International Market Centers (IMC) announced today an exclusive lineup of seminars and events and new product discovery opportunities for its “IMC High Point Virtual Market,” a three-week-long digital event running from May 11 through May 29 on IMC’s High Point Market website. Presented as webinars, the topics feature the trend forecasting and design inspiration which are hallmarks of IMC’s High Point Market programming plus timely information for planning for recovery after the COVID-19 crisis. The online event also will feature product discovery – including the debut of a new Catalog Connexion sourcing tool powered by IMC_di, IMC’s digital innovations division.
“While disappointed that current conditions related to COVID-19 will not permit us to host a physical Spring Market, IMC is proud to offer our High Point Market customers the next best thing: a robust roster of inspiring programming and a new and innovative way to discover new product, all presented online,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “As we all navigate these unprecedented times, we hope that this online version of the market experience will encourage our community to continue to connect, engage and explore as we look toward the future and until we can gather again.”
The High Point Virtual Market experience will include product sourcing and discovery opportunities from nearly 400 catalogs through IMC_di’s Catalog Connexion, a keyword-searchable library of 40,000+ catalog pages. This simple, fast, visual and product-driven system allows suppliers to leverage their existing catalog assets and enables buyers to source across brands by keyword. In addition to visual search refinements capabilities, the system also provides buyers with one-click sales inquiries and generates leads for suppliers. The comprehensive Catalog Connexion is a collection of catalogs that represents every product category shown at High Point Market. As an added service to retailers and designers, following its debut during IMC’s High Point Virtual Market, Catalog Connexion will remain live and useable throughout the year.
Virtual Market Activities
Additionally, the IMC High Point Virtual Market will present other programming and product discovery tools through original and third-party content, including IMC’s Market Preview, Market Snapshot program and featured TrendWatch products, an exhibitor product showcase, trade publication previews, an Instagram Takeover with industry influencers and a Virtual Showhouse. The virtual market will be promoted to tens of thousands of retailers and designers who have attended High Point Market in the past.
The IMC High Point Virtual Market is available online beginning May 11.
Schedule of Events (All times are Eastern Standard Time)
Monday, May 11
Welcome to Virtual Market with Special Guest
9 a.m.
Keynote event: What’s Next?
Bob Maricich (IMC) & Bill McLoughlin (Furniture Today)
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Join Bill McLoughlin, editor-in-chief of Furniture Today, for a discussion with IMC CEO Bob Maricich about what markets will look like for summer, how physical and digital markets can coexist, and why the industry is certain to rebound after a business disruption of generational proportions.
Tuesday, May 12
How Might COVID-19 Change Home Design?
Diane Falvey (Furniture Lighting & Decor)
1 – 2 p.m.
In partnership with Furniture Lighting & Decor
As we have spent significantly more time at home in recent months, could there be a change in top design priorities? What impact will health and wellness, outdoor living, or a practical and private home office space have on the future of interiors/exteriors? Will home furnishings and décor trend toward sleek or cozy? Join Furniture, Lighting & Decor’s Editor-in-Chief Diane Falvey as she explores what could be coming next in home design with a panel privy to the potential for shifting floor plans, use of space and home furnishings where it starts — the consumer level. (1 CEU)
Crafting Your Brand Message with Nancy Ganzekaufer
Nancy Ganzekaufer (Nancy Ganzekaufer Business Coaching) and Diane Falvey (Furniture, Lighting & Decor)
3 – 4 p.m.
In partnership with Furniture Lighting & Decor
As independent home furnishings retailers and interior designers, you have a niche, an aesthetic, a passion – something unique that sets you apart and resonates with those who do business with you. What’s the message you need to share now to connect with your customers? What do you need to understand about them so you can create that targeted connection? We talk with business coach Nancy Ganzefauker, of Nancy Ganzekaufer Business Coaching, about identifying your core customer, crafting that authentic message and how to convey it. Worksheet for evaluating your brand messaging included. REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, May 13
Trendwatch Part 2 - AVIARY
Julie Smith Vincenti (Nine Muses Media)
1 – 1:30 p.m.
IMC's highly anticipated TrendWatch program continues for High Point Market this spring, offering an inside look at leading trends shaping the home furnishings industry. While our industry is social distancing, these trends will be brought to you through a three-part webinar series, in partnership with home furnishings trend forecaster, editor and curator Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media. (0.5 CEU)
TrendWatch’s AVIARY celebrates avian motifs and patterns inspired by nature’s most colorful creatures. Artful abstracts that recall the works of modern masters nestle with feathery themes and designs. Greens, blues and incoming reds are hue headliners.
Thursday, May 14
Must Know Tips on How to Take Your Interior Photography Shoots to the Next Level
Stephen Karlisch (Stephen Karlisch Photography) and Traci Zeller (Traci Zeller Interiors)
11 a.m. - noon
Every designer wants the best pictures of their work. Join Stephen Karlisch, of Stephen Karlisch Photography, and interior designer Traci Zeller, of Traci Zeller Interiors, as they discuss how to craft a great photoshoot, from finding the right photographer to pre-planning and styling tips, and all that goes into the shoot to make it a success. It’s not just about the shoot, learn what to know for after the shoot, usage rights, social media etiquette, etc. A question and answer segment will follow. (1 CEU)
Style Spotters LIVE! x Zoom with HPMA
Hosted by High Point Market Authority
2 – 3 p.m.
Crafting Your Brand Message
Diane Falvey (Furniture, Lighting & Decor) and Designer and Retail Panel Discussion
3 – 4 p.m.
In partnership with Furniture, Lighting & Decor
As independent home furnishings retailers and interior designers, you have a niche, an aesthetic, a passion – something unique that sets you apart and resonates with those who do business with you. What’s the message you need to share now to connect with your customers? What do you need to understand about them so you can create that targeted connection? Interior designers and home furnishings retailers share their experiences with brand messaging and how they’ve evolved over the years. REGISTER HERE
Friday, May 15
Designer Tips and Tricks for the Outdoor Room
Barclay Butera (Barclay Butera Interiors), Kristine Paige (Jackson Paige Interiors) and Christine Phillips (Viola!~ PR & Design)
1 – 2 p.m.
The outdoor room has become the hottest space in the home and presents a wealth of opportunity for designers. Join interior/lifestyle designer and retailer Barclay Butera, of Barclay Butera Interiors, Kristine Paige, owner of Jackson Paige Interiors, and moderator Christine Phillips, owner of Viola!~ PR & Design, as they discuss strategies for creating stylish, functional outdoor spaces that add to the bottom line. Learn about new trends in casual furniture, innovative new products and how to incorporate the outdoor room into design and retail business. A question and answer segment will follow. (1 CEU)
Live Concert with RSM Trio - Benefitting City of Hope
5 p.m.
Tune into Facebook Live and Zoom to see Ray Allegrezza and the RSM Trio to end your week on a musical note.
Monday, May 18
Doing Business in the New Normal
11 a.m. - noon
In partnership with International Textile Alliance
Discussion about how textiles companies have shifted focus, supported communities, and where the industry is focused on for the future
Retail Insights & Innovations
Bill McLoughlin (Furniture Today) and Retail Panel Discussion
1 – 2 p.m.
In Partnership with Furniture Today
Furniture Today’s Editor-in-Chief Bill McLoughlin hosts a panel of retail thought leaders for an inspiring conversation about post-pandemic business. Find out how these industry innovators are planning for the remainder of 2020 and beyond.
Tuesday, May 19
Home Decor Trends in Today's Market
Thomas Lester (Home Accents Today)
1 – 2 p.m.
In partnership with Home Accents Today
Join Thomas Lester, digital/managing editor for Home Accents Today, and a veteran panel of industry trend and thought leaders for an in-depth look at current and emerging home decor trends. Find out how brick-and-mortar retailers and design businesses are navigating today’s troubled business water. Learn how companies are finding new and innovative ways to stand out in a crowded and disrupted marketplace. You will come away better prepared to adapt and guide your business going forward. (1 CEU)
Communicating, Connecting with Clients
Melissa Galt (Melissa Galt Interiors)
3 – 4 p.m.
In partnership with Furniture Lighting & Decor
Your passion for what you do is often conveyed in expression. In today’s environment, where in-person connection is limited, how are you continuing to connect with your clients/customers to stay connected, and share that you are there for them? Melissa Galt, of Melissa Galt Interiors, shares her expertise on communicating and connecting with your clients in a one-on-one conversation designed to offer insights and strategies for creating the most effective connections. REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, May 20
Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast 2020, Wednesday, May 20
Sue Wadden (Sherwin-Williams)
1 – 2 p.m.
In partnership with The Sherwin-Williams Company
Enjoy a visual journey with stimulating imagery, factual statistics and perceptive research that supports the 2020 forecast for color and design trends. Explore the drivers influencing future color and design trends that include global, technological, historic, psychological and economic factors that shaped Sherwin-Williams’ forecast. This year’s 45-color palette is titled, “Color in Balance,” features five theme palettes: ALIVE, MANTRA, PLAY, HAVEN & HEART. These intuitive palettes will bring joy, serenity and focus to mind, body and spirit. (1 CEU)
Thursday, May 21
Coaches in Your Corner: Learn How Media Can Help Expand Your Design Business
Evette Rios, Stephen Davies, and Ellen Gefen (TheHome.com)
11 a.m. – noon
Co-Sponsored by IMC-DesignOnHPMKT and Alden Parkes
This seminar includes the “How to’s” from Evette Rios, interior designer, lifestyle expert and television host, and Stephen Davies, an attorney with 20 years of design industry experience, on getting the best advice to grow your design business through media opportunities, licensing and design collaborations all while not signing your rights away. They will give pointers to help you navigate television and other media. A question and answer segment will follow. (1 CEU)
Communicating, Connecting with Clients: Designer & Retailer Panel Discussion
Diane Falvey (Furniture, Lighting & Decor) and Panel Discussion
3 – 4 p.m.
In partnership with Furniture Lighting & Decor
Your passion for what you do is often conveyed in expression. In today’s environment, where in-person connection is limited, how are you continuing to connect with your clients/customers to stay connected, and share that you are there for them? Interior designers and home furnishings retailers share their communication experiences, detailing the strategies they’ve used to stay connected, and tips that can be incorporated in your business now and in the future. REGISTER HERE
Friday, May 22
Bottom Line Basics – Financial Preparations for Future Success
Gail Doby (ASID, Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting)
1 – 2 p.m.
Join us for an informative look at the design business of today and how it has already changed. Learn what you need to know and how to prepare yourself for what may be coming. Review the basics of business and learn how to change little things so you can maintain and grow your interior design business and put it on the fast track to higher profits, sustainable growth and business mastery. Leading interior design business coach, Gail Doby, ASID, chief vision officer of Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting, will show you the steps to take to work smarter, not harder, and to love your business and your life. (1 CEU)
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day – No programming
Tuesday, May 26
Messaging Wrap-Up
Diane Falvey (Furniture, Lighting and Décor) and Panel Discussion
3 – 4 p.m.
In partnership with Furniture Lighting & Decor
Share your insights and what you’ve learned in this group forum webinar. We want to know how you’ve benefited from these Think Tank seminars and give you an opportunity to share your insights on the subject as well. Join us for a lively discussion to wrap up two weeks of in-depth dive into crafting and communicating your brand message.
Wednesday, May 27
Trendwatch Part 3 - PENTHOUSE
Julie Smith Vincenti (Nine Muses Media)
1 – 1:30 p.m.
IMC's highly anticipated TrendWatch program continues for High Point Market this spring, offering an inside look at leading trends shaping the home furnishings industry. While our industry is social distancing, these trends will be brought to you through a three-part webinar series, in partnership with home furnishings trend forecaster, editor and curator Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media.
In TrendWatch’s PENTHOUSE, the decade opens with renewed interest in neutrals, especially luxurious interpretations that emphasize finishing and form, so sparkle and shine meet sophisticated curation.
Thursday, May 28
Virtual Showhouse – Build The Room Designer Discussion
Libby Langdon (Libby Langdon Interiors), Corey Damen Jenkins (Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates), Jason Oliver Nixon (Madcap Cottage) and Cindy Hodnett (IMC)
1 – 2 p.m.
IMC Virtual ShowHouse designers Libby Langdon, television host and founder of Libby Langdon Interiors, Corey Damen Jenkins, owner and designer of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, and Jason Oliver Nixon, co-founder of Madcap Cottage, will discuss their inspirations and creative process around their virtual rooms. Cindy Hodnett, IMC director of communications, will lead this lively and fun overview of the IMC-High Point Virtual Showhouse.
