Design Viewpoints Series Sessions Announced for HP Market

August 28, 2019  by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, High Point, Industry, Market   

The Design Viewpoints Series sessions are free and open to all interior designers, retailers, and other Market attendees with a valid Fall Market pass.

On tap for the series are three thought-provoking seminars to help attendees navigate the changing interior design business landscape. Industry leaders will share their knowledge on topics including networking to build your brand, translating your brand to online retail, and the business of customization.

“We are proud to once again introduce an important lineup of educational programming for our High Point attendees. This Market’s Design Viewpoints Series features a star-studded lineup with a wealth of industry experience and knowledge,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “By focusing on strategic growth opportunities for design businesses and offering CEU credits, we believe these discussions will provide many valuable actionable takeaways for designers, as well as the needed CEU credits.”

“At ASID, we believe that design impacts lives. In order to create meaningful change in the built environment, designers must acquire the business knowledge to sustain growing and resilient firms,” said Randy Fiser, CEO, ASID. “We selected the topics for the Design Viewpoints Series to assist the design community in gaining that imperative business acumen while positively impacting the lives of their clients.”

Topics and speakers include:

Saturday, Oct. 19

12:00 -1:00 p.m.

Cultivating Industry Relationships to Build Your Brand

Speakers – Laura Thurman, Principal Interior Designer, TDS-Thurman Design Studio, LLC (moderator); Michel Smith Boyd, Allied ASID, Interior Designer, Michel Smith Boyd Interiors; Jane Dagmi, Editor-in-Chief, Designers Today; Amy Ferrer, Principal/Owner, Miko + Boone Home; Amy Flurry, Founder, Recipe for Press

Join moderator Laura Thurman for a crash course on how to harness the power of building healthy, authentic, industry relationships. Being talented, solo, or isolated will get you nowhere in this industry. However, being talented, connected, and possessing strong industry relationships will get you far. Panelists will talk about networking to build partnerships in public relations and communications, publishing, licensing, and trade resources. Learn from their experiences and lessons learned regarding the connections that propelled their businesses forward. Complimentary boxed lunch provided. 1 IDCEC-approved CEU.

Sunday, Oct. 20


12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Translating Your Brand to Online Retail
Speakers – Sarah Walker, founder and editor, The Curated House (moderator); Julia Buckingham, founder + principal, Buckingham Interiors + Design and Modernique; Barclay Butera, owner/CEO, Barclay Butera, Inc.; Nicole White, CEO/principal designer, Nicole White Designs Interiors; Scot Meacham Wood, owner and creative director, Scot Meacham Wood Home & Design

If you have ever felt frustrated by clients “shopping you” online, consider expanding your business to online retail. In addition to diversifying your revenue streams, online retail positions your expertise and savvy as a designer to a larger audience. Join the esteemed panelists for a vibrant discussion on what it takes to translate your brand’s online presence into e-commerce. The panel will answer your questions on what it takes to launch and manage online retail for your business. Complimentary boxed lunch provided. 1 IDCEC-approved CEU.

Monday, Oct. 21

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

The Business of Customization

Speakers – Beth Diana Smith, owner + principal designer, Beth Diana Smith Interior Design (moderator); Barry Dixon, president, Barry Dixon, Inc.; Eric Haydel, principal, Eric Haydel Design; Drew McGukin, principal, Drew McGukin Interiors; Michelle Workman, designer and principal, Michelle Workman Interiors

Clients seek the expertise of an interior designer because of their unique artistic vision. With a trained eye, designers can transform a space with custom-designed elements to fit specific lifestyle needs and aesthetics, and this ability can be a selling point for potential clients. Panelists will share tips on how to make customization a key part of your portfolio of services, from furniture, finishes, textiles, and more, and how to sell this differentiator to your clients. Complimentary boxed lunch provided. 1 IDCEC-approved CEU.