Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Universal, Esteem Media Sponsor Market Trip for Winning Designer
December 14,
2017 by Larry Thomas in Designer Weekly, High Point, Market 
Universal Furniture and Esteem Media, the company that produces the Design Bloggers Tour during the High Point Market, are sponsoring a contest for interior designers that will provide a trip to a 2018 High Point show for the winning designer.
The prize package includes round-trip airfare, four nights’ accommodations at the Kimpton Hotel in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Uber credits for transportation to and from the market.
In addition, leather supplier Moore & Giles will provide the winner with new luggage made from its upper-end leathers.
Designers can enter the giveaway during Esteem Media’s Design Blogger’s Conference in Los Angeles, March 4-6, by visiting Universal’s lounge in the main conference hall.
“Attending High Point Market is a big commitment for designers, in both resources and time” said Universal Director of Marketing Neil MacKenzie. “We want more designers to experience the market because it’s the best way to see new products and it’s an ideal location for getting involved with designer-only programs like Universal to the Trade.”
The winner may attend either the spring or fall market, and will get a guided tour of Universal’s 118,000 square-foot showroom and have access to the Steelyard Designer’s Lounge.
In addition to a guided tour of the showroom, they can participate in educational events held in Universal’s learning center, a state-of-the-art meeting space where industry experts and influencers gather to discuss the latest trends and business practices.
The winner will also spend one day with the Design Bloggers Tour, which visits multiple showrooms throughout High Point for exclusive tours and insight from brand executives. Finally, the winner also will spend a day shopping the market with Universal Furniture’s Creative Director Janine Wagers, whose more than 25 years of experience shopping High Point and designing showrooms has given her intimate knowledge of the best under-the-radar showrooms and shopping spots, the company said.
“We are glad Neil tapped us to help with this Universal Furniture initiative to make it easier for some designers to experience High Point Market,” said Esteem Media’s CEO Adam Japko. “We are going to help Universal bring design professionals to market that can also share their experience with other designers online and offline.”