High Point Market Expands Design Viewpoints Series

February 12, 2014  by in Designer Weekly   

The Design Viewpoints Series will take place April 5-8, starting each day at noon at the High Point Theatre, next to the Transportation Terminal in downtown High Point. The series offers up to .4 continuing education units (CEUs) to attendees.

Sponsored by Horchow, all seminars in the Design Viewpoints Series are free to interior designers and retailers attending the High Point Market. On tap for the series is a discussion on working with the media, setting yourself apart from the crowd, how to increase profits (with a book signing to follow), and back by popular demand, color trends for 2014-2015.

“Our research has shown that interior designers and retailers come to the High Point Market to see new products, network with old and meet new friends, and take advantage of our Design Viewpoints Series for continuing education credit,” said Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “In 2014, we will offer a total of .4 continuing education units at our Spring Market, and plan to do the same at our Fall Market, giving interior designers a significant leg-up on achieving their 1.0 complement of CEUs needed for certification in 2014.”

“ASID has joined High Point Market again to offer first-rate speakers on topics that are of value to today’s interior designers,” said Randy W. Fiser, executive vice president/CEO of ASID. “Collaboration with High Point Market gives ASID the chance to offer quality educational opportunities for our members and market attendees during one of the industry’s most respected home furnishings shows.”

Topics and speakers for the Spring 2014 Design Viewpoints Series include:

* Saturday, April 5, 12 p.m.

"From Amateur to Authority: Understanding and Working with the Media" Mary Leigh Howell, and independent PR professional, WithIt member chair of the board of governors, and adjunct faculty member at Elon University will show how earned media can play an important role in marketing your business. A magazine article or television interview can be a credible, low-cost way to build awareness and drive traffic. But just like any other industry, the media have their

own guidelines, expectations and quirks. Learn how to understand and effectively work with different media, from television to radio, magazine, newspapers, websites and bloggers. After attending this workshop, you should be able to understand the various types of media, and how to work with each to effectively communicate your story. You’ll learn how to prepare for print and broadcast interviews, and how to build long-term relationships with reporters and editors. .1 CEU credit.

* Sunday, April 6, 12 p.m.

"Set Yourself Apart from the Crowd! - Essential Secrets for Every Designer" Michelle Jennings Wiebe, ASID, and Style Spotter “Emeritus” will show how any motivated interior designer can break into the new construction design industry and what it takes to succeed. She will coach on the processes and schedules that are successful for luxury construction or major remodeling, specific organizational methods she employs for each project, present samples of her firm’s CAD construction drawings, provide insight into this VIP client group, offer advice on cutting edge marketing, and discuss what has made her firm thrive in this area. Attendees will leave with actionable items that can be implemented in their own firms. The course will include an presentation of Studio M’s most recently completed construction projects, construction CAD drawings, and bullet point topics and secrets to success. Meet and Greet to follow where you can find out how to receive more information. .1 CEU credit.

* Monday, April 7, 12 p.m. 

"More Money, More Profits" It's a dilemma for nearly every business professional: you want to increase profits, yet you're leaving money on the table with suppliers, clients, trades and retailers. In More Money, More Profits, interior designer Kimberley Seldon, author and editor of Dabble Magazine, reveals top strategies for plugging the gaps in profitability and increasing job and customer satisfaction through a 15-step project management plan. Attendees will take away actionable strategies and solid plans in order to magnify profits including: gaining both client and trade confidence; boosting company profile and earnings; increasing word-of-mouth referrals; and budgeting each project with assurance. If you’re prepared to step up, take responsibility for everything that happens on every job, then this course is for you. Book signing will follow for Seldon's "Business of Design 1 and 2". .1 CEU credit.

* Tuesday, April 8, 12 p.m. 

"Pause and Refresh 2014-2015 Color Trends" Back at High Point Market by popular demand. Steve Shorthouse, PPG's national color and design consultant and owner of DesignFive, a full service interior design firm specializing in residential and light commercial interiors, will explore the exponential potential of the palette and theme for the 2014 season and will offer trends to watch for 2015. By attending this session you will be able to identify the overreaching societal trends driving your client’s desire for change; uncover aspects of the color trends that will resonate with your client’s natural inclinations; recognize color combinations that will be at the leading edge of trends providing lasting style; and, gain color confidence knowing that the trends presented are based on cross disciplined global input. .1 CEU credit.