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Seminar space for all SFC luncheons is limited to the first 100 responses. RSVP to sustainablefurniturecouncil@gmail.com. All Talking Green seminars take place on the top floor of The Suites at Market Square.
Here’s what to expect:
Monday, April 7
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Shop Talk: Essential Things to Ask as
You Shop Market
The Sustainable Furniture Council presents “Great Starts!” Start your day with coffee, pastry and some stirring conversation.
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Green Interior Design: It Makes a Difference
Bernadette V. Upton, ASID, LEED AP of EcoDecor, Green Interior Design
This course is designed to familiarize interior designers and other industry professionals about the role of interior designers in relation to high-performance, ecologically sound buildings. When green buildings do not involve “greening” of the interiors, the building envelope is often compromised and can void the architect’s and/or builder’s original intent to design a building with ecological integrity.
Wednesday, April 9
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Smart Parts: All You Ever Needed to Know About Foams, Coatings, Textiles and Wood
The Sustainable Furniture Council presents “Great Starts!” Start your day with coffee, pastry and some stirring conversation.
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
A Word From Scientific Certification
Systems (SCS)
The goal of the SCS is to recognize the highest levels of performance in food safety and quality, environmental protection and social responsibility in the private and public sectors and to stimulate continuous improvement in sustainable development. As a leading third-party provider of auditing and testing services, certification and standards, the SCS will provide a big-picture perspective as it applies to the furniture industry’s future.
Thursday, April 10
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Cleaning Up: Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategies
The Sustainable Furniture Council presents “Great Starts!” Start your day with coffee, pastry and some stirring conversation.
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Behind the Logos: Understanding Green Product Certifications
LEED, SFC, EPA…When it comes to environmentally responsible certifications, it’s hard to be a know-it-all. Get the breakdown on the who’s who, what’s what, and how to get what you need to become certified. |
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This Spring, there are more educational venues at the High Point Market than ever before. Chief among the varied offerings is a new seminar series set on the top floor of The Suites at Market Square, owned and operated by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI).
Those interested in the green movement will gravitate toward “Talking Green,” breakfast and luncheon seminars that provide insight on a variety of environmentally responsible practices in the furniture industry. Co-sponsored by MMPI and the High Point Market Authority, the series will feature The Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC) and six different seminars, Monday, April 7, Wednesday April 9, and Thursday, April 10. Various Talking Green seminars will take place each morning on these days from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and from noon to 1:30 p.m. (See Sidebar).
“In conjunction with the Suites at Market Square’s EcoStyle Pavilion, the SFC has become a rapidly growing presence at the Market and we plan to build on last Market’s highly successful series with this greatly expanded lineup of sessions,” says Karen Olson, vice president of marketing for Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
On Tuesday, April 8 at noon, the Interior Design Society will host a luncheon panel discussion led by Lloyd Princeton. As founder and principal consultant of Design Management Company, Princeton will lead a distinguished group of panelists in a discussion about the new methodology of conducting business in the 21st Century. The lunch and seminar is $15 for IDS Members, and $20 for non-IDS Members. Spots can be reserved by calling (336) 884-4437 or via email at ewoody@interiordesignsociety.org.
A special symposium devoted to exploring Sweden’s unique design philosophy and home furnishings capabilities—co-sponsored by Merchandise Mart Properties and the High Point Market Authority, in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Industrial Development Center West Sweden AB—is set for 2 p.m., April, 7, 8 and 9 in the Suites at Market Square, Space 1-300.
According to Anders Wisth, managing director of The Kingdom of Furniture (an association of 35 partner companies in the South of Sweden), and cluster coordinator for the interior cluster of Western Sweden, the unique event from the home country and region of IKEA will provide Market-goers with rare insight into the design management philosophies that have propelled Swedish designs around the globe.
“This is an incredible opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most notable people working in the Swedish furniture arena today, particularly the new generation of Swedish designers who are becoming known worldwide for their ability to combine simplicity in shape with sustainability,” describes Tom Crump, director, Furniture Export Office, International Trade Division, North Carolina Department of Commerce.
The seminar series will begin with a look at Swedish design history. Specifically, speaker James Minard will provide an overview of the romantic Gustavian style, a tradition of fine furniture making that began in the 18th Century during the reign of King Gustav III. Minard represents The Gustavian Room, an association of manufacturers of exquisitely crafted period furniture in the city of Tibro in Southern Sweden, many of which are run today by the same families and fifth-generation craftsmen.
“These companies have many years of experience in working with interior designers and architects to aid our customers in creating the classic Gustavian style in everything from bespoke carpentry to fabric and paint,” Wisth relates. “We have skilled craftsmen such as woodcarvers, gilders and décor painters who have inherited their skills from an unbroken line of professionals since the 1700s.”
Seminar two, presented by Wisth, an expert in product development and marketing, will focus on Swedish design today, with an emphasis on contemporary Swedish design culture and the brands that have been the inspiration for IKEA and other contemporary producers. “Our goal with this event is to explore what’s behind the success of Swedish brands in the international arena,” Wisth says. “We’ll look at key factors that are translating into success in the market, from design and craftsmanship to storytelling, and focus on how quality-oriented retailers, designers and architects can effectively compete with IKEA.”
In seminar three, rising young Swedish design stars Matilda Lindblom, Sofie Korzonek and Stina Sandwall will be on hand to present their designs and discuss their visions for the future, as well as the unique cooperation that exists between craftsmen and designers in the region. Lindblom and Korzonek are both graduates of Sweden’s prestigious Carl Malmstens Design University, while Sandwall is a graduate of Beckmans School of Design in Stockholm. Launching her own company, Sandwall Design, in 1999, Sandwall’s work has been exhibited in the Conran Foundation Collection in the London Design Museum, Museum of Architecture, Stockholm, Seoul Design Festival, and more.
“The Swedish Design Symposium further reinforces High Point as the world’s home for home furnishings,” says Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority. “There isn’t another market in the U.S. that offers the breadth and depth of cutting-edge design for the home furnishings industry such as that found here. We are excited to welcome this design delegation from Sweden, along with the many other international home furnishings professionals that will be joining us here at the April Market.”
Throughout Market week, a variety of furnishings representing the craft, design and manufacturing capabilities of Swedish furniture companies will be displayed nearby the seminar room in Space 1-528, Suites at Market Square.
“Our industry constantly evolves and education empowers industry professionals to evolve along with this rapidly changing business,” relates “We are excited to offer these valuable educational opportunities to High Point Market attendees.