Events
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.
Discover Your Best Sleep with a Custom Pillow Evaluation at Down Decor with Dr. Layne Martin
Down Decor Location: Down Decor, Suites At Market Square, Mezzanine, M-5020 Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
This is one Market experience you won’t want to miss! Dr. Layne Martin, co-founder of OpenAir Pillow, U.S. Navy Veteran, and sleep expert, will be in the Down Decor booth offering complimentary personalized sleep evaluations. More than a product demonstration, this exclusive one-on-one experience will help you understand how you sleep, why you sleep that way, and which pillow support may be best suited to your body and sleep habits. Make Down Decor a must-visit stop at Market to experience our luxury bedding and craftsmanship firsthand, AND leave with personalized insights that could transform the way you sleep.
Speakers: Dr. Layne Martin
One-on-One Design Consultation
Oak Valley Designs Location: Oak Valley Designs, Suites At Market Square, Ground, G-7010 Salon Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Book a personalized session to explore our made-to-order carpet stair treads, landings, and runners, talk through your projects, and get recommendations tailored to your work. Available daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
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.
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
The Emotional Kitchen: Designing with Light for Mood, Function & Well-Being
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
According to the NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, lighting is quickly becoming the most powerful design tool in the kitchen, shaping mood, comfort, and how a space actually feels to live in, not just how it photographs. Designers Taniya Nayak, Taniya Nayak Design, and Marie Cloud, Indigo Pruitt, along with Naomi Sperling, Chief Operations Officer, Maxim Lighting, hold a conversation with Sarah Shelton, Senior Market Editor, LUXE Interior + Design, on layering ambient, task, and statement fixtures to create kitchens that engage the senses as much as they perform. Stay after the conversation for mimosas and a special meet-and-greet with Taniya Nayak and Maxim Lighting. Visit NKBA.org/hpmkt for details.
Speakers: Taniya Nayak, Marie Cloud, Naomi Sperling, Sarah Shelton
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
Fireside Chat Series - Designing With Confidence: Legal Decisions Inside Live Projects
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Design work runs on constant decisions about scope, responsibility, and client expectations. This panel pairs an interior designer with an attorney who works closely with creative businesses to share practical guidance on navigating those moments with clarity. The conversation explores real situations designers face, including managing scope creep, how deposits and retainers function once work is underway, and how payment timing shapes project pace and decisions. It also covers ownership of drawings and specifications, what happens when clients purchase alternate products outside approved selections, and when to document a change before moving forward.
Speakers: Lisa Shaffer, Alex Kearney, Wendy Estela
Constructive Collaboration: Real Talk on the Designer, Architect, and Builder Dynamic
Monogram Appliances Location: Monogram Appliances, 313.Space, Floor 2, A10 Shuttle Stop: 2 (Green Line)
Drop in on a live podcast recording hosted by Brad Leavitt, featuring design experts Jeanne Chung and Christian Daw, for a lively, honest conversation on the ultimate industry triad. They’ll pull back the curtain on how these three distinct roles can move past traditional friction points to build trust, respect, and gorgeous homes.
Speakers: Jeanne Chung, Christian Daw, Brad Leavitt
Inside the Boardroom: What Happens When Some of the Industry’s Best Business Minds Get in One Room?
Hooker Furnishings Location: Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
For the first time at High Point Market, the doors to the Boardroom are opening. Join LuAnn Nigara and a powerhouse panel of Boardroom for Creatives experts for a very real conversation about the business issues that matter most to creative entrepreneurs, from sales, marketing, and finances to systems, leadership, profitability, and growth. Meet some of the proven experts LuAnn has personally selected for the Boardroom. Hear how they think, how they solve problems, and the advice they’re giving creative business owners right now. And bring the hard business questions that keep you up at night. This is the room to ask them and get answers from people who know.
Speakers: Vin Nigara, Jennifer Tokatyan, Deb Mitchell, Robyn White, Pam Durkin, Jude Charles, Eileen Hahn, Rick Campos, Stacey Brown Randall, Cheryl Clendenon, LuAnn Nigara, Kate O’Hara, Dixie Willard
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
For Our Designers First: An Exclusive Website Preview - Safavieh
Safavieh Location: Market Square - 112, 117, 121 Floor 1 Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
During this exclusive walkthrough, we’ll explore the new website together—from the overall experience and navigation to the new features, tools, and resources designed to make sharing and presenting our offerings to your clients easier and more impactful. This is more than a website preview—it’s an opportunity to see what’s new before it’s introduced more broadly and to be part of shaping the experience from the very beginning.
Speakers: Saidul Alam, Ryan Yaraghi
Longevity in Design: Building a Career That Evolves
Rhen.Ovations Studio Location: Rhen.Ovations Studio, 106 W. Martin Luther King Drive Shuttle Stop: 26 (Red Line)
Join interior designer Niki McNeill Brown for a candid conversation about building a lasting career in design. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience spanning television production, architecture, commercial interiors, multifamily and residential design, Niki will share how transferable skills, adaptability and a willingness to evolve have helped shape her career. Attendees will leave with practical insight on navigating change, recognizing new opportunities and building longevity in an ever-changing design industry.
Speakers: Niki McNeill Brown
Science in Design | Applying Neuroaesthetics and Biophilia in Your Design Process
313.Space Location: 313 Dye House Shuttle Stop: 2 (Green Line)
Science in Design ®️ is proud to present an exclusive panel discussion exploring the practical application of science-based design principles. Applying Neuroaesthetics and Biophilia in Your Design Process brings together five certified Science in Design ®️ professionals—Kijrstjn Stahl, Nina Lichtenstein, Janine Arietta, Claudette Rowley, and Samantha Smith—to share how research-driven design is transforming the way we create healthier, more inspiring spaces. Through real-world examples and professional insights, this distinguished panel will demonstrate how neuroaesthetics and biophilic design principles are being applied to create environments that positively influence health, resilience, and quality of life.
Speakers: Jane Dagmi, Samantha Smith, Claudette Rowly, Kijrstjn Stahl, Janine Arietta, Nina Lichtenstein
WAC Home Coffee Break
Modern Forms Location: Modern Forms, IHFC, Hamilton, Floor 3, H327 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Recharge with artisanal coffee, sweet treats, networking, and experience the possibilities of connected lighting with WAC Home. Learn how Modern Forms and Schonbek fixtures easily integrate with the WAC Home system, transforming environments into comfortable, well-lit spaces. Whether adjusting a single light, setting up groups or managing your entire home's lighting, inside and outdoors, WAC Home puts you in control with just a tap or a simple voice command.
Inside IHFC: A Tour for Designers
IHFC Location: IHFC Commerce Lobby Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Join us for Inside IHFC: A Tour for Designers, a guided exploration of must-see showrooms and resources throughout IHFC. Discover new sources, standout products and designer destinations while getting an insider’s look at all IHFC has to offer.
Speakers: Caroline Johnston
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.
Ladies That Lunch: The Power Lunch Edition
Crystorama Location: Crystorama, IHFC, Hamilton, Floor 2, H241 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
“Ladies who lunch” once described women with time to spare and tables to be seen at. This lunch takes the phrase back. Sponsored by Sunthreads, Ladies That Lunch: The Power Lunch Edition brings Juliana Ewer, Nicole Culler, Jewel Marlowe, and Autumn Pochiro to the table for an intimate, candid conversation about what it really takes to build a business. Moderated by Antonio DeLoatch, guests will hear the stories behind the success, from pivotal risks and setbacks to the lessons that shaped what came next. The experience unfolds around tablescapes designed by DeLoatch featuring his Sunthreads fabric collection, creating a setting made for connection, conversation, and a very different kind of power lunch.
Speakers: Juliana Ewer, Nicole Culler, Jewel Marlowe, Autumn Pochiro, Antonio DeLoatch
Heartbreak to Happiness: How to turn remodel disasters into your clients dream home
ZUO Location: ZUO, IHFC, Hamilton, Floor 5, H543 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Remodeling is as much about managing people as it is about managing projects. Stepping into an existing project that has become an interior design disaster takes a seasoned pro to master professional recovery. From managing expectations to recovering from a remodel nightmare, our experts will explore how to navigate the inevitable remodel heartbreak and guide your clients through the emotional rollercoaster of construction, delays, and escalating budgets. Learn how to manage high-stress expectations, turn structural setbacks into design opportunities, and ultimately transform a chaotic job site into the sanctuary your clients truly deserve. Presented by Marie Cloud, Lori Miller and Yudi Kaufman.
Speakers: Marie Cloud, Lori Miller, Yudi Kaufman
Function Is the New Luxury: Designing the Kitchen Clients Actually Live In
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
A step drawer that appears exactly when you need it, an oven that won't let dinner burn — NKBA's 2027 report calls this “The Purpose-Built Kitchen,” where small, accessible features add up to real everyday function. Moderated by Carisha Swanson, Editorial Director of Special Projects, Hearst, designers Ben Johnston, Benjamin Johnston Design, and Lisa Hynes, HW Interiors, join Kerrie Kelly, CEO & Creative Director, Kerrie Kelly Studio | 2026 NKBA National Board Chair, Fabuwood, and Briana Ryan, Director, A&D Development, Miele, to get specific about the details that make a kitchen work harder without asking more of the person using it, giving designers a toolkit for making everyday ease the actual luxury. Visit NKBA.org/hpmkt for details.
Speakers: Kerrie Kelly, Briana Ryan, Carisha Swanson, Ben Johnston, Lisa Hynes
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
The Instant Shift: How Technology Is Creating a New Category in Interior Design
Rhen.Ovations Studio Location: Rhen.Ovations Studio, 106 W. Martin Luther King Drive Shuttle Stop: 26 (Red Line)
Join Cassandra W. Brunson, Founder & CEO of Designer in an Instant™, for a conversation exploring how technology is creating new opportunities within interior design. Cassandra will introduce Designer in an Instant™, a platform connecting consumers with professional interior designers for live, on-demand consultations, and share what this emerging model means for the future of the profession, designer expertise, and new revenue opportunities.
Speakers: Cassandra W. Brunson
Newton Paisley | The Tree of Life Design Workshop
313.Space Location: Newton Paisley | Dye House Shuttle Stop: 2 (Green Line)
The tree of life motif stands central in design, its limbs branching widely through different times and cultures: from Norse, through Buddhist and Mayan mythology, to the Bible. The tree is the great connector, symbolising regeneration, life force and the kinship amongst all beings. Each person will draft their own flowing, seamlessly repeating, tree of life motif. We will use old-fashioned compositional techniques: pencil, paper, carbon copy paper and tape. We will tile out our repeating pattern which can be used to print wrapping paper or other products as desired. RSVP to monty@newtonpaisley.com.
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, Katye McGregor Bennett, Abiola Amusan, Zoe Grant
Fireside Chat Series - Beyond the Surface: Designing—and Sharing—Spaces That Make an Impact.
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Great spaces are about more than selecting beautiful products. This conversation explores how lighting and materials work together to transform kitchen and bath environments—from the way light reveals the depth, texture and movement of a surface to how those choices translate through photography, social media and storytelling. Through an interactive demonstration featuring Caesarstone samples, panelists will discuss how they approach materials and lighting in their own work, what makes a space resonate in person and on camera, and how designers can more effectively tell the story behind their projects and the brands they specify. Attendees can enter for a chance to win a FREE Caesarstone slab and a $500 Regina Andrew.
Speakers: Robin Reaves, Alexis Vitale, Laiza Cors, Hill Rondero, regina Reaves
Creating Showhouse Worthy Spaces Beyond the Kitchen
Monogram Appliances Location: Monogram Appliances, 313.Space, Floor 2, A10 Shuttle Stop: 2 (Green Line)
Participating in a showhouse is one of the most powerful ways to elevate your brand—but how do you make a major splash when your assigned space isn't the kitchen? In this lively panel, seasoned showhouse designers Lisa Mende, Arianne Bellizaire, and Allison Paladino share their masterclasses in maximizing small, secondary, or unconventional spaces. Discover how to treat foyers, powder rooms, and bedrooms as the main characters of a home—and turn a design challenge into a career opportunity.
Speakers: Allison Paladino, Lisa Mende, Arianne Bellizaire, Sophie Dow Donelson
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
The Light We Live In: How Neuroaesthetics and Salutogenic Design Transform Homes
Crystorama Location: Crystorama, IHFC, Hamilton, Floor 2, H241 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Moderated by Cindy W. Hodnett, Executive Editor, Home Furnishings Division, this panel brings together Kat Blue of Blue Lantern Studios, Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt, Nina Lichtenstein of Custom Home Design, and Genna Jacobs-Freeman of Space Design Collective to explore how neuroaesthetics and salutogenic design are reshaping residential lighting. Through real-world case studies, the panel will share science-informed strategies using layered illumination, circadian-supportive lighting, biophilic design, color psychology, and visual comfort to create healthier, more responsive homes.
Speakers: Genna Jacobs-Freeman, Cindy W. Hodnett, Marie Cloud, Kat Blue, Nina Litchenstein
Style Spotters Trend Panel
High Point Market Authority Location: The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal) Shuttle Stop: 14 (Green Line)
Get a front-row seat to the trends shaping the future of home furnishings at High Point Market. Join 2026 Style Spotters Rhobin DelaCruz, Juliana Ewer, Amber Guyton, and Isabel Ladd for a can’t-miss panel unpacking the styles, materials, colors, and trends influencing the market right now. Moderated by Stacy Garcia, the Style Spotters will share their must-see product discoveries and trends found at Fall Market.
Speakers: Rhobin DelaCruz, Juliana Ewer, Amber Guyton, Isabel Ladd, Kathy Kuo, Stacy Garcia
ColorMix 2027: Rewild at High Point
Hooker Furnishings Location: Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Join Sherwin-Williams and Hooker Furnishings for an exclusive look at Colormix® 2027: Rewild. Explore the colors, materials, and design influences shaping tomorrow’s interiors. Stay after the presentation for light bites, mimosas, and a guided showroom tour.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Clint E. Craven
The Working Core: Elevating the Kitchen's Power Zones
NKBA | KBIS Location: NKBA | KBIS, Broad Hall, Floor 1, 300 W. Broad Ave. Shuttle Stop: 27 (Red Line)
The NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report found a rising trend in the "Purpose-Built Kitchen," where the range and the sink are central workhorses, as well as focal points. Moderated by Alison Kenworthy, CEO & Founder, Homeworthy, with Jaque Bethke, JAQUE Design; Rachel Burger, Studio 1950; Shae Wilder, National Trade Marketing Manager, BlueStar; and Jeanne Dahlen, Senior Vice President, Sales & Customer Experience, BLANCO North America, this conversation will explore how materials, configuration, and smart workstation design turn the kitchen's hardest-working zones into some of its most expressive. Visit NKBA.org/hpmkt for details.
Speakers: Jaque Bethke, Shae Wilder, Jeanne Dahlen, Alison Kenworthy, Rachel Burger
Designer Panel | How AI is Building the Future of Interior Design
Amadi Collective Location: Amadi Collective, 520 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 4 (Green Line)
AI is changing the way interior designers create, communicate, and run their businesses, but where does it actually belong in a design practice? This practical, energizing conversation explores how designers can use AI with intention across creative process, visual storytelling, marketing, content, and business strategy, so they can build a smarter, stronger foundation for what comes next.
Speakers: Jenna Gaidusek, Julia Reinert, Sharon Sherman, Dixie Willard, Lezlie Swink
From Art to Interior: Don’t Be Boring
Rhen.Ovations Studio Location: Rhen.Ovations Studio, 106 W. Martin Luther King Drive Shuttle Stop: 26 (Red Line)
What happens when artwork becomes more than something hung on the wall? Join R.O. Studio and textile designer Tiffany Hale Carter for a lively conversation about using art as a starting point for interiors with personality and a distinct point of view. Explore how an artist’s perspective can influence color, pattern, texture, materials, and the overall experience of a space—and why creating memorable interiors sometimes requires designers to move beyond the expected, take creative risks, and simply not be boring.
Speakers: Tiffany Hale Carter
Discover the Story. Experience the Showroom - Safavieh
Safavieh Location: Safavieh, Market Square, Floor 1, 112, 117,120, 121 Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Join us for an exclusive walk through our showroom and discover the artistry, craftsmanship, and stories behind our collections. Explore the rich tradition of hand-knotted rugs, learn more about our collaborations with Ralph Lauren and Martha Stewart, and experience our curated selection of furniture and new product introductions. This immersive showroom tour is an opportunity to get inspired, discover what’s new, and connect with the design behind each collection. And to make the experience even more exciting, guests will have the chance to enter a special giveaway!
Speakers: Edward Pantikian, Ryan Yaraghi
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.
Speakers: Elizabeth Scruggs, Carla Aston, Michelle Blemel, Lori Carpenter
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, Lina Galvão
Fireside Chat Series - Pricing Without Pushback
Regina Andrew Location: Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Green Line)
Pricing is one of the hardest conversations in interior design and one of the most misunderstood. In this panel, Claire Jefford, Jessica Deuce, Nicole Heymer and Sarah Daniele will reveal how they avoid client pushback by building trust, no matter which pricing model they use: flat fee, hourly, retainer, or blocks of time. At the end of this conversation, you’ll leave with 3 concrete strategies you can use in your very next client conversation. Following the panel, join us for a beverage and meet and greet with our panelists!
Speakers: Claire Jefford, Jessica Duce, Nicole Heymer, Sarah Daniele
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
CEU: Selecting the Best Seat Cushion for Your Customer
Century Furniture Location: Century Furniture, 200 Steele, Floor 2, 213 Shuttle Stop: 17 (Red Line)
Join John Jokinen, VP of Upholstery, to learn how cushion construction and material choices affect the feel, comfort, and quality of upholstered seating. 1 CEU credit.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: John Jokinen