DesignOn HPMKT by IMC — International Market Centers’ High Point Market programming and social media channels — has scheduled several educational events and seminars for the home furnishings business during and after the market, set for October 16-20.
The DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922) on the recently reopened top floor of the Suites at Market Square is the hub of at-market designer programming with a full schedule of events. Listed sessions times are EDT.
Programming kicks off on Saturday, October 16, with an exploration of the diverse careers of four interior designers – Celia Barrett of Barrett Design Studio, Gary Inman of Gary Inman Home Couture and Grace Purchasing, Mike Ragan of RAGS Custom Furniture and David Santiago of Casa Santi – in “Beyond Boundaries, Expanding the Creative Process” at 11 a.m.; trend forecaster Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media presents an in-person, inside look at leading trends shaping the home furnishings as showcased by IMC’s High Point Market exhibitors in “TrendWatch: Fall 2021 – Live at Market!” at 1:30 p.m.; and color expert Patti Carpenter and designers Michel Boyd of Michel Smith Boyd, Celerie Kemble of Kemble Interiors and Thom Filicia discuss “Successful Business & Licensing Relationships” at 3:30 p.m.
On Sunday, October 17 at 11 a.m., the “Sherwin-Williams Mode Colormix Forecast 2022 Live” is presented by Designer Marketing Manager Sabina Jahic and Designer Account Executive Shane Jones. Programming on Monday, October 18 includes interior designer, business coach and marketing consultant Melissa Galt sharing “Sourcing Shortcuts & Secrets to Save You Time & Make More Money” with tips for creating lucrative relationships with brand representatives at 11 a.m.; accredited health care professional Lori Miller of LGC Interior Design exploring how designers can provide an environment that fosters wellness and mindfulness in “Sensory By Design” at 1 p.m.; and panel discussion of “What Tools are Useful for Your Client?” featuring Michel Boyd, Christopher Charles of ChristopherCharles Interiors and IndigoRED and Eneia White of Eneia White Interiors, moderated by Kelli Lamb, editorial director and co-principal of Rue Magazine, and presented in partnership with the Black Interior Designers Network (BIDN) at 3 p.m.
IMC’s TrendWatch tour returns with Vincenti leading an exploration of the Fall 2021 themes – Away, Malleable and Verve – via the three TrendWatch displays within IMC’s properties on Sunday, October 17 at 2:20 p.m. Four design tastemakers with a broad range of experiences and expertise will lead three one-hour Suite Spot Tours: Andre’ Jordan Hilton of JordanHilton Interiors on Saturday, October 16 at 2:30 p.m.; Arianne Bellizaire of Arianne Bellizaire Interiors on Sunday, October 17 at noon; and Inman with designer Zachary Hodgin, of Gary Inman Home Couture on Monday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Women in the home furnishings industry are the focus of a series of programs and events presented in partnership with WithIt, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the belief that women should play a major role in the growth and future of the home and furnishings industries. IMC hosts the 2021 WOW Awards recognizing and honoring women and those who elevate women in the home furnishings industry on Friday, October 15 at 6 p.m. On Sunday, October 17, WithIt presents “Women Leaders of Design” introducing five future icons of design – Jane Dagmi, editor-in-chief of Designers Today; designer, artist and author Kelli Ellis; designer Nancy Fire of Design Works International; designer Stacy Garcia; and Victoria Sanchez of Victoria at Home – in conversation with Gary Inman at 1 p.m., immediately followed by a meet and greet with the panelists and WithIt leadership. WithIt extends its programming after market for the “WithIt Student Mentoring Day 2021” including a keynote presentation by Fire, roundtable discussions and showroom tours for university students in home furnishings-related majors on Wednesday, October 20 beginning at 8:00 a.m.
DesignOn HPMKT by IMC also is sponsoring at-market events with the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) and Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC). IMC sponsors the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame “Seize This Moment Induction Celebration” on Sunday, October 17, 5:30 p.m. as it inducts the class of 2021, including IMC CEO Bob Maricich. It also sponsors the ISFD 25th Annual ISFD Pinnacle Awards Celebration with awards to be given in 24 categories of furniture, accessories, lighting and textiles on Monday, October 18 at 6 p.m. SFC hosts an Open Membership Meeting where it will make important announcements of plans and initiatives for the next 15 years on Saturday, October 16 at 8 a.m.
DesignOn HPMKT by IMC hosts “Second Night- A Progressive Gala” at IMC’s Hamilton Wrenn properties with live street entertainment and musicians throughout the district, themed parties and influencer interactions on Sunday, October 17, 4-7 p.m.
In a mid-Market webinar, Mike Rittler, general Manager, Retail Card Services and Personal Lending at TD Bank, shares his outlook on key drivers and considerations for retail executives for what is predicted to be one of the busiest holiday shopping seasons ever in “Holiday Shopping Outlook: How Furniture Retailers Can Elevate Their Strategies” on Tuesday, October 19 at 11 a.m.
In the post-market webinar “What I Wish I Knew When Potential Clients Call,” Genevieve Trousdale, founder of Circaphiles, and business coach Gail Baral give tips for vetting and acquiring new clients on Wednesday, October 26, at 1 p.m.
