How to Tackle High Point Market Like a Seasoned Market Veteran

High Point Market is less than 1 month away (April 22-26). If you haven’t started already, now’s a good time to start planning your market strategy so you can come prepared and not waste time getting organized once you get there. Are you debating attending? Don’t think twice and book your flight, it’s worth the investment. Attending market is part of your due diligence as an interior designer or decorator. It’s all about seeing the colors & finishes in person…catalogues can only do so much! With the plethora of workshops and events, you’ll be re-energized for Spring with an exciting overdose of all things design.

Here’s a running list of tips to help you navigate this hectic week and make the most out of High Point Market this season.

“Don’t Discount the Power of Being There”

This is the powerful design mantra of Jackie Von Tobel and Deb Barrett, the founders behind Soft Design Lab. According to this power duo, “Designers need to see, sit and feel products in person at market to be able to sell effectively to their clients”. And you may ask, “why is this important?” Your client is paying you to make knowledgable decisions on their behalf. This idea is applied to both sourcing product and the variety of networking opportunities with industry attendees.

Romo

The Soft Design Lab will be hosting a VIP High Point Market Experience (#HPMKT) in cooperation with High Point Market Authority Spring Market. You can book a spot here.

Download the MyMarket App in Advance

Be sure to update to the latest version or download the app to plan out the lectures, CEUs and forums you’d like to attend. This will help you organize your day by geographical location.

Try to plan your CEU classes first. The Design Viewpoints series at noon offers a box lunch and a chance to rest.

High Point Market

If you don’t have the app downloaded to your iPhone, visit the Apple Store and search for “HPMKT” or download here.

Book & Pack Smart

Can’t find a hotel? Check out the number of AirBnb rentals in the area.

Wear and pack an extra pair of comfortable shoes you can stand in for hours.

Travel as lightly as possible – a cross-over bag should be OK. Large totes get heavy fast, and rolling bags can get irritating with all of the stairs and escalators. If you absolutely must take away literature, bring a rolling briefcase or luggage on wheels to store the catalogs you grab on the go (we have a major crush on Away bags). However, don’t be shy to ask vendors to mail catalogs to your office, this way, you don’t have to carry them around all day.

Print out extra business cards (Moo.com is probably the best printing option out here, but Zazzle and Vistaprints are great too!)

Don’t forget an extra phone charger or battery extender (Mophie has great extenders).

For the eco-conscious, bring a reusable water bottle so you don’t waste money on plastic (Swell has chic bottles).

Away Luggage, Photo by @witanddelight

Check Out the Ivy Designer Spots They Won’t Miss

Four Hands Furniture

Magnolia Home x Loloi Rug Collection, Photo by @magnoliamade

Duralee

Celerie collaboration with Mirror Image Home, via Rue Magazine

10 Instagram Hashtags You Should Be Using While You’re There

#maketimefordesign

#HPMKT

#HPMKT2017

#HPMKTs

#atmarket

#atHPMKT

#DesignOnHPMkt

#interiordesign

#interiordesigner

#interiordesigning

What are your tips? Email tara@ivymark.com to get your tips added to the list!

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