Tammy Nagem

Delivering an Experience: Tammy Nagem's To-Do List

gannunzio — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 16:14:04 +0000

Delivering an Experience: Tammy Nagem's To-Do List gannunzio Wed, 01/25/2023 - 10:14

High Point Market Authority Reorganizes for Leadership Transition Following Fall Market

dfalvey — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:40:43 +0000

High Point Market Authority Reorganizes for Leadership Transition Following Fall Market dfalvey Tue, 10/11/2022 - 09:40

High Point Market Authority (HPMA) prepares for its previously announced leadership transition following Fall Market with a new reporting structure outlined by incoming President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tammy Nagem.

Nagem, who joined HPMA when it was established in 2002 and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, will assume her new role with the retirement of current President and CEO Tom Conley later this year.

Three Vice Presidents will report directly to Nagem, including Ashley Grigg, earning a promotion to Vice President of Strategic Growth and Partnerships, a new position. Grigg joined HPMA in 2014 and has served as Director of Marketing and Communications since 2017.

Ben Muller has joined HPMA’s team as Vice President of Marketing and Communications, also a new position. Muller brings more than 15 years of corporate marketing strategy to the role, most recently focusing on the apparel industry. His experience includes non-profit event management and fundraising.

Terry Venable is currently Vice pPesident of Operations and Fnance and will remain in this position, expanding his operational responsibilities as Nagem’s COO position is dissolved.

HPMA is responsible for marketing and operations of the biannual High Point Market, the world’s largest home furnishings trade show, which was established in High Point, NC, in 1909. The trade show attracts approximately 75,000 visitors from across the U.S., North America, and internationally, each spring and fall, contributing over $6 billion to the local and state economy annually.

As the trade show’s organizer, HPMA operates as a 501(c)(6) corporation, and is funded by High Point Market exhibitors, the State of North Carolina, Guilford County and the City of High Point.

“The new organizational structure for HPMA champions our strategic goal to ensure continuous growth for High Point Market,” says Nagem. “That growth is driven by exceptional experiences for buyers, through targeted marketing communications and operational excellence.”

“I’m in full support of Tammy and her team as they lead HPMA into the future,” adds Conley. “I’m confident High Point Market and all of its stakeholders will be in good hands.”

The new team will be in place as HPMA transitions to focus on the Spring 2023 Market, scheduled for April 22-26.

High Point Market Authority Announces Tom Conley's Retirement and New CEO

dfalvey — Tue, 31 May 2022 16:12:53 +0000

High Point Market Authority Announces Tom Conley's Retirement and New CEO dfalvey Tue, 05/31/2022 - 11:12

Having served as the High Point Market Authority’s president and CEO for 11 years, Tom Conley plans to retire from the position at the end of 2022. Long-time employee and current COO, Tammy Covington Nagem will succeed Conley in the role by unanimous vote of the board of directors.

Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the trade show and association management industries, Conley has led the Market Authority since 2011. During his tenure, High Point Market achieved record marks as it rebuilt from the 2008 economic downturn, built on its momentum to diversify buyer attendance and become more designer-friendly, and navigated a global pandemic, being one of the first large events to return in person after restrictions began to ease.

Throughout his career, Conley has served as president of several associations, including the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association, the National Housewares Manufacturers Association, the Steel Service Center Institute, and the Toy Industry Association. He also worked in the association management field with International Travel Management Partners, The Sanford Organization, and his own consulting firm, TPC & Associates.

“I’m thankful to have spent the last decade leaning into the home furnishings industry and applying my career experience to the great work being done at the High Point Market Authority,” shares Conley. “Our role within the industry requires a fair amount of juggling amongst our various stakeholders, and I’m proud of what our team has been able to accomplish. I will cherish the contacts I’ve made within the industry and look forward to staying connected.”

“Tom’s ability to strategically assess a scenario and then align the players to drive results has left High Point Market well-positioned for continued growth,” says Alex Shuford, Chair of the High Point Market Authority’s board of directors and CEO of the Rock House Farm family of brands. “The board of directors commends him for his years of service to the Market Authority and the home furnishings industry, wishing him success in whatever future endeavors he chooses to pursue.”

Next HPMA Leadership

Tammy Nagem will succeed Conley, assuming the role of President and CEO beginning January 1, 2023. Hired as the second employee at the Market Authority, Nagem has served the organization for more than 20 years in various capacities and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2011.

“Tammy’s transition into this role will allow for a seamless continuation of momentum, while also generating new opportunities. She brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to the position in addition to her strategic acumen and deep industry connections,” says Shuford. “The board of directors looks forward to the work we will do together with her.”

“The mission of the Market Authority has been my focus for the past two decades, but furniture has been in my blood for much longer, having grown up around it in Martinsville, VA. I’ve also fallen in love with the High Point community so this work is a bit of a passion project for me,” comments Nagem. “I applaud Tom for the successes of the past 11 years and am embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. My first order of business is to hire a vice president of marketing so we hit the ground running in 2023.”

Conley’s final Market is the upcoming Fall 2022 Market, scheduled for October 22-26. Registration will open in late July.