In the first initiative of its kind, three industry associations joined the High Point Market Authority to support the new, three-period safe attendance plan for fall market, scheduled for Oct. 13-21, 2020.
The High Point Market Authority recently announced the expanded trade show format to spread out attendance, accounting for an expected reduction in showroom and building capacity based on federal and state guidelines for reducing spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The revised fall market schedule expands the normal five-day event to 9 days, now divided into three, 3-day periods for two regions of the U.S. map. Domestic buyer and industry attendees will select their primary attendance period based on the home state of their company headquarters.
The strategy is strongly supported by AHFA CEO Andy Counts, HFA CEO Sharron Bradley, and IHFRA Executive Director Ray Allegrezza, who issued a joint statement:
“The American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), Home Furnishings Association (HFA), and International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) have jointly announced their support of the recently proposed nine-day format for the upcoming Fall Market.”
The AHFA, HFA, and IHFRA organizations are urging their exhibitor, buyer and sales representative members to avoid arriving early to fall market and attend only during the 9-day market, establish fair selling practices to accommodate each of the three buying periods by holding product commitments until the end of market, and set appointments early to facilitate sales rep availability.
“Industry wide support for the staggered attendance schedule is crucial for keeping all market participants safe and healthy,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “Cooperation is also necessary to ensure equal and fair access to the multitude of product offerings available at High Point Market, and we are pleased to partner with IHFRA, HFA, and AHFA with regards to implementation.”
“High Point Market remains a place for buyers and sellers to congregate, conduct and grow business,” added Conley. “This fall, our top industry associations are in agreement that we will work together to support these goals while ensuring a safe and productive experience for everyone associated with market.”
Registration for fall market opens mid-July at www.highpointmarket.org.
