rooftop Soiree With Bobby Berk | 6PM-8PM | 122 N. Hamilton St.| ART Furniture & Bobby Berk will host a cocktail party showcasing the company’s latest designs.
One of the biggest parties on Saturday is the Sunpan Garden Party| 6:30-11:00PM | This is an invitation only party, but if you email me vicki@theaceofspaceblog.com, I’ll tell you how to get an invite, spaces are limited!
Sunday, October, 20
Starring You: How to Expand Your Brand as a Lifestyle Expert | 10AM-11AM | Alden Parkes Seminar Room | 200 N. Hamilton St.| CT., 110 | Join Evette Rios (Rachel Ray, Today & The Talk) as she shares tips on how you can leverage your expertise as a lifestyle expert.
Scot Meacham Wood Goes Abroad-Fall Trunk Show | 10AM-12PM | Currey & Company | IHFC | M110 | Scot Meacham Wood known as “Tartan Scot” will preview his fall collection of textiles and wallcoverings that “marry the romance and allure of far away lands to the colorful take on tradition…”
Hidden Gems Showroom Tour | 10:30AM-4PM | Limo boards at 200 Steele St.| A VIP escorted tour of six off-the-beaten-path showrooms highlighting furniture of all styles, bespoke lighting, accessories and one-of-a-kind statement pieces. Attendees will be chauffeured in a Hummer limousine and accompanied by “stars of the design world.” Tickets:bit.ly/hiddengemshpmkt
Face-to Face:Design and Color Rules For Furnishings and Decor | 11AM-12PM | Rawan Isaac | IHFC,IH204 | Join Style Spotters Courtney McLeod and Rawan Alsahsah for an engaging Q&A based on real and imagined projects. Learn how rules apply-and how they can be broken.
Design Viewpoints Series: Translating Your Brand to Online Retail | 12PM-1PM | High Point Theatre, Transportation Terminal | Join designer panelists Julia Buckingham, Barclay Butera, Nicole White and Scot Meacham Wood, with Moderator, Sarah Walker from The Curated House, in a discussion on what it takes to translate your brand’s online presence into e-commerce. This engaging panel will discuss what it takes to launch & manage online retail.
Out of the Box: Unconventional Ways to Grow Your Design Business |1PM-2PM |Alden Parkes Seminar Room, 200 N. Hamilton, S, Ct. 110 | Join creative strategist Beth Dempsey and Designers, Tish Mills, Joni Vanderslice and Denise McGaha as they share successful tips on growing a design business by thinking outside the box and “bucking traditional thinking.”
Pitching With Purpose | 2PM-3PM | The Point (Commerce Ave. between S. Main St. and Wrenn St. | Amy Flurry, author of Recipe for Press: Designer Edition, will talk about promoting your design firm and projects with purpose. It’s about authenticity, quality over quantity, and connecting with your audience. Seating is limited & RSVP is required info@redegg.com
Marketing & Media: The Next Chapter | 2PM-5:30PM | Abbyson, 300 E. Green | Panelists Shayla Copas, Jenny Slingerland, Rajni Alex, Jeremy Bauer & Jason Clifton discuss different avenues of marketing and branding and how to utilize those practices in each chapter of your career. Moderated by Justin Shaulis.
KEYNOTE: Socialnomics-Winning Customers via Social Media & Mobile | 3PM-4PM |High Point Theatre | Transportation Terminal | Based on this #1 best seller, Forbes Top 100 Digital Influencer Erik Qualman dives into the powerful concept of “Socialnomics.” Long term success can depend on learning the new rules of social, mobile, and beyond or they will miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity to customer loyalty and drive long term success. Book signing to follow.
Bespoke Brillance! | 3PM-5PM |Newport Cottages | IHFC |IH410|”Newport Cottages and the incredibly talented gents from Madcap Cottage, John Loecke & Jason Oliver Nixon, celebrate fall’s must-haves in American-made furnishings with a spirited afternoon affair.” Sip on Champagne and peruse Newport Cottage’s stunning, completely customizable creations! “Join the fun & bring the adventure home!”
Building Your Brand:Private Label vs. Licensing | 3:30 PM-4:30 PM | Suites at Market Square Seminar Room, SAMS T1014 | Join designers Michelle Nussbaumer, Jennifer Mabley and Austin Handler, Ray Hallare of Dowel Furniture, Lynai Jones of Mitchell Black, and Moderator Jill Waage of Traditional Home as they discuss finding the right partner when it comes to product design & distribution.
Designer in Residence Launch Party with Nick Olsen & Elle Decor’s Whitney Robinson | Join one of my favorite Showrooms at Market, as they host a meet and greet with Nick Olsen, the first Bernhardt Designer in Residence, Elle Decor Editor-in-Chief Whitney Robinson and Style Director, Parker Bowie Larson. Guests will tour the Designer in Residence Gallery, featuring Olsen’s interpretation of the brand’s design legacy. Also, there will be a drawing for a VIP Trip for two to New York in May 2020 including a tour of the iconic Hearst headquarters and tickets to the famed Kips Bay Decorator Show House.
Toast & Tour with Kravet Furniture | 4PM-6PM | Market Square | Kravet Furniture celebrates Fall Market highlighting the latest collections from Michael Berman. Enjoy cocktails served up by some very special guest bartenders: Michael Berman, Barclay Butera, Thom Filicia, Alexa Hampton, Suzanne Kasler, Larry Laslo, Jennifer Mabley & Austin Handler, and David Phoenix.
The Steele Building Third Floor Party | 5PM-10PM | 200 Steele | Dance the night away on the third floor of the Steele Building.
*I”ll be traveling back to Atlanta on Monday, but here are some Panels that caught my eye!
Monday, October 21
Beyond the Bar: A Discussion on Luxury Entertaining | 11AM-1PM | Monogram Appliances Glass Pop-up, at the corner of Fred Alexander and N. Hamilton | Join Interior Designers, Laura Umansky, Mark Epstein, and Shayla Copas as they share their unique perspectives on luxury entertaining in the kitchen. Followed by a cooking demonstration, appetizers and handcrafted cocktails prepared by two-time champion of the Food Network’s Chopped, Chef James Briscione. RSVP: alexandra.skobel@geappliances.com
Styling Interiors for Photo Shoots|1:30PM-2:30PM|Suites at Market Square Seminar Room| SAMS T1014| What really goes on behind the scenes to capture the ideal lifestyle image for Instagram & media placement? Panelists Kathryn Lott, Gretchen Black, Mary Beth Zaehringer, Lauren Clement & Courtney McCloud will discuss capturing the best of your projects through styling and photography.
Don’t Sleep on Pinterest | 2PM-3PM | Universal Furniture |101 S. Hamilton St. | Adam Japko of Esteem Media and Kyla Herbes from House of Hipsters will discuss the Pinterest comeback and how to leverage the “power of Pinterest” for your business.
Is Product Licensing for You?| 4PM-5PM | Comfort Design | 101 N. Hamilton St.| “The thought of a home furnishings line with your name sounds thrilling, and you’ve got some great product designs in the work. How do you find a manufacturing partner?” Join Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loeke, Stacy Garcia, Charles Pavarini III & moderator Diane Falvey, Editor-in-Chief of Furniture, Lighting & Decor in a conversation on the benefits & challenges of licensing.”
The Parties
HPMKT Design Tribe Mixer | 5PM-7PM | The Point | Commerce Ave., (between S. Main St. and Wrenn St.) HPMKT Brand Ambassadors Deb Barrett & Jackie VonTobel invite you to a Market soiree. Join them as they dish on secret Market sources over drinks and bites.
Third Night | A Progressive Gala| 4PM-7PM | 525 N. Wrenn | Join vendors for Southern cuisine, festive beverages while mingling with uber talented designers! RSVP here
Universal Semi-Annual Market Party | 5:30-9:30PM | Universal Furniture |Join Universal Furniture for it’s semi-annual celebration! Enjoy cocktails and hors’d’oeuvres!
For more information about Market visit here for the newest products, showrooms, styles, trends and more! Visit here
You can also download the Business of Home Designer’s Guide detailed guide to Market debuts, showroom openings, and Can’t miss events. Download it here
And for live Market updates you can follow me on Instagram here
See you at High Point Market!
