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Press Release Details

    03/25/2022

    IMC Explores Trends and Business Education at Spring 2022 High Point Market

    18 Seminars, Tours and Events With 10 CEUS

    High Point, NC – March 25, 2022 – International Market Centers (IMC) presents actionable business-building and trend information in some 18 DesignOn HPMKT by IMC seminars, tours and events, collectively offering 10 CEUs, for the Spring 2022 High Point Market, April 2-6, 2022.

    “For many designers, educational opportunities are a compelling extension of the High Point Market sourcing experiences,” said Dorothy Belshaw, IMC executive vice president, chief customer and marketing officer. “This season, we are focused on helping designers grow their businesses with content from our proprietary TrendWatch presentation and tour as well as panel discussions and presentations on showhouses, branding, staffing and more.”

    Aesthetics and Acumen

    As an additional connection between IMC’s physical and digital markets, JuniperMarket, the new B2B wholesale marketplace powered by IMC, sponsors some 14 at-market programs taking place April 2-5 in the DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room, located on the top floor of the Suites at Market Square (SAMS).

    Two trend-focused programs are anchored by IMC’s proprietary TrendWatch program, which gives an inside look at leading trends shaping the home furnishings industry as showcased by IMC’s High Point Market exhibitors in vignettes, a guide, an interactive website, a tour and seminar.  “TrendWatch: Spring 2022 - LIVE at Market!” with curator Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media in Naperville, Ill. presents an image-rich presentation at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2. Global Trend Ambassador Patti Carpenter of carpenter + company in New York explores emerging international trends in color, print, surface design and materials in “Real, Rooted and Rejuvenated: Contemplating the Future - Connecting the Past” on Sunday, April 3.

    Some eight business education sessions, including CEU-accredited panel discussions and presentations over four days, cover the top-of-mind topics for designers about how to promote and grow their brands.  “Product Design: Livability vs Luxury” on Saturday, April 2 at 11:00amfeatures Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co in Winter Park, Fla.; Barry Goralnick of Goralnick Architecture & Design in New York; Jay Jeffers of JayJeffers Inc. in San Francisco; Keia McSwain of Kimberly and Cameron Interiors in Denver and BIDN (Black Interior Designers Network) and Jill Waage, editor in chief of Traditional Home in conversation about product development.

    Kips Bay: Demystifying the Industry-Leading Showhouse” on Sunday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m. is an in-depth conversation about the creation of spaces meant to inspire, astonish and most importantly benefit the incredible work of the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club with Traci Connell of Traci Connell Interiors in Dallas and Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group in Springdale, Ark. moderated by Corey Damen Jenkins of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates in New York.  “Rebranding: A Fresh Start is Just the Right Thing!” on Sunday, April 3 at 3:30 p.m. features four designers -- Ariene Bethea of Dressing Rooms Interiors in Charlotte, N.C.; Shayla Copas of Shayla Copas Lifestyle in Little Rock, Ark.; Zandy Gammons of Miretta Interiors in Raleigh, N.C.; and Rhonda Peterson of GiGi & Rho and Rhonda Peterson Interiors in Atlanta – exploring what brought them to a place of changing their direction, audience, business model and business names in conversation with Susannah Charbin, founder of creative agency The Beaux Arts in New York.

    “Building a Talented Team to Grow Your Profits & Keep Your Sanity” on Monday, April 4 at 11:00am is a presentation on effective staffingby interior design coach Melissa Galt. “The Science of Design” on Monday, April 4, 1:30pm explores how beauty and design improve health with a special focus on the science of proper lighting with Mike Peterson, president of Visionary Design Marketing in Boca Raton, Fla. and Linda Kafka of Toronto, principal for Living Canada and the LivABLE Design Summit.  “Broadening Your Business” on Monday, April 4, 3:30pm features designers Jeanne K. Chung of Cozy•Stylish•Chic in Pasadena, Calif.; Christa O’Leary of Home in Harmony Lifestyle in Hingham, Mass.; Martha Schneider of La Maison in Raleigh, N.C.; and Christopher Todd of Christopher Todd Design in Henderson, Nev. exploring integrating seemingly unaffiliated fields into one business model in order to achieve new unique services in a panel discussion moderated by Krissa Rossbund, style editor for Traditional Home.

    “From the East Coast to the West Coast” on Tuesday, April 5, 11:30am presents designers Lauren Nicole of Lauren Nicole Designs in Charlotte, N.C.; Keia McSwain of Kimberly and Cameron Interiors in Denver and BIDN (Black Interior Designers Network) and Katie Wozniak of Katherine Elizabeth Designs in Barrington Hills, Ill. in discussion about the challenges and solutions that have impacted the design community of late with writer, media director, author and founder of Collected By Court, Courtney Porter. “A Future Outlook for the Home Furnishings Business” on Tuesday, April 5, 2:00pm is led by Mike Rittler, general manager of Retail Card Services, Personal Lending and Business Development for TD Bank, sharing his outlook on key drivers and considerations for retail executives this season.

    Exclusive Tours and Book Signings

    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC’s celebrated tours feature six guides leading four tours for Spring 2022. The TrendWatch Tour led by Vincenti on Sunday, April 3, 2:30pm adds an additional stop on its 90-minute tour, ending at the JuniperMarket Experience Center after touring the TrendWatch displays in the Suites at Market Square Lobby, the walkway between IHFC and Showplace near the Transportation Terminal and IHFC Green Lobby. The one-hour Suite Spot Tours showcase favorite finds of Everick and Lisa Brown, of Everick Brown Design in New York on Saturday, April 2, 2:30pm; Jeanne K. Chung of Cozy•Stylish•Chic in Pasadena, Calif. on Sunday, April 3, 12:30pm; and Rhonda Peterson of GiGi & Rho and Rhonda Peterson Interiors in Atlanta with daughter Gillian Peterson on Monday, April 4, 12:30pm.

    Buyers will have the opportunity to meet four design tastemakers who are also authors at a series of book signings throughout market. Shayla Copas signs Four Seasons of Entertaining on Sunday, April 3, 4:30pm. Melissa Galt signs Marketing Luxury Design on Monday, April 4 at noon. Christa O’Leary signs Home in Harmony on Monday, April 4 at 4:30pm. Courtney Porter signs Green Interior Design: The Guide to Sustainable High Style on Tuesday, April 5, 12:30pm.

    Additional Programming from Industry Organizations

    IMC also hosts programming for industry organizations. The Home Furnishings Association presents 15 seminars in its HFA Retailer Resource Center in Plaza Suites with topics including marketing, visual merchandising, omnichannel sales, the salesforce and industry trends running April 2-4. IMC also supports the WithIt Spring Education Breakfast presented by Myriad Software on Monday, April 4 in the IHFC-Green Wing, 11th floor International Ballroom.

    Additional session information and registration – which is recommended – is at IMCHighPointMarket.com/webinars-and-events.

    (NOTE: A full list of DesignOn HPMKT by IMC events follows.)

    High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, with more than 2,000 manufacturers in 11.5 million square feet of showroom and exhibit space in multiple buildings in downtown High Point, North Carolina. Each Market attracts tens of thousands of retail home furnishings buyers, interior designers, architects, and others in the home furnishings industry. International Market Centers (IMC) owns 17 prime High Point Market showroom buildings, which contain 70 percent of the exhibitors, including the majority of the top 500 manufacturers. DesignOnHPMKT by IMC is the official voice for IMC’s High Point Market representing a wealth of industry knowledge and connections. Spring 2022 Market is scheduled for April 2-6, 2022. Registration for the Spring 2022 High Point Market is open now at HighPointMarket.org. For more information, visit www.imchighointmarket.com.

    About International Market Centers: International Market Centers (IMC) serves as the center of commerce for the wholesale furniture, gift, home decor and apparel industries. With more than 20 million square feet of premium wholesale showroom space in High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta, IMC has more than 60 years of relationships and experience creating scalable business platforms for wholesale commerce. With the launch of Juniper, a fully integrated omnichannel B2B commerce solution and multiline B2B e-commerce marketplace empowering buyers and sellers to better manage and grow their business at markets and year-round, IMC now provides the only omnichannel sales and marketing platform that seamlessly connects physical and digital wholesale commerce. For more information, visit www.imcenters.com.

    Saturday, April 2, 2022

    HFA: How to Reach Your Cord-Cutting Target Audience
    Fredy Wright, Conquest Digital
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    10:30am-11:30am

    In 2022, it is forecasted that video will account for 82% of all internet traffic. In this seminar we will cover all the new ways that local businesses can use video to target the consumers they need to reach, using the latest digital ad products. Video is no longer just TV and cable! Learn how your business can benefit from streaming video!


    Product Design: Livability vs Luxury
    Barry Goralnick, Jay Jeffers, Anna Bond, Keia McSwain and Jill Waage
    In partnership with Traditional Home and JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    11:00am-12:00pm

    Leading industry manufacturers have long engaged top interior designers on product development. Where do these relationships start, how do they develop and how many design revisions go into making one piece of furniture, all will be explored as this group of design aficionados help to pull back the veil on product design that both catches the eye of top shelter publications but is also versatile enough to be peppered throughout homes from coast to coast. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. (1 CEU)


    HFA: Visual Merchandising: How to Make Your Content Relevant To The Consumer
    Mike Berkebill, Outward, Inc
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    12:00pm-12:45pm

    Consumers cross shop. I It’s a fact that will not change, but how do you stand apart from your competition when they search for specific products? Do you have the same image as thousands of other retailers? In this seminar, you will learn how to make your content relevant to your consumer, how to differentiate yourself without spending a fortune, and how to drive meaningful conversion.


    HFA: Omnichannel Best Practices for Retailers
    Victoria Markley, FitForCommerce
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    1:00pm-2:00pm

    The rapid acceleration of digital during the pandemic has reinforced that a strong ecommerce and omnichannel strategy is critical for success in today's ever-changing environment. Learn the latest omnichannel best practices and hear what customers expect and how to deliver better than ever before! You will gain insights around: Industry benchmarks for measuring omnichannel capabilities, best practices for creating seamless experiences for the home vertical, and technologies for considering your omnichannel roadmap.


    TrendWatch: Spring 2022 - LIVE at Market!
    Julie Smith Vincenti, Nine Muses Media
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    1:30pm-2:30pm

    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC’s bi-annual TrendWatch program returns to market this spring, offering an inside look at leading trends shaping the home furnishings industry. This season’s edition will be brought to you in partnership with home furnishings trend forecaster, creative director, and curator Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media.

    Titled “ELATION, SYNTHESIS, and GROWTH,” the spring installment of TrendWatch will address consumer preferences, shifting priorities, and new expectations for 2022. Julie will discuss how these themes will influence interior décor and product designs for furniture, upholstery, decorative accessories, and more. Attend this fast-paced program for sourcing guidance, inspirational visuals, and leading color palettes. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. (1 CEU)


    Suite Spot Tour with Everick Brown Design
    Everick and Lisa Brown, Everick Brown Design
    Tour will depart from the DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Designer Lounge, Top Floor of SAMS (SAMS T-646)
    2:30pm-3:30pm

    Come along and join us as Everick and Lisa Brown, owners and design partners of Everick Brown Design, show us what they have found as new resources at IMC High Point Market this spring, and spend an hour with them on this intimate guided tour. Everick and Lisa will introduce you to their favorite products and exhibitors, through all three floors of The Suites at Market Square – showcasing what’s new, fresh, and must haves! They are also part of ASID, The Kaleidoscope Project, IFDA and BADG. Sponsored by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. RSVP required.


    HFA: How to Leverage Your Influencers for Branding and Sales
    Jamie Gaston, esquire Advertising
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    2:30pm-3:30pm

    Today, social media platforms have emerged as central forums for day-to-day interactions with the world at large, giving rise to a new phenomenon: the social influencer. With influencers holding trust and sway over massive followings, brands are willing to pay millions to reach target audiences and promote their products. But while it seems influencers are the exceptional few, influencers are not limited to digital celebrities - they are friends, family, and colleagues. We are all influencers, and we have the data to prove it! Let us show you how to capitalize on them!


    HFA: Consumers Have Changed and Your Marketing Should Too
    Maggie Ellison, Event Marketing Strategies
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    4:00pm-5:00pm

    The global COVID-19 pandemic and its long-lasting impact continue to be a hot topic of conversation. As marketers, we are faced with navigating the “new normal” in and outside of our businesses. Just like any major event in life, COVID has dynamically shifted the way consumers, think, feel, act and purchase. This session will journey back to the basics of marketing to help you uncover true pain points of your ever-evolving target customer, identify ways to be smarter, better, faster and keep your marketing multichannel.


    Sunday, April 3, 2022

    HFA: State of the Industry with Jerry Epperson
    Jerry Epperson, company?
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    9:00am-10:00am

    Mr. Epperson has spent decades in the industry and will share his insights with you about how it is changing, prospects for growth over the next few years - including what companies can do now that may lead them toward success tomorrow (or even now), etc. This will be a must attend seminar for your business!


    HFA: How to Make Your Culture a Competitive Advantage
    Vincent Mendez & Stacy Hafliger, ProtectALL by GBS Enterprises
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    10:30am-11:30am

    Your culture is determined by how well your daily actions match your beliefs. This seminar will share three C’s that are crucial to maintaining a strong footing in today's highly competitive sales environment: communication, products/services matching core values and tools for ongoing commitment towards excellence. Whether it be better relationships with clients or just more fulfilling work hours - this session has got plenty of executable ideas!


    Kips Bay: Demystifying the Industry-Leading Showhouse
    Chris Goddard, Traci Connell and moderated by Corey Damen Jenkins
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    11:00am-12:00pm

    Without a doubt, the design industry looks to the Kips Bay showhouse as a beacon of excellence year after year. With its recent expansions from Manhattan to Palm Beach and Dallas, the discussion of participating in this esteemed event has never been more relevant. Join our group of top designers for an in-depth conversation about creation of spaces meant to inspire, astonish and most importantly benefit the incredible work of the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. (1 CEU)


    Suite Spot Tour with Jeanne K. Chung
    Jeanne K. Chung of Cozy•Stylish•Chic
    Tour will depart from the DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Designer Lounge, Top Floor of SAMS (SAMS T-646)
    12:30pm-1:30pm

    Get a first-hand look at what nationally-featured and award-winning designer, Jeanne K. Chung, proprietor and founder/editor of Pasadena, CA based Cozy•Stylish•Chic, has found as new resources at IMC High Point Market this spring on an intimate on-hour guided tour. Join Jeanne as she introduces you to her favorite product and exhibitor finds, through all three floors of The Suites at Market Square – showcasing what’s new and innovative. Sponsored by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. RSVP required.


    HFA: The Surprising Science of Customer Happiness
    Jake Freedman, Dovr, LLC
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    1:00pm-2:00pm

    To make the sale, you need to offer your customers a superior online shopping experience. In this session, we will review the 5 pillars of decision making with pre-sale tactics that are used by most profitable retailers and post-purchase strategies so they can continue their relationship with us after making purchases from our store!


    Real, Rooted and Rejuvenated: Contemplating the Future - Connecting the Past 
    Patti Carpenter, carpenter + company
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    1:30pm-2:30pm

    As we contemplate our path forward, looking back will greatly inform our future. Join Global Trend Ambassador, Patti Carpenter to discover the emerging international trends in color, print, surface design and materials as we forge forward with a focus on their influences in the US home decor market for 2022 and beyond. Sponsored by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. RSVP recommended (1 CEU).


    HFA: 3 Marketing Mistakes Not to Ignore In 2022
    Isaac Knorr, Knorr Marketing
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    2:30pm-3:30pm

    With an abundance of marketing channels available, you need to make sure you are not making mistakes that don't optimize your advertising spend. Learn about 3 marketing mistakes companies are prone to and how they can be avoided in order to grow sales in 2022!


    TrendWatch Tour 
    Julie Smith Vincenti, Nine Muses Media
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    Suites at Market Square Trendwatch Display (Ground Floor)
    2:30pm-4:00pm

    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC's TrendWatch continues this market with the onsite Trendwatch Tour, a casual, interactive program that allows attendees to get up-close to the exclusive product-packed TrendWatch displays. Join home furnishings trend forecaster, creative director and curator Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media, as she offers in-depth details about the dozens of products that made the cut for Spring 2022. The tour will visit the three TrendWatch displays located in these IMC properties: Suites at Market Square Lobby, the walkway between IHFC and Showplace near the Transportation Terminal, and IHFC Green Lobby. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC.


    Rebranding: A Fresh Start is Just the Right Thing!
    Zandy Gammons, Rhonda Peterson, Ariene Bethea, Shayla Copas & moderated by Susannah Charbin
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    3:30pm-4:30pm

    In an industry of creative entrepreneurs, many times businesses evolve into something bigger than imagined. With this newfound success and the need for some aspects to be phased out, being nimble and adaptive couldn't be more important. Hear from members of our own design community about what brought them to a place of changing their direction, audience, business model, and for some - their most known feature - their business name! This process is an involved endeavor that is a crucial investment in future successes – just ask our group of design professionals who have been through the process! Panelists include Zandy Gammons from Miretta Interiors, Rhonda Peterson of GiGi & Rho and Rhonda Peterson Interiors, Ariene Bethea of Dressing Rooms Interiors, Shayla Copas of Shala Copas Lifestyle. Moderated by Susannah Charbin, founder of creative agency The Beaux Arts. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. (1 CEU)


    Four Seasons of Entertaining Book Signing with Shayla Copas
    Shayla Copas, Shayla Copas Lifestyle
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    4:30pm-5:30pm


    Join us for a meet & greet book signing with Shayla Copas, featuring her book Four Seasons of Entertaining. Books will be available for purchase onsite.


    HFA: 5 Critical Elements of an Omnichannel Strategy
    Laura Khoury, Shoptelligence
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    4:00pm-5:00pm

    Implementing an omnichannel retail strategy is critical, now more than ever before, for retailers to reach new shoppers and retain current ones. In today’s competitive online landscape, retailers must be prepared to support a real-time connection between shopper, associate, inventory, and pricing. This presentation will cover 5 critical elements to consider and implement as part of an omnichannel strategy. Retailers will walk away understanding what actions need to be taken in order to ensure there is a seamless customer-centric experience. By incorporating these elements, retailers can expect to see increased ticket size, customer lifetime value, and brand loyalty.


    Monday, April 4, 2022

    WithIt Spring Education Breakfast presented by Myriad Software
    IHFC-Green Wing-11th floor-Int'l Ballroom
    7:30am-9:00am

    Join us as we bring the best of the WithIt Conference to HPMkt. Our keynote speaker will educate and delight you. Tickets include a full breakfast, program and networking and is open to all market attendees. Tickets: $25-members (log in to receive your discount) $35-guests. To purchase tickets and for more information: https://www.withit.org/withit-events.aspx


    HFA: Connecting Your Online and Offline Shopping Experience
    Casper Fopp, WonderSign
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    9:00am-10:00am

    Brick & mortar isn’t dying - but connecting your in-store and online experience is necessary to survive against big box and pure play stores. If inventory, pricing, and product details are not up-to-date, consumers get frustrated, and either move on or leave negative reviews, further hampering your business. Normalized product, pricing, and inventory data coming from multiple vendors can be a big challenge and turn out to be a full-time job. Learn how savvy retailers are keeping product information completely in sync, so they can focus on a superior customer experience - online and offline.


    HFA: 5 Real Estate Trends Driving the Furniture Industry
    Ben Haverty, Colliers Real Estate
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    10:30am-11:30am

    There are several real estate trends driving the furniture industry right now as the needs and desires of consumers change, the depleting real estate supply and rising rents, and the impact of the ever-changing supply chain.  In this session, we will explore five real estate trends impacting our industry now, determine how they affect your business, and how to adapt accordingly.


    Building a Talented Team to Grow Your Profits & Keep Your Sanity
    Melissa Galt, Melissa Galt, Inc.
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    11:00am-12:00pm

    Focus on what you love and delegate the rest. Dynamic interior design coach Melissa Galt shares how to identify what tasks to move off your plate; how to document processes so you can minimize time for training; where to find great talent fast, online and offline; interviewing tips to help you hire the right person the first time; and how to rely on outsourcing specific jobs that actually help you build your business. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. (1 CEU)


    Marketing Luxury Design Book signing with Melissa Galt
    Melissa Galt, Melissa Galt, Inc.
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    12:00pm-1:00pm

    Join us for a meet & greet book signing with Melissa Galt, following her presentation, featuring her book Marketing Luxury Design: Attracting Affluent Clients. Books will be available for purchase onsite.


    Suite Spot Tour with Rhonda Peterson & Gillian Peterson
    Rhonda Peterson & Associates and GIGI + RHO
    Tour will depart from the DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Designer Lounge, Top Floor of SAMS (SAMS T-646)
    12:30pm-1:30pm

    Get a first-hand look at what nationally-recognized designer Rhonda Peterson, president of Rhonda Peterson & Associates and daughter Gillian Peterson, co-founders of GIGI + RHO, have found as new resources at IMC High Point Market this spring on an intimate on-hour guided. Join Rhonda & Gigi as they introduce you to their favorite hot and fabulous design finds, through all three floors of The Suites at Market Square – showcasing what’s new and innovative. Sponsored by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. RSVP required.


    HFA: Creating a Brand Conscious Delivery Experience
    Jenni Kimpel, J.B. Hunt Transport- Final Mile Services
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    1:00pm-2:00pm

    Do you focus on your brand all the way through the home delivery experience?  The delivery team is the last brand touch your consumer will have. So, ask yourself, do you provide the best qualified professional delivery teams to your customers?  Are your deliveries being performed at the highest level that your brand is known for?  During this seminar we will review important factors to consider that will ensure your home delivery program represents your brand and will lead to repeat customers.


    The Science of Design
    Mike Peterson & Linda Kafka
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    1:30pm-2:30pm

    This exclusive seminar studies the fundamental need we have as humans for beauty and aesthetics. Sources for the discussion include Johns Hopkins University, Boston Architectural College and additional medical industry sources that document the fact that beauty and design improve health. The science of proper lighting is a special focus. The course looks at the historical valuation of aesthetics and compares it to the devaluing of aesthetics over the last 100 years. The course includes a study of the new wearable technology and predictive software that can now guide the design process. Presenters include Mike Peterson, President of Visionary Design Marketing and Linda Kafka, Founder, CLIPP, CAPS Principal for Living Canada and the LivABLE Design Summit. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. (1 CEU)


    HFA: Cost-Effective Repair Service Strategies for the Future
    Andre Kwasnik, Service Technologies
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    2:30pm-3:30pm

    The impacts of Covid, labor shortages, supply chain challenges, and revised customer expectations have impacted service levels in a new reality. In this seminar, we will explore new strategies for repair services for the future.  You will learn how to meet and exceed customer expectations by utilizing technology not only to improve service levels but also to provide retailers, manufacturers, and third-party administrators cost-saving practices.


    Broadening Your Business
    Martha Schneider, Christopher Todd, Jeanne K. Chung, Christa O’Leary, Krissa Rossbund
    In partnership with Traditional Home and JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    3:30pm-4:30pm

    Take a dive into the world of retail, events, flowers and design with four designers who have take their businesses to the next level by incorporating many different elements outside typical residential design: designers Martha Schneider of La Maison; Christopher Todd, Founder of Christopher Todd Design; Jeanne K. Chung, interior designer, retailer and Founder of Cozy•Stylish•Chic; and Christa O’Leary, MA, MFT, author, founder and CEO of Home in Harmony Lifestyle.  Learn more about integrating seemingly unaffiliated fields into one business model in order to achieve new unique services and products for your clients.  Moderated by Krissa Rossbund, Style Editor for Traditional Home. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. (1 CEU)


    HFA: How to Leverage Customer Financing as a Key Revenue Driver
    Brad Parker, FormPiper
    Home Furnishings Association, Plaza Suites, 1-527 HFA Retailer Resource Center
    4:00pm-5:00pm

    In this seminar, you will learn how Brad Parker used customer financing to grow his single retail location into four stores generating $20 million in sales! He'll walk through the steps he took and challenges that arose along the way. You’ll also get a better understanding of common misconceptions about financing, metrics 99% owners are not tracking - but should be monitored closely if they have any hope for success, sales that have been walking out of your doors unnoticed, and software that empowers staff members with superhuman productivity so we never miss an opportunity again!


    Home in Harmony Book signing with Christa O’Leary
    Christa O’Leary, MA, MFT, Home in Harmony Lifestyle
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    4:30pm-5:30pm

    Join us for a meet & greet book signing with Christa O'Leary, featuring her book Home in Harmony - Designing an Inspired Life. Books will be available for purchase onsite.


    Tuesday, April 5, 2022

    From the East Coast to the West Coast
    Lauren Nicole, Katie Wozniak, Keia McSwain and Courtney Porter
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    11:30am-12:30pm

    In an ever-changing world, designers have had to think on their feet in order to get projects completed and ensure the growth of their businesses. Join us as we speak with Lauren Nicole of Lauren Nicole Designs; Katie Wozniak of Katherine Elizabeth Designs; and Keia McSwain of Kimberly and Cameron Interiors and BIDN (Black Interior Designers Network) about the challenges and solutions that have impacted the design community. Moderator by writer, media director, author, and founder of Collected By Court, Courtney Porter. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC. (1 CEU)


    Green Interior Design: The Guide to Sustainable High Style Book Signing with Courtney Porter
    Courtney Porter, Collected By Court
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    12:30pm-1:30pm

    Join us for a meet & greet book signing with Courtney Porter, featuring her book, co-written with Lori Dennis, Green Interior Design: The Guide to Sustainable High Style. Books will be available for purchase onsite.


    A Future Outlook for the Home Furnishings Business
    Mike Rittler, TD Bank
    Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC & TD Bank
    In partnership with JuniperMarket
    DesignOn HPMKT by IMC Seminar Room (SAMS T-922)
    2:00pm-3:00pm

    As furniture retailers face continued uncertainty over COVID and inflation, many may be wondering how to stay competitive amid changing consumer preferences. Mike Rittler, general manager of Retail Card Services, Personal Lending and Business Development for TD Bank, will share his outlook on key drivers and considerations for retail executives this season, answering questions like: “How could inflation and supply chain constraints impact spending this year, and what can furniture retailers do to prepare?” and “As the economy continues to recover from the pandemic and consumers build up higher debt levels compared to last year’s lows, what will the impact be on consumer spending?” During his presentation, Mike will support his outlook on these questions and more with findings from TD’s latest Retail Experience Index survey which tracks consumers’ purchasing habits, primarily on big-ticket items, to further uncover the trends and factors moving the economic needle. Presented by DesignOn HPMKT by IMC in partnership with TD Bank. (1 CEU)