High Point Market Authority
We Make High Point
Market Happen.
High Point Market is known as the place where the latest home furnishings styles, trends, and products are introduced. It is where the latest ideas in how home furnishings are designed, created, made, sold, and shipped are introduced, discussed, and developed. It is the place where home furnishings professionals meet and make meaningful connections with the individuals who become the most important contributors to their career success.
What we do:
Deliver vital information to our industry throughout the year
Support industry trade and consumer media
Manage medical, safety, transportation, information, and hospitality services for 75,000 guests
Sponsor and hosts educational, entertainment, and networking events
Support a multitude of buildings owners and exhibitors
Provide comprehensive customer service for our guests as they prepare their visits
Organization and Funding
High Point Market Authority is a 501(c)(6) corporation, funded by our exhibitors and by the State of North Carolina, Guilford County, and the City of High Point. We are governed by a Board of Directors representing all of the Market’s stakeholders, including:
- Home furnishings manufacturers and retailers
- Interior designers
- Home furnishings industry suppliers and service providers
- Local government officials
Each year, the board elects a seven (7) member executive committee. This committee is comprised of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Treasurer. Ex Officio members include the Immediate Past Chairperson and the President/CEO of the Market Authority, who acts as the board’s Corporate Secretary.
Economic Impact
Every year, High Point Market brings billions of dollars to the state of North Carolina. It creates jobs, generates hundreds of millions in tax revenue and attracts worldwide attention. In fact, Market makes the biggest economic impact of any event in the state.
Our Partners
Presenting one of the world’s largest events, attended by approximately 75,000 people, twice each year, requires commitment, cooperation, and effective execution by a range of organizations. While most of our work with these partners takes place during the two weeks each year in which Market is active, it requires a full year of communication, cooperation, planning, and preparation. We are grateful for each of these partners. They are an essential part of our success.
General Assembly
Authorizes funding for the High Point Market transportation and communications programs
Department of Transportation
Our comprehensive shuttle service receives its funding from the Department of Transportation’s annual budget
Department of Commerce
High Point Market’s year-round promotional program receives funding from the Department of Commerce’s annual budget
Economic Development Partnership of NC
Assists with international outreach to U.S. Foreign Trade Representatives positioned in field offices around the world
Works with Market Authority staff to coordinate free shuttle service
County Commissioners
Authorize funding for a portion of the Market Authority budget
Department of Emergency Management
Advises on appropriate responses to a wide range of emergencies, from hazardous weather conditions to the SARS, H1N1, and COVID-19 health crises
Emergency Medical Services
On-street EMS Bike Team and Bomb-sniffing dogs
Works with Market Authority staff to coordinate free shuttle service
City Council
Authorizes a portion of the Market Authority’s funding, as well as in-kind services from various city departments
Office of the Mayor
Authorizes funding and in-kind services, serves on the Market Authority board of directors, represents the Market Authority in the community
Police Department
Provides on-street security and safety
Fire Department
Primary emergency management partner, bike EMS and showroom fire inspections
Department of Transportation
City-wide traffic and parking management
Public Service
Waste collection and recycling
City Manager
Full-service concierge, providing guests with expert in-person and online assistance in booking their accommodations and flights. Manages and staffs the International Buyers Center, providing a full suite of travel services and on-site amenities for guests from outside the United States.
Our convention and visitors’ bureau facilitates the Market’s relationship with various tourism organizations
Promotes and facilitates a strong relationship between the Market and local businesses
State Medical Assistance Team Unit
Works with Market Authority staff to coordinate free shuttle service
Preferred airport for the High Point Market
Our Staff
The people who work behind the scenes all year long to make sure our exhibitors and guests have a great Market experience.
- Tammy Covington Nagem | President and CEO
- Ashley Grigg | VP of Strategic Growth/Partnerships
- Ben Muller | VP of Marketing/Communications
- Terry Venable | VP of Operations/Finance
- Stephanie Jonas | Director of Exhibitor/Sponsor Engagement
- Mark Murphy | Director of Innovation
- Susanne Purnell | Director of Technology Systems
- Patty Russo | Director of Registration/Support Services
- Jessica Wynn | Director of Guest Experience
- Lindsay Martin | Senior Manager of Marketing/Communications
- Whitney D. Swaim | Operations Manager
- Chris Crawford | Executive Assistant
- Anyjah Andrews | Operations Coordinator
- Annette Smith | Registration Coordinator
- Nathan Sprinkle | Marketing/Communications Coordinator
- Lenette Mason | Senior Market Advisor
- Melody Sharpe | Senior Market Advisor
Board of Directors
The people who devote their passion for home furnishings to help drive High Point Market forward.
Board Members
- Christi Barbour* | Chair of the Board
Founder/Partner, Barbour Spangle Design -
Jeremy Hoff* | Vice Chair of the Board
CEO, Hooker Furnishings -
Alex Shuford III* | Immediate Past Chair
CEO, Rock House Farm Family of Brands, Century,
Hancock & Moore - Doug Bassett*
President, Vaughan-Bassett Furniture -
Dorothy Belshaw*
President, ANDMORE -
William “Dudley” Moore, JR.
President, Otto & Moore -
Patti Carpenter
Principal and Global Trend Ambassador,
carpenter + company - Carol Gregg
Owner, Red Egg Resources - Heinz Kattenfeld*
COO, 220 Elm - Neil MacKenzie
CMO, Regina Andrew - Griffin McClure
President, Green and McClure Furniture - Blake Millinor*
CEO, Valdese Weavers -
Joni Burden
President, J Banks Design - Cyril Jefferson*
Mayor, City of High Point - Taylor West
Partner, West Design Group
Ex Officio
-
Tammy Covington Nagem* | Corporate Secretary of the Board
President/CEO of HPMA - Tasha Logan Ford
City Manager, City of High Point
Liaison
- Melody Burnett
President, Visit High Point - Rachel Collins
CEO, Business High Point/High Point Chamber of
Commerce -
Jane Dagmi
Managing Director, HPxD - Peter Bishop
Executive Director, High Point Economic Development
Corporation - Hon. J. Carlvena Foster
Vice Chair, Guilford County Board of Commissioners -
Jeri Barutis
Senior International Trade Manager - Steve Allegrezza
President, International Home Furnishings
Representatives Association - Mark Schumacher
President, Home Furnishings Association - Britt Moore
Member, High Point City Council