While High Point Market will be a bit different this fall with extended dates, attendees organized by region and the requirement of masks, Universal Furniture is working behind the scenes to deliver a great experience to its visitors, both in-person and virtually. The company’s highly anticipated educational events will run Saturday, Oct. 17, through Tuesday, Oct. 20.
All events will be streamed live via Zoom and also taped, so people can join the events live or watch them at a more convenient time. Select events will be held in-person (in addition to being streamed live) at the Learning Center, with a seating capacity of 20 people. RSVPs are required for each event by registering at www.UniversalFurniture.com/marketevents.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
1. Growing a Creative Business Online in a Global Crisis
a. Date: Saturday, October 17
b. Time: 11 a.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: This talk illustrates how to create solid social media strategies for safeguarding your business during a crisis and establish yourself as an influencer. Join owner of creative agency by FZK, Franziska Neumann, and professional lifestyle blogger Tessa Arias of Handle the Heat as they show you how to authentically connect with your audience while remaining respectful of current world events. Drawing on real-world examples from Tessa’s 590,000+ followers, the pair will prove how the simple act of listening to your audience can have a profound positive impact on your sales.
2. Marketing Luxury Design to Attract Affluent Clients
a. Date: Saturday, October 17
b. Time: 2 p.m.
c. Location: Universal Furniture Showroom, 101 S. Hamilton St. (Shuttle Stop 15) Red Line (also available virtually)
d. Description: When you’re ready to up level your clients and project investments, marketing luxury design is the next step. You’ll learn how to spot affluent clients, where to meet them (online and offline), and how to build rapport that delivers revenue and project profits.
e. RSVP: www.UniversalFurniture.com/marketevents
3. Diversity in Design
a. Date: Saturday, October 17
b. Time: 4 p.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: The year 2020 saw a confluence of two historic moments with global impacts: the COVID-19 pandemic, and a multicultural, multigenerational alliance against racial injustice. The profound pause resulting from these events have left many interior designers, architects, and industry professionals wondering: How can I better understand the sensitivities of race in the workplace? Is there really a difference between ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘All Lives Matter’? How can I avoid saying the wrong thing during sensitive discussions? What are some practical ways to get involved and show my support for diversity in our industry? Please join nationally acclaimed interior designer, TV host and tastemaker Corey Damen Jenkins, as he delivers an insightful message on a controversial topic that has touched the lives of so many. Q&A to follow.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
1. Bottom Line Basics: Financial Preparations for Future Success
a. Date: Sunday, October 18
b. Time: 11 a.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: An informative look at the design business of today and how it has changed in the current times. Gail Doby will show you the steps to take to work smarter, not harder, and to love your business and your life.
2. What’s Trending in Coastal Design
a. Date: Sunday, October 18
b. Time: 2 p.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: What’s trending in coastal design? Does a beach house now need an office? Are open floor plans being pushed out in favor of well-defined spaces? Join Coastal Living and a panel of interior designers as they explore how to balance the virtual world of business encroaching on homes designed to be an escape. Panelists are Kathryn Chaplow, Vicky Serany and Breegan Jane. Moderated by Kristen Payne of Meredith Corporation.
3. Free the Designer
a. Date: Sunday, October 18
b. Time: 4 p.m.
c. Location: Universal Furniture Showroom, 101 S. Hamilton St. (Shuttle Stop 15) Red Line (also available virtually)
d. Description: Learn 15 key strategies to gain more time to design from Design Business Owners and Design Industry Professionals. Panelists are Bria Hammel, Peter Lang, Ivonne Ronderos and Marta Mitchell. Moderated by Lindsay Paoli of Design Manager.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
1. Not Just a Pretty Chaise: Why Communicating Value Matters
a. Date: Monday, October 19
b. Time: 11 a.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: Good design is about far more than just looking good, and designers are bringing far more to the table than beauty. A well-designed room has the power to transform a client’s life—eliminating stress, boosting health, and fostering togetherness. Join Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen for a lively discussion about how to shift the language you use, both in-person and online, to communicate the value of a designer’s influence.
2. If Life Throws You a Pandemic, Build an e-commerce Business
a. Date: Monday, October 19
b. Time: 2 p.m.
c. Location: Universal Furniture Showroom, 101 S. Hamilton St. (Shuttle Stop 15) Red Line (also available virtually)
d. Description: With traffic down in traditional retail channels, more and more designers and brands are investing in their online presence. Learn from the pros how to best present your product and brand, attract traffic, convert customers, and reduce friction in the shopping process. Leave with a few tips that can help transform your online presence and help you stand out — whether you're listing on an existing platform or creating your own branded experience online. Panelists are John Heilmann of Homenature, Colleen Waguespack of Fig & Dove and Whitney Moore of ShopCandelabra. Moderated by Rachel Gerli of Nina Reeves Communication.
3. Design Disruptors - Navigating Your Business in the Digital Age
a. Date: Monday, October 19
b. Time: 4 p.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: Design Disruptors Lauren Clement, Christian Daw, Chad James, and Courtney McLeod will share how to navigate your design business in the digital age — moderated by Nick May of The Chaise Lounge Podcast. Over half of the planet is 'plugged in,' affecting how we direct our careers and interact with the world around us. But how does this constant connection affect the design industry? These design experts will share how they use the digital world to build their business, increase brand visibility, and thrive in the digital age. Gain practical knowledge and advice on how to grow your design business using today's technology.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
1. How to Get Started with Video Marketing
a. Date: Tuesday, October 20
b. Time: 9 a.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: In 2016 Sandra Funk of House of Funk challenged her firm to step up their marketing by incorporating video. Since then House of Funk has started a YouTube Channel, started streaming a live Instagram and Facebook show, and created an entire program with hours of video content. With most social media platforms allowing and encouraging video, it’s essential to know how to do it and do it well. Join us as she shares how YOU can implement video into your firm.
2. How to Scale Yourself for Success
a. Date: Tuesday, October 20
b. Time: 11 a.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: Building a repeatable process in your design firm allows you and your team to do more in less time. Today, team transparency and effective client-sharing are keys to making sure your firm expands and becomes more profitable. Join Erinn Valencich, CEO of StyleRow, ERINN V. Design Group and furnishings brand ERINN V. for an engaging discussion on how savvy firms are working smarter, not harder, for success in our rapidly changing world.
3. Home: Creating a Sancturary: A Sit Down with Miranda Kerr
a. Date: Tuesday, October 20
b. Time: 2 p.m.
c. Location: Virtual only
d. Description: Join House Beautiful's Carisha Swanson as she sits down with Miranda Kerr to discuss how she develops sanctuary in her own home. The first 100 RSVPs will receive a special gift from Kora Organics.
Universal Furniture Sets Educational Lineup for High Point Market
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