06 Apr 3 Tips and 8 Must-see Events for April High Point Market

I can’t believe it’s already April and I’m off to High Point Market again!  This will be my 2nd time attending the largest home furnishing trade market in the country. I learned from my first time last fall what to do and not to do.  Read about my two tips and must-see events for April High Point Market.

Top Tip #1 – Pace Yourself

Do NOT do what I did last fall. Get off the plane, hit all the openings and parties, eat all the different food, and sip all the bubbly on your first day.  Being my first time at High Point Market, and seeing all my designer friends and the gorgeous showrooms, it was hard not to get caught up immediately in the excitement. Pacing is extremely important.  I had friends that could have warned me (not mentioning names here) but you kind of have to find out for yourself.  And at 4 a.m. the next morning, it hit me. I don’t want the same thing to happen to you. If this is your first time at High Point Market, PLEASE PACE YOURSELF.

Top Tip #2 – You Cannot Do it All

Another “Do NOT do what I did”…lol. High Point Market is THE largest home furnishings trade show, so there is NO way you can do it all. I’ve been used to annually attending Dallas Market for almost 20 years now, and it’s easy for me to manage to see and do all I want to, most of the time.  However, High Point Market is literally its own city with thousands of showrooms in more than 25 separate buildings.  And, an important point to remember is that all the events you want to attend are:

• all at the same time
• all on the same day, and
• at opposite ends of the city

That was a real difference I noticed, and it was impossible to see and do everything, so don’t even try.

Top Tip #3 – Use the helpful tools

Instead, PLAN. The third “Do NOT do what I did” is I didn’t plan out my schedule at all. I just figured since it was my first time, I’d figure it out there. Big mistake. Definitely, please plan out your itinerary in advance and prioritize. High Point is divided into neighborhoods and there are excellent shuttle buses to take you around, so be sure to use these. It’s important to know where one event and the next one are, calculating how much time it will take to get between the two. There is incredible customer service by all the people who work at High Point, so speak up and ask them questions. They are there to help you and they’re amazing and totally saved me. Also, download the High Point App, which is very helpful.  Here’s the map and neighborhoods to give you an idea how large High Point is and to help you plan your days. (Graphics by High Point Authority.)

Southern Hospitality Reigns

In North Carolina, everyone is super friendly! I could not believe how delightfully friendly and helpful everyone was and how exciting it was to see all the gorgeous new products, showrooms, and people.  For the first time in real life, I probably met at least a dozen or more designers that I’ve been friends with for years on social media.  That was a real treat, the icing on the very large cake!!

Be sure to check out my first experience at the Fall 2023 High Point Market. This will give you an idea of what to expect and look forward to.  It is certainly THE most exciting tradeshow I’ve ever attended. Here I am below with the fabulous interior and product designer Dann Foley at the launch of his Lifestyle Collection for Stylecraft and excellent book “It’s All in the Mix.  Just one of many, many launches you’ll need to juggle, but oh so fun and exciting!

Must-see Events at High Point Market, April 13 – 17

There are hundreds of events going on at High Point Market (HPMKT). There’s no way I can list all there is to do, but please go to this link on the website which will help you plan and be sure you Register Here. 

However, I’d like to highlight several designer friends’ events and in particular one of my dear friend’s gorgeous product launch for the new showroom Howard Elliott.

I’m lucky to have many interior and product designers who are my mentors – the talented and kind Dann Foley and Austin James, and two amazing women, Libby Langdon and Robin Baron. These two women are top designers with years of experience, many licensed collections, and know the business inside and out. I admire and respect both of these women tremendously. I’m so grateful that all four of these designers have been so gracious and generous in giving me advice for forging a potential licensing path for The Pillow Goddess pillow line. Thank you!

Event #1 – Saturday, April 13th, The Launch of the Robin Baron Collection for Howard Elliott

Go Big and Bold

Celebrity interior and product designer, Robin Baron of Robin Baron Design, is a dear friend of mine and I am super excited for the debut launch of her incredibly gorgeous collection of decorative accessories, accent furniture, and mirrors for the well-known, showroom Howard Elliott.  These beautiful pieces are in Robin’s signature style, Big and Bold, and inspired by her hardware collection.

I’m very excited about collaborating with the fabulous home décor manufacturer, Howard Elliott. It’s a thrilling opportunity to work hand in hand to craft this bold new collection of mirrors, accessories, and accent furniture. It has been inspiring. Together, we’ve fused our creative visions to deliver sophisticated, fashion-forward, and relevant designs that I believe will resonate deeply with retailers, designers, and consumers alike. This collaboration has resulted in beautiful products that elevate spaces and enrich lives. – Robin Baron, Robin Baron Designs

Take a look below at a few of Robin’s striking designs and be sure to stop by for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Howard Elliott’s new showroom and Robin’s exciting launch afterward.  And of course, there will be Barontinis, Robin’s signature cocktail.  (Note: Howard Elliott’s NEW showroom is IHFC H-324.)

We are incredibly excited to unveil our new showroom and showcase our latest collections at this Spring’s High Point Market. These events represent our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in design, and we look forward to welcoming attendees to our new space IHFC H-324. – Brian Berk, President at Howard Elliott.

This striking mirror below also comes in a rectangle and two different designs. Be sure to inquire at the new Howard Elliot showroom, IHFC H-234.

OMG!! I cannot wait to see this incredible accent table in person. It is SO Robin Baron with that studded gold base times three!! What a beauty!!! Congratulations Robin and Howard Elliott on a stunning collection and the Grand Opening of the NEW showroom!!

Look at one of Robin’s mirrors and tables below from her Robin Baron Collection for Howard Elliot.  Simply stunning!! It inspires me to totally redo our entryway!!

Please PIN for easy reference

Event #2 – Sunday, April 14th, Panel Discussion “Leadership in Design” Moderated by Robin Baron

On Sunday, you don’t want to miss this one either, because after this excellent panel discussion, there will be a Meet + Greet with the one and only Robin Baron.  This is a great opportunity to not only learn tools of the trade from the experts on this esteemed educational panel, but ask Robin any questions afterward about her debut collection for Howard Elliot.

Event #3 – Libby Langdon Launches New Furniture Pieces for Fairfield

You’re Invited

Acclaimed interior and product designer, the effervescent Libby Langdon, of Libby Langdon Interiors, has had a licensed furniture collection with Fairfield Chair since 2019.  In April at HPMKT, she’s launching some gorgeous new pieces, from sofas, chairs, bed collections to casegoods, that you do not want to miss. Libby will be in and out of the Fairfield showroom both Saturday and Sunday; see showroom hours below. Reach out to her directly if you’d like to make an appointment.  And on my birthday, April 15th, she has a surprise for you over on her Instagram. which I can’t wait to share with you on Monday.

Libby is always on the go, but I caught her on Insta below in Fairfield’s “War Room” with hundreds of fabric swatches as she designed new pieces for April market. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and catch her LIVE behind-the-scenes videos that are wonderful examples of what’s involved in licensing products.

Event #4 – Fairfield Educational Panels

Fairfield is offering not only Libby’s new furniture designs but two educational panels with two more of my interior designer friends, the talented Shay Geyer and Jeanne Chung.  You definitely want to catch these panels as they’re jam packed with talent, educational tips, and inspiration.

Event #5 – The Insider Tours

Get familiar with HPMKT from the Experts

If you are new to attending High Point Market, one way to get familiar with HPMKT is to attend one of the Insider Tours.  There are several going on at different times throughout the weekend. Be sure to follow these 8 interior designers and sign up for one of their outstanding tours.  I highly recommend them all, especially if you are a first-time Buyer. Follow these women on Instagram and sign up NOW for one of their tours so you don’t miss out.

Event #6 – Linda Holt’s FREE Photography Tours

Learn from a Pro

Linda Holt, of Linda Holt Creative, is a well-known interior designer and professional photographer. But her specialty is teaching interior designers how to better use their Smart Phone. You’re in luck as she’s holding TWO Smart Phone Photography sessions during HPMKT, one on Saturday and another one on Sunday too. Definitely catch one of these if you want to become more savvy in taking professional photos with your smart phone. F I have taken her course and it has helped me tremendously with my photography. No more fancy cameras needed once you learn from Linda the pro!  If you miss it, be sure to catch one of her LIVE sessions; next one is May 1st. Follow Linda on Instagram to sign up.

Event #7 + 8 – YKD Associates 2 Events

Last but not least, if you’re interested in upleveling your design business and handling an unpredictable business environment, you’ll want to catch these two talks featuring my brilliant licensing agent Yudi Kaufman of YKD Associates (okay, I’m slightly biased!) and the talented Courtney Porter of Design News Now.

That’s all I can squeeze in before High Point Market, but there is plenty more, so be sure to start planning your itinerary now. If you’re going to be attending and we haven’t met yet, let’s connect!  Follow me on Instagram and message me and we’ll make it happen. Even, if we have to resort to the funny “Potty Meetup” like I did with my pal Elizabeth Scruggs.  Till next time, Happy Spring!  XO PG

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All photos and graphics are by the respective companies involved, Howard Elliott, High Point Market, Linda Holt Creative and YKD Associates; opinions are my own.