Events
Friday, October 16
Home is Where the Story (and Homeowner Is)
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Too many of today’s homes are designer made for designer peers rather than storied homes for a home owner’s life well lived. Join panel guests in a lively discussion on homes created with texture, story, antiques, heirlooms, and the soul of those that live there. Skip the cookie cutter and social media mood board trends and create homes that empower authentic living. Led by Ben Ashby, the new Editor-in-Chief of The Cottage Journal.
Speakers: Ben Ashby
ASID-IWBI Healthy Homes Certificate – Workshop Session
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
The Healthy Homes Certificate, developed by ASID and powered by IWBI WELL for residential, includes an online foundational course and a one-day workshop at High Point Market on October 16, 2026. Participants will learn to identify residential health risks and apply science-backed strategies for safer, healthier homes and communities. Registration includes the full Certificate program. The online course must be completed before the workshop; access will be emailed by mid-September or at least 2 weeks prior. Both components are required to earn the Certificate. Refreshments and snack breaks will be provided (1-hour recess). Register Today: Seats are limited. Register by Sept. 25, 2026.
CEU Hours: 1
The Art of Signature Scent Development: How Fragrance Completes a Space
Lit Moments Candle Company Location: Lit Moments Candle Company, Suites At Market Square, M-8020 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Fragrance is the final layer of design. Join Lit Moments for an interactive educational experience exploring the art of signature fragrance development. Discover how thoughtfully crafted fragrances enhance interiors, strengthen brand identity, and create memorable experiences. Through guided scent discovery, you'll learn how signature fragrances evolve from inspiration to creation and how designers, retailers, hospitality professionals, and lifestyle brands use fragrance as an intentional design element. Drop in, explore, ask questions, and experience the art of fragrance at your own pace.
Lunch and Learn: Unlocking the Value of HFA Membership
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Whether you're a current member or exploring membership, this session highlights practical tools, trusted partners, and valuable resources that support growth and simplify everyday challenges. New to the Home Furnishings Association? Learn why membership matters. Already involved? Discover untapped benefits and fresh ways to make your membership deliver even more. Let us treat you to lunch and come see how HFA can help your business do more.
Master Instagram Edits: Create Content That Elevates Your Brand
Hooker Furnishings Location: Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Interior designers know beautiful spaces tell a story—now learn how to tell yours through video. Join Linda Holt for a practical session on mastering Instagram Edits, where you'll learn five essential editing techniques, discover time-saving tools, and gain the confidence to create polished, engaging content that resonates with clients and grows your business. Leave with actionable tips you can start using immediately.
Speakers: Linda Holt, Jessica Duce
The Psychology of Luxury: Why Clients Buy, Resist & Say Yes
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Luxury isn't about products, it's about emotion. As The Design Biz Therapist, Tracee Murphy helps designers understand the psychology behind why clients buy, what creates resistance, and how trust is built throughout the design process. High-end clients are not simply purchasing furnishings and finishes, they’re investing in identity, transformation, comfort, and meaning. This session explores how emotional intelligence, empathy, and behavioral psychology can help designers communicate value more effectively, navigate money conversations with confidence, and create stronger client relationships. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of luxury decision-making and learn how to sell luxury without feeling like they're selling.
Speakers: Tracee Murphy
Is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan Right for You?
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Learn what an ESOP is, how it works as a business transition strategy, and what furniture retailers should consider when exploring a sale. This session will also share New Leaf’s firsthand experience establishing an ESOP, including key steps, lessons learned, and practical insights for owners evaluating their options.
Speakers: Sean Hicks
Pillow Talk: The Science of Comfort, Pillow Construction, Performance & Design Applications
Down Inc. Location: Down Inc., Suites At Market Square, Ground, G-3019 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Join us for Pillow Talk – a light, lively conversation about what’s really inside your pillows. From achieving the perfect “chop” in your decorative pillows to understanding the difference between down, down-alternative, and our brand-new TENCEL™ lyocell blend, we’ll cover the fill factors that matter most to designers, retailers, and hospitality buyers alike. This course explores the construction, performance, and specification of decorative and sleep pillows across residential and hospitality environments. Participants will examine fill materials, chamber construction, fabric compatibility, ergonomic considerations, sustainability practices, and longevity factors that influence both comfort and design performance.
CEU Hours: 1
Fundamentals That Still Move the Needle
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
It's easy to overlook the fundamentals that still drive results. This session explores how to blend proven, time-tested Retail Operations, Store Execution, Sales and Visual Merchandising with today's most effective Marketing Strategies, creating a balanced approach that will ensure growth and future sustainability in today's ever-growing competitive retail marketplace.
Speakers: Chris Hunt
Why Underpricing Kills Design: How to Command What You’re Worth
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Your pricing model should be as unique as your talent, and value. In this engaging and interactive conversation, author and business strategist Johnathan H. Miller will reveal why underpricing is one of the most damaging mistakes creative professionals make—and why copying a competitor’s pricing model can be just as costly. Attendees will learn how to evaluate the factors that should influence their rates, recognize the hidden dangers of pricing by comparison, and build the confidence to charge based on the value they uniquely bring to the marketplace. Moderated by Jessica Duce. Discussion with book signing to follow.
Speakers: Johnathan Miller, Jessica Duce
How to Break into Television/Streaming Content
Bernhardt Furniture Company Location: Bernhardt Furniture Company, 101 N. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 16 (Red Line)
A panel discussion featuring three acclaimed interior designers who are also recognized television personalities: Brian Patrick Flynn (HGTV), Taniya Nayak (HGTV), and Arianne Bellizaire (HGTV, Reese Witherspoon). Moderated by Cheminne Taylor-Smith.
Speakers: Brian Patrick Flynn, Taniya Nayak, Arianne Bellizaire
Saturday, October 17
Navigating the New Final Mile
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Final mile delivery is now a defining part of the customer experience for home furnishings retailers. As service expectations increase, safety standards evolve, and the industry continues to change, retailers must adapt to stay competitive. This session will explore how stronger final mile strategies can improve customer satisfaction, reduce risk, and create greater value through safer, more efficient, and more responsive delivery operations.
Speakers: Richard Tucker, Daylyn Bellamy
Hot Spot Tours
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Discover some of the must-see showrooms at High Point Market with our guided Hot Spots Tours! Crafted by seasoned Market veterans and 2026 Style Spotters Juliana Ewer and Isabel Ladd, each curated tour features two to three showroom stops, providing unique insight into the breadth of product and inspiration found at Market. Perfect for new buyers and Market veterans alike, this immersive experience will ensure you make the most of your time at Market. Meet at The Point at 9:15 am ahead of a 9:30 am departure. Tour schedule and RSVP coming soon.
Speakers: Juliana Ewer, Isabel Ladd
What Your Brand Partners Wish You Would Ask For
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Your brand relationships are worth more than a discount code. In this session, veteran designers and brand leader Revolution Fabrics come together to pull back the curtain on what a strategic partnership really looks like, and how to make it work for your business. Learn how to tap into co-marketing opportunities, educational resources, and brand support that most designers leave on the table. Whether you're looking to grow your visibility, strengthen your portfolio, or build long-term relationships that align with your aesthetic and values, this conversation will change how you think about every brand introduction.
Speakers: Jessica Duce, Anderson Gibbons, Claire Jefford, Libby Langdon, Jennifer Smiga
Double Your Revenue Without Doubling Your Hours: The 3 Profit Shifts for Highly Profitable Businesses
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Busy does not always mean profitable. Many interior design firm principals reach a point where their calendars are full, their projects are thriving, and yet their profits fail to reflect the value they create. More projects and longer hours only reinforce a business model that eventually limits growth. In this session, Design Business Strategist Melissa Galt reveals the three profit shifts that separate busy firms from highly profitable businesses. You'll discover where revenue is quietly being constrained, why ideal clients are often lost before a proposal is ever presented, and the business model shift that allows leading firms to earn more, increase profitability, and create greater freedom without taking on more work.
Speakers: Melissa Galt
The Art of the Post: Using Social Media to Grow Your Business
Antique and Design Center Location: Antique and Design Center, Market Square, Ground, G 1-74, G-8006, G-8007, G-8009, G-8010 Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Join Todd Richeson of Todd Richeson Interiors and Melissa Lushbaugh of South Made Marketing, both from Knoxville, Tennessee, for an engaging conversation on using social media and digital marketing to grow your business. Learn what to post, how to create content that connects, and how to build a consistent online presence that attracts customers and strengthens your brand. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your strategy, you'll leave with practical ideas you can put to work right away. Moderated by Amanda Kinney of the Antique & Design Center.
Speakers: Todd Richeson, Melissa Lushbaugh, Amanda Kinney
2027 Trendspotting: NKBA Reveals New Kitchen Trends Report
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
Join the NKBA for brunch at Broad Hall as the association reveals key findings from its 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, and top brands and designers share their takes on the trends driving the industry. Visit NKBA.org/hpmkt for details.
Fireside Chat Series- The EDIT Framework: Turning Your Photography into Your Most Powerful Market
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
A proprietary five-part system that gives designers a clear, repeatable framework for turning their photography into a powerful engine for brand building, social growth, client attraction, and press. Structured, ownable, and immediately actionable. Join Tori Sikkema and Mariah Rich as they bring a unique combination to the room: brand strategy, editorial direction, and styling expertise. The chat is designed to give designers real, actionable strategies for building their brand, showing up intentionally on social, and earning the press placements they deserve.
Speakers: Tori Sikkema, Mariah Rich
Behind the Beautiful Feed: Managing Cost Expectations in the Age of Social Media
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
In today's social media-driven design landscape, stunning project reveals and curated content have transformed how clients discover and engage with interior designers. Join us for a for an honest conversation about balancing a strong online presence with transparent communication regarding budgets, timelines, and the realities of executing great design. This panel will explore how leading designers manage client expectations while leveraging social media as a powerful business and marketing tool.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Jennifer Boles, Lori Paranjape, Megan Molten, Monet Masters
AI Powered Presentations in Minutes: Faster Workflows, Ethical Foundations.
Hooker Furnishings Location: Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Still spending hours on client presentations? Join Jenna Gaidusek, founder of AI for Interior Designers™, at the Hooker showroom to learn how designers are using AI to build polished, client-ready presentations in a fraction of the time. Jenna will walk through the exact tools and workflows that turn mood boards, product selections, and design concepts into beautiful presentations in minutes, not days, all while keeping your creativity, your voice, and your integrity at the center. Known for her commitment to the ethical use of AI in design, Jenna will show you how to embrace these tools with confidence, transparency, and respect for the craft. You'll leave with practical techniques you can put to work before you even leave Market.
CEU Hours: 1.5
Speakers: Jenna Gaidusek
AI That Sells: Practical Uses of AI for Retailers
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Learn how to use AI in simple, profitable ways without losing the human touch that closes sales. We'll cover real applications, from product descriptions and email campaigns to sales training and personalized customer follow-up, that save time and improve performance. You’lll leave with a clear understanding of where AI fits in retail operations, where it does not, how to start small and get measurable results.
Speakers: Richard Harris
Living in Fashion: Where Couture Meets Curated Interiors
ADRIANA HOYOS Location: ADRIANA HOYOS, Hamilton Place, Floor 2, 117 N. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 17 (Red Line)
How do luxury interior designers help clients express their personal style? Join Adriana Hoyos and a panel of interior design stars to explore the intimate relationship between haute couture and high-end home interiors. Discover how top designers decode a client’s style to inform material selections, color palettes, and the design of interior sanctuaries. You’ll also learn how Adriana Hoyos translates the meticulous detailing of luxury goods—like her favorite Chanel handbags—into bespoke furnishings, including the new Privé collection launching at October Market. Each panelist brings compelling insights to this lively peer-to-peer discussion, followed by an audience Q&A. Guests are invited to RSVP and enjoy tasty bites and refreshments.
Speakers: Adriana Hoyos, Andrea Perez Hoyos
Follow the Trends: A Future Snoops Tour
IHFC Location: Meet in IHFC Green Lobby - Future Snoops Display Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Explore the future of home and design with Future Snoops' Jaye Anna Mize. This guided tour through the IHFC building spotlights the colors, materials, products, and trends that will influence the industry in the seasons ahead.
Speakers: Jaye Anna Mize
The Art of Signature Scent Development: How Fragrance Completes a Space
Lit Moments Candle Company Location: Lit Moments Candle Company, Suites At Market Square, M-8020 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Fragrance is the final layer of design. Join Lit Moments for an interactive educational experience exploring the art of signature fragrance development. Discover how thoughtfully crafted fragrances enhance interiors, strengthen brand identity, and create memorable experiences. Through guided scent discovery, you'll learn how signature fragrances evolve from inspiration to creation and how designers, retailers, hospitality professionals, and lifestyle brands use fragrance as an intentional design element. Drop in, explore, ask questions, and experience the art of fragrance at your own pace.
Lens Matters: The Reality of Editorial Photography and Styling
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Great design goes beyond planning, furnishings, and a beautiful reveal. When photography begins, a skilled styling team is essential to ensure each image reflects the project. Join Traditional Home Style & Design Editor Krissa Rossbund for a candid conversation with designers Ben Johnston, Lisa Mende, Jesse Carrier, and Mara Miller on the art and strategy of styling interiors. Panelists will explore how designers and stylists differ, how styling elevates editorial shoots, showrooms, and brand moments, and why visual storytelling, composition, and editing matter. This discussion will sharpen your eye and help you see interiors through a new lens.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Krissa Rossbund, Lisa Mende, Ben Johnston, Jesse Carrier, Mara Miller
The Inside Track: How Top Dealers Work with Designers to Keep Them Ahead of the Market
Chelsea on Green Location: Chelsea on Green, Chelsea On Green, Floor 1, 515 W. Green Dr. Shuttle Stop: 11 (Green Line)
Dealers pull back the curtain on how the best dealer-designer relationships work - who gets the call first, how trust is built, and why that access translates into better projects and bigger margins. The Panelists are the Chelsea on Green Exhibitors: Heather Karlie Vieira/ HKFA, Libby Padula/ French Bleue and Kerry Kuhlkin/ Kate Hornsby Design with Moderator Jaclyn Isaac/ Doni Douglas Design. Lunch will be served by Basil Catering following the event.
Speakers: Jaclyn Isaac
Defining Americana: The Evolving Language of American Design
Antique and Design Center Location: Antique and Design Center, Market Square, Ground, G 1-74, G-8006, G-8007, G-8009, G-8010 Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
What does "American design" mean today? Beyond familiar motifs and period styles, today's designers are drawing from regional traditions, handcrafted objects, antiques, vernacular architecture, and contemporary makers to create interiors that feel deeply personal and distinctly American. Join moderator Ben Ashby, editor-in-chief of The Cottage Journal, along with leading interior designers for a thoughtful conversation exploring how history, craftsmanship, and collecting continue to shape the evolving language of American design.
Speakers: Ben Ashby
Designing for Human Health: The Power of Industry Collaboration
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
This exclusive Executive Panel will explore how manufacturers and designers can work in partnership to advance human-centered design. Mark Phillips, Chairman of Phillips Collection, Ryan Ranzino, Vice President of Sales at Crystorama, and two Science in Design®️Certified designers will discuss how collaboration is driving innovation and strengthening the science shaping the future of our industry.
CEU Hours: 1
Fireside Chat Series - What AI Can't Appreciate: The Human Edge in Design's New Era
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
As AI reshapes our industry, what sets a designer apart won't be the technology they can access. AI has made generation abundant. Renders, layouts, sourcing lists, and options without end. But a great room was never about how much you could create. It's about taste, the judgment to know which choice is right. It's about trust, the confidence a client feels handing you their home. It's about connection, and the feeling a space gives you the moment you walk in. Safe, at ease, at home, like you belong here. This is The Human Edge, and it is the differentiator. As AI reshapes our industry, what sets a designer apart won't be the technology they can access. It will be the taste, trust, and connection that only they can bring.
Speakers: Nora Gomez, Kyle Hayes, Caroline Stevenson
Nobody Told Me This Was Part of the Job
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Design school teaches craft, but nobody covers how to get clients, talk about your work, or articulate your value. Join a candid conversation with designers who have faced setbacks, made mistakes, and navigated the challenges that come with building a successful career. They'll share the real-world lessons, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom they wish someone had told them earlier. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, you'll hear real stories and leave with practical advice and a fresh perspective on the parts of the job anyone rarely talks about.
Speakers: Nicole Culler, Reed Humphrey, Jennifer Hutton, Jessica Duce
Why Color Is Back—and What’s Driving It
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Quiet, neutral interiors are moving out, and color is returning with renewed confidence. But what is driving the shift? And what does it signal for the interiors market, designers, and how clients want to live? Join Design News Now Editor Rachel Fasciani, and a panel of successful designers and color experts, as they explore the financial climate, cultural influences, emotional needs and consumer preferences shaping today’s palettes; the hues gaining momentum; and the many ways color can be introduced, from immersive rooms to carefully considered accents. The conversation will also examine why color matters beyond aesthetics and how designers can use it to create spaces with greater personality, connection, and emotional resonance.
Speakers: Rachel Fasciani
Design Collaboration: A Holistic Approach to Architecture, Interiors, Landscape & Construction in N.C. and beyond.
Antique and Design Center Location: Antique & Design Center Welcome Lounge Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Great homes are never the result of a single vision—they emerge through the collaboration of architects, builders, landscape architects, and interior designers working together to create places that are both beautiful and enduring. Join moderator Bronwyn Ford and panelists Alex Ancona, Jason Williams, Jeff Allen, and Mary Margaret Underwood for a conversation exploring how these disciplines intersect to shape exceptional residential projects throughout North Carolina. From concept to completion, the discussion will examine the power of collaboration, the importance of place, and the timeless principles that guide thoughtful design. Sponsored by the North Carolina Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art.
Speakers: Alex Ancona, Jason Williams, Jeff Allen, Mary Margaret Underwood
The Business of Kitchen & Bath
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
Learn from top designers and brand leaders on what drives a successful kitchen & bath design business. From operations to social media marketing, explore the latest ways to grow and scale your business. Visit NKBA.org/hpmkt for details.
T.R.A.C.T.I.O.N- Methods for Business Mastery
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Success in furniture retail depends on strong execution, attention to detail, and a culture that keeps both customers and employees engaged. This session explores practical strategies for leading a thriving retail business, staying relevant in a changing marketplace, and building a company that delivers value in the showroom and in the community.
Speakers: Lorri Kelley
NeuroArts: The Impact of Art on Our Minds and Bodies
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Where creativity meets science to enhance health and well-being. Join distinguished artists Roxanne Darling, Trisha Patel, and Jenny Fisher, each bringing expertise in neuroaesthetics and biophilia, as they explore how art can reduce stress, promote calm, and positively influence physical and emotional well-being.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Roxanne Darling, Trisha Patel, Jenny Fisher,
Pillow Talk: The Science of Comfort, Pillow Construction, Performance & Design Applications
Down Inc. Location: Down Inc., Suites At Market Square, Ground, G-3019 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Join us for Pillow Talk – a light, lively conversation about what’s really inside your pillows. From achieving the perfect “chop” in your decorative pillows to understanding the difference between down, down-alternative, and our brand-new TENCEL™ lyocell blend, we’ll cover the fill factors that matter most to designers, retailers, and hospitality buyers alike. This course explores the construction, performance, and specification of decorative and sleep pillows across residential and hospitality environments. Participants will examine fill materials, chamber construction, fabric compatibility, ergonomic considerations, sustainability practices, and longevity factors that influence both comfort and design performance.
CEU Hours: 1
KEYNOTE SERIES - Evolution of the Home: The Consumer Shifts Reshaping Design & What it Means for Your Business
High Point Market Authority Location: High Point Theatre (located in the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Join us for an exclusive discussion of groundbreaking research exploring the evolving relationship between kitchen and bath professionals, interior designers, and the home furnishings industry. Led by Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA, and Tammy Covington, President & CEO of High Point Market Authority, this engaging presentation will highlight findings from the NKBA and HPMA Whole-Home Design Study and examine how design professionals are collaborating across disciplines, where opportunities for growth exist, and how changing consumer expectations are reshaping residential design. Presented by High Point Market Authority in partnership with NKBA. Doors open at 2:30pm.
Speakers: Bill Darcy, Tammy Covington
Fireside Chat Series - Soulful Maximalism: The Art of a Joyful Home with Amber Guyton
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
A Fireside Chat and Book Signing with Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow. Moderated by Kelly Lamb, editorial director of Rue Magazine. Join us for an intimate and inspiring conversation with Amber Guyton, founder of Blessed Little Bungalow, as she shares her journey from corporate professional to influential designer, content creator, and entrepreneur. This dynamic fireside chat will explore the intersection of design, social media, and business – offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Amber built a powerful personal brand, cultivated a highly engaged audience, and transformed her platform into a thriving, multi-dimensional business. The conversation will also spotlight Amber’s highly anticipated new book, Soulful Maximalism.
Speakers: Amber Guyton, Kelli Lamb
Marketing & Messaging Science
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Turn your expertise into a compelling story. As science-based design continues to transform our industry, knowing how to communicate your value has never been more important. Ericka Saurit of Saurit Creative and Jennifer Smiga of UltraViolet Agency will share proven strategies for positioning your brand and effectively reaching today's evolving marketplace.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Ericka Saurit, Jennifer Smiga
Closing the Visual Merchandising Gap
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Furniture retailers showcase endless custom options in-store, but too few make it online in a meaningful way that helps customers shop and buy. In this session, visual technology pioneer Clarence Chui shares a practical framework for closing that gap. Learn how to evaluate visualization options, protect product accuracy, prioritize the biggest opportunities, and create a realistic 90-day plan to strengthen both ecommerce and showroom selling.
Speakers: Clarence Chui
Bookkeeping Essentials: Building a Financial Foundation for Your Business
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Strong financial systems are just as important as great design. Join Cindy Hodnett of Furniture Today as she moderates a conversation with Blair Ryan of The Dove Agency, Michelle Lynne of ML Interiors Group and The Design Bakehouse, and Birgit Klein of Birgit Klein Interiors. Together, they'll break down the essentials of bookkeeping for design firms, from managing job costs and monitoring profitability to tracking monthly sales tax and making informed business decisions. Whether you're handling your books internally or considering outsourcing to a professional, this discussion will explore the advantages, challenges, and key considerations of each approach to help you determine the best fit for your business.
Speakers: Cindy Hodnett, Blair Ryan, Michelle Lynne, Birgit Klein
ART Talks: Developing your Brand with Christopher Todd
Hubbardton Forge Location: Hubbardton Forge, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH211 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Join us for an insightful ART Talk, as we learn about Christopher Todd's journey from his Arkansas beginnings to the Oscar's as the Academy of Awards Show set floral artist, to set designer for grand theatrical presentations, to holiday home design, to interior design for homes across the country and running retail boutiques in Las Vegas and Nashville. Today he is a sought-after interior designer and brand collaborator in home décor—including one tightly-kept secret introduction that he will unveil at High Point Market! Christopher will explain how he built his brand with intention, and give you insight as to key steps and collaborations along the way that can help you build your brand.
Speakers: Christopher Todd
And That’s Showbiz Baby, An Inside Look at the World of Production Design & Set Decoration
Crystorama Location: Crystorama, IHFC, Hamilton, Floor 2, H241 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Set decorator Brian Patrick Flynn (HGTV Dream Home, HBO, Magnolia Network) moderates an honest and candid conversation about the high stress, high profile world of set design and art direction with Emmy-winning production designer James Pearse Connelly (Top Chef, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Voice, Wheel of Fortune, Project Runway, The Bachelorette) and art director/design producer Dawn Marie Heuer (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Trading Spaces, Hack My Home).
Speakers: Brian Patrick Flynn, James Pearse Connelly, Dawn marie Heuer
Sunday, October 18
The Next-Gen Customer: Serving Four Generations at Once
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Retailers today must meet the needs of four generations at once, each with distinct expectations for value, convenience, and experience. This session will explore how retailers can balance assortment, store experience, and personalization without adding unnecessary complexity, helping businesses serve diverse customers more effectively and profitably.
Speakers: Sophie Marai
Hot Spot Tours
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Discover some of the must-see showrooms at High Point Market with our guided Hot Spots Tours! Crafted by seasoned Market veterans and 2026 Style Spotters Amber Guyton and Kathy Kuo, each curated tour features two to three showroom stops, providing unique insight into the breadth of product and inspiration found at Market. Perfect for new buyers and Market veterans alike, this immersive experience will ensure you make the most of your time at Market. Meet at The Point at 9:15 am ahead of a 9:30 am departure. Tour schedule and RSVP coming soon.
Speakers: Amber Guyton, Kathy Kuo
The Human Advantage: What AI Can't Replace
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
As technology continues to reshape the design industry, one thing remains irreplaceable: human connection. In this thought-provoking session, Tracee Murphy, The Design Biz Therapist, explores the intersection of psychology, emotional intelligence, and emerging technology. While AI can improve efficiency and support creativity, trust, empathy, communication, and relationship-building remain the true drivers of client loyalty and business success. Attendees will discover how to embrace innovation without losing the human skills that differentiate exceptional firms, while learning practical strategies for balancing technology with authenticity in an increasingly digital world.
Speakers: Tracee Murphy
Fabric Intelligence CEU with Crypton and Hooker Furnishings – The Evolution of Residential Performance Textiles
Hooker Furnishings Location: Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Looking for CEU credit during HPMKT? Join Crypton at the Hooker Furnishings showroom on Sunday morning for Fabric Intelligence: Understanding the Evolution of Residential Performance Textile Technologies. Enjoy Crypton giveaways, light bites and beverages served after the presentation!
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Rachael Coble
Construction Management: Your New Revenue Stream
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Designers give up revenue and stability when they stick to design services alone. Adding construction management to their business, not consulting but actual project oversight, brings in a new revenue stream. This feels especially timely right now. In a market where clients are more cautious and projects are harder to close, designers who can manage the full build have a real advantage over those who hand a project off once the drawings are done. Join luxury designer and host of "Only Girl on the Jobsite" Renee Biery as she teaches you the keys to unlocking this profitable service.
Speakers: Renee Biery
Beautiful Work, Clear Boundaries: Mastering Client Management Through Contracts
Antique and Design Center Location: Antique and Design Center, Market Square, Ground, G 1-74, G-8006, G-8007, G-8009, G-8010 Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Great client relationships begin with clear expectations. In this IDCEC-approved CEU presentation, passionate coach and mentor Terri Taylor, Founder of Interior Design Business Academy, will explore how thoughtfully crafted contracts can help interior designers establish professional boundaries, minimize risk, and create a smoother project experience from start to finish. Attendees will learn how contracts protect their time, profitability, and creative vision while fostering trust and transparency with clients. Whether you're refining your existing agreements or building your processes from the ground up, this course provides practical strategies for using contracts as a powerful business tool. (1 IDCEC CEU)
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Terri Taylor
Fireside Chat Series - Getting Discovered in the Age of AI Search
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Digital marketing strategist Jennifer Smiga, CEO of Ultraviolet, shares the roadmap for how AI search is reshaping online discovery. Search has changed more in the last 18 months than in the last 18 years, and most designers have no idea how it affects them. Digital marketing strategist Jennifer Smiga, CEO of Ultraviolet, shares the roadmap for how AI search is reshaping online discovery and what designers can do today to build lasting visibility. Joining her are interior designers whose firms are already being recommended by AI, sharing their firsthand experiences, what's changed in their businesses, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Walk away with a clearer understanding of where search is headed and how to position your firm
Speakers: Jen Smiga, Windsor Dalton, Johanna Lyle, Susan Yeley
Optimize for Everything: How to Get AI to Recommend You
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Search has changed more in the last two years than in the previous twenty. Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT—AI recommendations constantly influence your future client. In this session, Nicole Heymer breaks down how these platforms actually choose who to recommend, why your messaging matters more than ever, and the specific actions design brands can take right now to show up in AI search.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Nicole Heymer
AI-Ready or Left Behind: What You Need to Know Before 2027
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
AI is already reshaping how consumers discover and buy furniture, from generative search results replacing traditional Google rankings to AI-powered product recommendations that bypass your website entirely. Most retailers know they need to act, but few know where to start. Attendees will learn how to audit their digital presence for AI visibility, the specific threats generative search poses to organic traffic, and the concrete first steps any retailer can take today, regardless of budget or technical expertise.
Speakers: Jake Freedman
Capture High Point Like a Pro with Your Smartphone
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Lounge, Top Floor of the Suites Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Join Linda Holt for a hands-on smartphone photography tour through select High Point Market showrooms, where you'll learn simple techniques to capture better photos of furniture, lighting, and beautifully styled spaces. Along the way, you'll practice what you learn with Linda's guidance, leaving Market with stronger photography skills and photos you'll be proud to share.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Linda Holt
The Art of Signature Scent Development: How Fragrance Completes a Space
Lit Moments Candle Company Location: Lit Moments Candle Company, Suites At Market Square, M-8020 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Fragrance is the final layer of design. Join Lit Moments for an interactive educational experience exploring the art of signature fragrance development. Discover how thoughtfully crafted fragrances enhance interiors, strengthen brand identity, and create memorable experiences. Through guided scent discovery, you'll learn how signature fragrances evolve from inspiration to creation and how designers, retailers, hospitality professionals, and lifestyle brands use fragrance as an intentional design element. Drop in, explore, ask questions, and experience the art of fragrance at your own pace.
Publicist or Pass: When to Invest in PR and when to Wait
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Every designer wants more visibility, but not every designer is ready for a publicist. Join Traditional Home Senior Design and Style Editor Krissa Rossbund for a candid conversation with publicists Melissa Mittag, Christine Phillips, and Brendan Von Enck on when PR can accelerate a design business—and when marketing dollars may be better spent elsewhere. Panelists will demystify public relations, from securing meaningful editorial coverage and building media relationships to maximizing High Point Market introductions, measuring ROI, and understanding what every brand should have in place before investing.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Krissa Rossbund, Melissa Mittag, Christine Phillips, Brendan Von Enck
Beyond the Portfolio: How Designers Build Visibility Through Storytelling and Sourcing
Antique and Design Center Location: Antique and Design Center, Market Square, Ground, G 1-74, G-8006, G-8007, G-8009, G-8010 Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Today’s most memorable design work is not defined only by beautiful rooms, but also by the stories behind them. This conversation will look at how designers use antiques, vintage pieces and collectible artistic objects to build a stronger point of view, and how those sourcing choices can shape the way a project is presented to clients, editors and the wider design community. The discussion will explore what makes a project story feel distinctive, how designers can communicate the value behind what they source, and why rooms with history, craft and cultural context often create stronger opportunities for visibility beyond the finished photos.
Speakers: Dilara Tuncer
The Colors of 2027: Trend Forecast by Sherwin-Williams
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
Join Sherwin-Williams for a luncheon on the NKBA Terrace as the industry-leading authority on color, Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing, breaks down the latest color trends shaping home design for 2027.
AD & Cosentino Lunch Panel
Cosentino Location: Cosentino, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
Join Cosentino and top editors from Architectural Digest and ADPro for lunch, where experts will dig into the conversations driving bath design and trends.
Creating Social Media that Sells
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Today’s furniture shoppers look to social media for inspiration, ideas, and brand connection long before they visit a store. This interactive session will give you hands-on experience on how to create content that captures attention, builds trust, and encourages engagement. Attendees will learn practical strategies for developing social media that connects with consumers and be ready to go live immediately!
Speakers: Darrell Dahlberg
ANDMORE Designer Panel — "Making Your Mark: Minority Designers on Building a Career"
Quorum Location: The Suites at Market Square, Seminar Room T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Join renowned interior designer Nikki Chu for an inspiring conversation with a panel of accomplished minority interior designers as they share the real stories behind their success. Hear firsthand how these designers overcame challenges, discovered opportunities, found the mentors and pivotal moments that helped them push through. Whether you're an emerging designer seeking guidance, an industry professional, or simply passionate about design, you’ll leave with valuable insights and practical takeaways for building a more inclusive and accessible design community. Following the panel, join us in the Quorum showroom, Suite M1000A & M1000B, to experience the Nikki Chu x Quorum Collection firsthand.
Speakers: Nikki Chu
Making Your Mark: Minority Designers on Building a Career
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Join moderator Nikki Chu for a candid conversation with accomplished minority interior designers as they share the real stories behind their success. This seminar goes beyond portfolios and mood boards to explore hidden industry barriers, including access to capital, client trust, media representation, and navigating homogenous professional networks. Panelists will discuss challenges, paths of least resistance, mentors, and turning points that helped them advance. Emerging designers and design enthusiasts will gain insight and practical takeaways for building a more accessible design industry.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Nikki Chu
Fireside Chat Series - Profit by Design: The Business Decisions That Drive Growth
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew - IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Join us for a candid conversation exploring where interior design firms are truly making money, where opportunities are being missed, and how to build a more profitable business—without compromising creativity or the client experience. This dynamic panel brings together leading voices in the industry: Cathy Cherry, Founding Principal of Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors; Kate O’Hara, Founder of Lake House Group; and Rasheeda Gray, Founder of Gray Space Interiors. Moderated by Rachel Fasciani, the discussion will uncover real-world insights, practical strategies, and honest perspectives on navigating growth, pricing, and profitability in today’s design landscape.
Speakers: Rachel Fasciani, Kate O’Hara, Cathy Cherry, Rasheeda Gray
Lesson Learned + Profits Earned
Hooker Furnishings Location: Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Join us for the return of your favorite unfiltered panel conversation about personal growth and the business of design. This insightful panel discussion will feature three industry pros who will share where they started, where they’ve been, and where they’re headed in the business of design. Our panelists will reveal lessons learned, finding their why, their path to profitability, and the vision for the future of their design business.
Speakers: Rick Campos, Lisa McDennon, Jen Davidson, Shaun Crha
Luxury Meets Intelligence: How Smart Designers Are Using AI to Attract, Convert & Nurture Their Best Clients
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Luxury isn’t about automation. It’s about trust. Relationships. Confidence. Exceptional experiences. So where does artificial intelligence fit? Join Pearl Collective’s Gail Doby and a panel of luxury design leaders for an open conversation about using AI to fill your pipeline, create sophisticated marketing systems, and nurture high-value leads—and where the designer’s voice, intuition and personal touch remain irreplaceable for high-net-worth clients. If you’re AI-curious or already experimenting with new tools, you’ll leave with strategies to help your team Market smarter, communicate better and convert more of the right clients.
Speakers: Gail Doby
Building Your Dream Design Business: Journey of Two Bold Firms
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
Join nationally recognized design leaders Christi Barbour, Barbour Spangle Design, and Vicky Serany, Southern Studio Interior Design, for a candid panel discussion about the grit, growth, and guiding values that built their thriving design firms. Attendees will walk away with fresh inspiration, actionable strategies, and the confidence to define success on their own terms.
Here's the Tea... Discover Your One-Stop Shop for Crypton Performance Fabrics at 29 Park
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Be among the first to discover 29 Park, Charlotte Fabrics' new designer-focused brand extension. Explore Charlotte and 29 Park's extensive assortment of Crypton Home Performance Fabrics—featuring hundreds of upholstery options that combine elevated design with trusted performance. Meet the Charlotte/29 Park team for an inside look at the inspiration behind their Crypton offerings and learn how 29 Park is becoming a go-to design resource for sourcing beautiful, high-performance upholstery fabrics. Browse and shop the Charlotte x Crypton Sample Bar, enjoy handcrafted matcha from Little Foot Matcha, watch live Crypton demos, and leave with curated takeaways to inspire your next project.
The ROI of the High-Performance Warehouse
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Your warehouse plays a critical role in customer satisfaction and profitability. Discover practical, cost-effective strategies for strengthening furniture retail warehouse operations—from navigating supply chain challenges and maximizing storage capacity to improving workforce productivity. This session will help you identify operational inefficiencies, control costs, and make smarter use of your space, people, and processes. Leave with actionable ideas to streamline your operation, improve service, and generate greater returns from the back end of your business.
Speakers: Billy Lindler
The Future of Design
Bernhardt Furniture Company Location: Bernhardt Furniture Company, 101 N. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 16 (Red Line)
An insightful conversation between Margaret Russell and Martyn Lawrence Bullard on the trends, innovations and ideas shaping the future of design.
Speakers: Margaret Russell, Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Fireside Chat Series- Shop Smarter In Person: Tech Tools for the Showroom Floor
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
This panel covers the tools and workflows top firms are using to bring more precision (and less friction) to in-person sourcing. Ecommerce has never been more essential to design firms — but it will never replace the magicof in-person specification. The good news: technology is actually making it easier to shopshowrooms and markets in person, not harder. This panel covers the tools and workflows topfirms are using to bring more precision (and less friction) to in-person sourcing. Moderated byMary Beth Chau, CEO of Materio and host of the podcast Designing Tomorrow, with firmprincipal Jamie Gasparovic of Studio Gaspo and Jaclyn Isaac, designer and founder of NestFreight. Cocktails and lite bites to follow.
Speakers: Jaclyn Isaac, Mary Beth Chau, Jamie Gasparovic
Navigating Import Tariffs
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Join an expert customs specialist for a practical look at how import tariffs affect sourcing, pricing, margins, and inventory in the home furnishings industry. Attendees will learn how tariffs are applied, where compliance risks and hidden costs arise, and how to use smarter planning, supplier conversations, and landed-cost analysis to protect profitability.
Speakers: Steve Fodor
Workshop: Future-Proof Your Design Firm for AI Search
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
AI is changing how homeowners discover and evaluate interior designers, yet most firms don't realize the signals that influence whether they're recommended. In this interactive workshop, digital marketing strategist Jennifer Smiga, CEO of Ultraviolet, will guide attendees through the practical steps designers can take to strengthen their online authority and get served up in today’s AI search. Through live demonstrations, guided exercises, and real-world examples from designers who have successfully adapted to this shift, attendees will learn how AI evaluates expertise, trust, and credibility and leave with a roadmap that you can begin implementing immediately.
Speakers: Jen Smiga
Cocktails & Conversation with the NKBA Design Council
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
Visit Broad Hall for cocktails and conversation with the 2026 NKBA Design Council, Bobby Berk, Mandy Cheng & Nathan Orsman. These industry titans will delve into kitchen and bath design, sharing their takes on the latest trends and tips on designing spaces that function both as workrooms and hospitality showpieces. Visit NKBA.org/hpmkt for details.
Monday, October 19
Creative Strategies to Boost Sales and Drive Lasting Change
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Finding new ways to grow your store means thinking beyond the same old tactics. In this session, we'll share creative, actionable ideas that real furniture retailers are using right now to increase sales, strengthen customer engagement, and position your business for continued growth in the years ahead. You'll walk away with practical strategies you can put to work the very next day.
Hot Spot Tour
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Discover some of the must-see showrooms at High Point Market with our guided Hot Spots Tours! Crafted by seasoned Market veteran and 2026 Style Spotter Rhobin Delacruz, this curated tour features two to three showroom stops, providing unique insight into the breadth of product and inspiration found at Market. Perfect for new buyers and Market veterans alike, this immersive experience will ensure you make the most of your time at Market. Meet at The Point at 9:15 am ahead of a 9:30 am departure. Tour schedule and RSVP coming soon.
Speakers: Rhobin DelaCruz
The Inside Stories Franchise: A New Revenue Stream for Design Firms
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
As demand grows for attainable, flexible interior design services, many firms are asking the same question: How do you grow without adding significant overhead or overwhelming your team? Join Inside Stories founder and CEO Miranda Cullen as she shares the vision behind the firm's innovative franchise model, developed after scaling one of Colorado's leading interior design businesses. The franchise opportunity is designed to complement established design firms and independent designers. This model introduces a scalable micro design service that expands revenue, increases client capacity, and creates new growth opportunities—all while preserving the creativity, quality, and personalized service that define great design. Complimentary lunch.
Speakers: Miranda Cullen
The 3 Secrets to Pricing Furniture for Success
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
For interior designers looking to redefine their pricing structure for greater profitability, this session is for you. The outdated cost-plus model isn’t cutting it anymore. Heather McManus, founder of The Designers Collaborative, shares innovative pricing strategies that keep clients happy while ensuring your profit margins thrive. Learn how to price with confidence and create a more sustainable, successful design business—in record time.
Speakers: Heather McManus
2027 Trendspotting: NKBA Reveals New Kitchen Trends Report
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
Join the NKBA for brunch at Broad Hall as the association reveals key findings from its 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, and top brands and designers share their takes on the trends driving the industry. Visit NKBA.org/hpmkt for details.
Strong Operations to Unlock Creativity
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
It sounds counterintuitive, but the designers doing the most creative work aren't the ones with the most freedom - they're the ones with the strongest systems. Mary Beth Chau, co-founder and CEO of Materio and host of the Designing Tomorrow podcast, moderates a conversation with Ali Faulkner, founder of AEF Interiors, and Jamie Gasparovic, founder of Studio Gaspo - two principals who have built the operational infrastructure that gives their creativity room to breathe. Together, they unpack how streamlining your project delivery, client communication, and back-end workflows doesn't constrain your design vision - it protects it. Walk away with a concrete framework for building a firm that runs as beautifully as the spaces you design.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Mary Beth Chau, Jamie Gasparovic, Ali Faulkner
What Drives Today’s Furniture Buying Consumer
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Today’s furniture consumers are changing fast, and retailers must adapt to stay relevant. This session explores research-backed trends shaping shopping behavior, from small-space living and social commerce to trust, differentiation, and emotional connection. Attendees will leave with practical, low-cost strategies they can apply immediately, plus a USB stick filled with detailed solutions and take-home resources.
Speakers: Bill Napier
The Art of Signature Scent Development: How Fragrance Completes a Space
Lit Moments Candle Company Location: Lit Moments Candle Company, Suites At Market Square, M-8020 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Fragrance is the final layer of design. Join Lit Moments for an interactive educational experience exploring the art of signature fragrance development. Discover how thoughtfully crafted fragrances enhance interiors, strengthen brand identity, and create memorable experiences. Through guided scent discovery, you'll learn how signature fragrances evolve from inspiration to creation and how designers, retailers, hospitality professionals, and lifestyle brands use fragrance as an intentional design element. Drop in, explore, ask questions, and experience the art of fragrance at your own pace.
Lunch & Learn: The Business of Kitchen & Bath
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
Learn from top designers and brand leaders on what drives a successful kitchen & bath design business. From operations to social media marketing, explore the latest ways to grow and scale your business. Visit NKBA.org/hpmkt for details.
Beyond the Buzz: Using AI Insights Into Smarter Decisions
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
AI is creating a lot of buzz in retail, and for good reason. It can surface powerful insights from your data, helping you spot patterns in sales performance, margin trends, and customer traffic that might otherwise go unnoticed. But it is equally important to understand its limits. We will explore how to combine data-driven insights with real-world retail expertise to make smarter, more confident decisions.
Speakers: Brian Dodge
Connected by Design: Luxury Interiors & Smart Home Technology
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
As homeowners seek seamless living experiences, designers and technology professionals have new opportunities to collaborate from a project’s earliest stages. Connected by Design brings together voices from interior design, home technology integration, and manufacturing to explore how thoughtful collaboration creates homes that are visually stunning, intuitive, functional, and future-ready. Through a lively panel discussion, attendees will gain practical insight into real-world projects, lessons learned, and strategies for partnerships that elevate the client experience. Presented by CEDIA®, the Association for Smart Home Professionals.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Andrea Harvey
AI Is Your New Employee
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Location: Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Most design firm principals have experimented with AI by now. The real question isn't whether to use it — it's knowing exactly where it fits in your operation, and how to make it stick. Mary Beth Chau, co-founder and CEO of Materio, moderates a working conversation with two people who've actually figured this out. Dalia Soles, founder of Design Assisted, helps designers build streamlined, tech-integrated operations from the ground up. Elissa Coughlin, founder of Matchpointe by Elissa, draws on her background at Google, IBM, and Apple to run her firm differently than most. Together they'll get specific about what AI can realistically do for your firm right now, and the difference between trying it once and building it into how you work.
Speakers: Mary Beth Chau, Dalia Soles, Elissa Coughlin
Marketing That Moves People: How to Win Attention in a Crowded Market
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Furniture shoppers are overwhelmed with choices, inspiration, and promotions, making generic marketing easy to ignore. This session explores how retailers can sharpen their message, define their ideal customer, and create campaigns that feel relevant and memorable. Attendees will gain practical ideas for storytelling, positioning, and content that build trust, capture attention, and drive action.
Speakers: Richard Harris
Beyond Borders: How Top Design Firms Expand Into New Markets Without Losing Their Identities
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
As client demand becomes increasingly national, and even international, many interior design firms are finding opportunities far beyond their home markets. But expansion isn't always about opening a second office. From managing projects remotely and building regional partnerships to navigating different client expectations and scaling operations, today's most successful firms are redefining what growth looks like. This conversation brings together designers who have successfully expanded their reach across multiple regions while maintaining a strong brand identity and high-touch client experience.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Mike Krass, Alex Thies, Autumn Pochiro, Josh Kasper, Karen Wolf
Built for the Close: Capturing Every Holiday Selling Opportunity
Home Furnishings Association-HFA Location: Home Furnishings Association-HFA, Plaza Suites, Floor 1, 1-527 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
As retailers head into Black Friday and the holiday selling season, every customer interaction matters. Yet increased traffic doesn't automatically translate into increased revenue. This session explores how today's furniture shoppers evaluate big-ticket purchases, where retailers lose momentum in the buying journey, and how to turn more holiday shopping intent into completed sales without relying solely on promotions and discounts.
Speakers: Michael Olson
The Longevity Home: Designing for the Next 30 Years
Woodbridge Furniture Location: Woodbridge Furniture, 200 Steele, Floor 3, 301 Shuttle Stop: 17 (Red Line)
The next generation of design isn't being driven by trends—it's being driven by longevity. Within the next decade, millions of homeowners 60+ will be making decisions about how to remain in the homes they love. They're looking for beauty, comfort wellness and flexibility - not institutional solutions. Join Lori Carpenter, Founder of The 3rd Phase, and her panelists, for a forward-looking conversation on one of the biggest business opportunities of the next 30 years. You'll discover how to position your firm for the rapidly growing longevity market to anticipate the evolving needs of affluent 60+ clients, who want to live stylishly in their own homes, forever.
Tuesday, October 20
Turn Vision Into Profitability: Insights from the Designer's Pricing Advisor
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Stalled proposals. Underpriced projects. Revenue that never catches up to the caliber of the work. If any of these challenges resonate, Erica Kayser, The Designer’s Pricing Advisor, can help. Erica's multi-seven-figure Palm Beach design firm commands an average of $138K+ in design fees and boasts a 91% proposal close rate. In this Seminar, she breaks down why skilled designers underprice, what that pattern costs them over time, and how a different approach to pricing and proposal presentation can dramatically increase both fees and close rates.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Erica Kayser
Source Smarter: The Designer's Guide to Vendor Relationships That Last
Suites at Market Square Location: Suites Seminar Room, T-1022 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Join Heather McManus, founder of The Designers Collaborative, and learn more about her proven strategies for identifying and partnering with vendors who align with your client’s style and budget while ensuring healthy margins. Discover how to streamline sourcing and make confident, profitable choices for every project.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Heather McManus