Connecting the Piedmont Triad to the World
Linking Triad attended the Spring 2012 High Point Furniture Market. We met John Strauss through Twitter in 2011. We’re very impressed with his sustainable approach to furniture design. We think you will be as well.
John Strauss, furniture designer
http://www.straussfurniture.com/
Take a look in the mirror. . . Guess what? You’re looking at your #1 customer. When was the last time you thought of yourself or treated yourself as one of your own clients?
I don’t know about you, but I had this question pop into my head recently. . . funny how some of the greatest conversations and lessons happen at events. My most recent lesson came from a conversation I had after the presentation by Julia Rosien of Social North – “The Digitally Savvy Retailer – Using Emerging Technologies to Engage Shoppers (and sell more stuff!)”.
I was speaking to Denise Osborne of Accessory Design Services and we were chatting about how, as a designer, it was difficult to be your own client. I believe that it’s the same regardless of what industry you’re in.
When the day is done, the last thing you want to think about is more work . . . you need rest so you can stay focused for your own clients. This mindset leaves little room for keeping your environment, online or off, where you need it to support you and offer what you need to succeed.
What are some ways you have successfully made you your best client?
This year, planning which events to attend during High Point Market just got easier with their Social Events and Educational Events calendar!
Deciding which social and educational functions to attend during Furniture Market is always challenge. These calendars are an amazing tool to keep you in the know and on time!
Here are just a few Highlights from each day thanks to High Point Market website. Please visit the Social Event / Educational Events Calendar for the full daily listing of events)
High Point Market Kick-Off Party
When: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Center Stage, Between the Transportation Terminal & Showplace
Summary: The official kick-off to High Point Market Week presented by IHFC, Market Square & Suites, Showplace, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza, National Furniture Mart, Hamilton Market, 200.320.330 North Hamilton. Sponsored by: Shelba D. Johnson Trucking, Ashley Furniture, Furniture Today and Home Accents Today.
Breakfast in Bed with Leslie: Waking Up to the Power of Social Media
When: 10 AM – 11 AM
Where: Market Square, Antique & Design Center – Mezzanine Level Seminar Space
Summary: Featuring Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership. Sponsored by Pandora de Balthazar. There’s one topic currently befuzzling the minds of designers, retailers and manufacturers everywhere: How do you measure the return on investment (ROI) of social media? Does it really work to get new sales? Secure new clients? Attract media attention? If you’re wondering whether your investment is truly paying off, join social media expert Leslie Carothers for a rousing wake-up call on social media metrics. Chock full of insight, specific tips on how to measure a program’s effectiveness, and real-world examples on how to connect the dots between sales, client acquisition and the kind of media exposure that leads to further financial opportunities, this presentation will kick off your Market and get your social media strategy on track faster than a double-shot espresso. Complimentary breakfast served.
Industry Mixer
When: 4 PM – 7 PM
Where: IHFC, The Phillips Collection IHFC – C 202, sponsored by ASFD, ART, SFC, YHFP, WithIt
Meet Rachel Ashwell – Shabby Chic® Founder
When: 4 PM – 6 PM
Where: Miles Talbott, 1690 English Road
Summary: Come early and receive a signed copy of Rachel’s newest book, Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces. Cocktails and hor d’oeuvres.
IMC Opening Night: featuring the B52s
When: 7 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: Center Stage, Between the Transportation Terminal & Showplace
Summary: Please join International Market Centers (IMC) as we make our debut at the High Point Market with a concert and celebration co-sponsored by the High Point Market Authority. IMC will present The B-52s, the World’s Greatest Party Band.
Sunday ::
WithIt Educational Breakfast
When: 7:30 AM – 9 AM
Where: IHFC, IHFC Green Wing, 11th Floor, Ballroom A
Summary: “The 10 Things You Need to Know About Apartment Therapy”, presented by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. Maxwell is an interior designer, author and the founder of Apartment Therapy Media, a network of blogs devoted to helping people make their homes beautiful, organized, and healthy. Today, Apartment Therapy is the web’s leading source for all things design and the most-trafficked blog in the design space. Maxwell’s talk is a compelling history of his personal story, the humble beginnings of the brand, and a general roadmap for understanding design and the role it plays in our lives. Sponsored by IHFC and WithIt. Breakfast and Seminar are free of charge. Reservations are required by email (please see event page for email details) or www.withit.org.
Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B
Summary: Dwell Studio founder Christiane Lemieux will delve into how today’s small businesses can get ahead and compete with the big brands by being creative with the resources they have and the free technology available to everyone. The key to growing a successful business in today’s economic, digital and sonsumer-driven age with topics ranging from sourcing to marketing to media and design trends. Sponsored by IHFC and IFDA, Carolinas Chapter. $20 includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secured upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Holly Allred, PO Box 828, High Point, NC 27261. You can request a credit card authorization form via email. (Please see event page for email details)
David Easton Book Signing
When: 3 PM – 4 PM
Where: Market Square, Safavieh, Suite 120
Summary: Renowned architect and interior designer David Easton and rug maker Safavieh will introduce Easton’s new Indian Sojourn collection of ikat carpets for Safavieh Couture with a celebration and book signing on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. The designer will sign copies of his latest book, “Timeless Elegance” at Safavieh’s Market Square showroom, Suite 120. Wine and Indian-inspired refreshments will be served, and Easton will present the collection with insights into his extensive studies of weaving crafts in Silk Road Cultures.
American Furniture Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
When: 6 PM – 10 PM
Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor International Ballroom
Summary: Each Fall Market, we induct industry leaders into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, the furniture industry’s highest honor. Cocktail reception begins at 6pm, dinner at 6:45pm. Tickets are $125 a piece. To purchase tickets, please call 336.882.5900 or purchase online at www.furniturehalloffame.com
Reception with Kathy Ireland
When: 11 AM – Noon
Where: IHFC, Pacific Coast Lighting – M430
Where: 220 Elm, Leif Petersen Showroom 328
Summary: Appetizers and cocktails followed by the Dwell presentation.
ASFD Pinnacle Awards Banquet
When: 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom
Summary: Winners in 16 home furnishings categories will be presented by Furniture/Today and Guest Retailers at the 16th Annual ASFD furniture design awards dinner. For more information: info@asfd.com or www.asfd.com
UPCYCLE Textile Runway Show
When: 7 PM – 9 PM
Where: Market Square, Courtyard
Summary: In conjunction with Dstripped Magazine, ITMA – producers of SHOWTIME, and Market Square & Suites, we’re putting on a fashion show like no other! Designers from the apparel, footwear, jewelry, furniture and set design industries are collaborating to showcase their talents. Come see these designers’ creative solutions light up the runway with recycled fabric swatches. Join us for live entertainment, food, beer and wine.
Julia Rosien of Social North – “The Digitally Savvy Retailer – Using Emerging Technologies to Engage Shoppers (and sell more stuff!)”
When: 9 AM – 10 AM
Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B
Summary: In 2011, consumers can know as much about your products as your sales staff before they step foot inside your store. Your business survival depends on creative and inexpensive initiatives for you to leapfrog past the competition and grab the spotlight. Do you know how to break through the clutter and capture your customers’ attention? Fortunately, a virtually limitless supply of new technologies, tools and networks are available. Social Media Strategist, Julia Rosien, will help “demystify” some of the more exciting new technologies like location-based marketing and social media marketing. It’s not rocket science but it is the smartest way to get and keep your competitive edge. “If you’re not doing business online, you’re just not doing business…” ~ Julia Rosien. Complimentary Continental Breakfast Provided. No reservation needed.
Currey Honors ASID
When: 4 PM – 6 PM
Where: IHFC, Currey & Company, M-110 Streeet Leve
Summary: Currey takes time on Tuesday to honor and support the American Society of Interior Designers. National ASID Board members will be on hand from 4 to 6 PM to answer your questions about ASID and to provide extensive information on this very important organization. Italian food & wine will be served –music will be a provided by Four For One Jazz Quartet and Martha Bassett & Friends.
“Market Trend Wrap-Up” Presented by Jenny Heinzen York – Home Accents Today
When: 9 AM – 10 AM
Where: IHFC, Green Wing, 11th Floor ballroom B
Summary: The editorial team from Home Accents Today spends each High Point Market seeking out all the latest product styles and trends. Editor in Chief Jenny Heinzen York leads this exclusive review of the hottest trends from the October 2011 show. Complementary pastries and coffee provided. No reservation needed.
Designer Luncheon
When: Noon – 2 PM
Where: French Heritage, Inc., 1638 English Road
Summary: Spend some time with Henessey and Jacques Wayser as they introduce over 60 new items for market and enjoy a Classic French Lunch in our Bistro. 336-882-3565
Courtyard Cookout
When: 7 PM – 9 PM
Where: Market Square, Market Square Courtyard
Summary: Pull up a chair and kick back under the stars and join us for our traditional Market cookout. Connect with colleagues enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment on the last night of Market!
Complimentary Buyers Breakfast featuring Starbucks Coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts
When: 8 AM – 10:30 AM
Where: 330 S. Wrenn St.-The Platinum Building, Platinum Decor
Complimentary Buyers Lunch
When: Noon – 2 PMWhere: 220 Elm, Leif Petersen -328; Jesper Office – 324; Linon – 202; Outer Limits/TemaHome – 311
High Point Furniture Market was founded in 1909 as a convenient way for home furnishing retailers and manufacturers to meet to conduct business. Until not long ago it was the largest furniture trade show in the world. Las Vegas challenges that … READ MORE
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