Hooker Furnishings Announces Programming for Spring HPMKT

April 1, 2026  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

“This spring, we’ve assembled a lineup that celebrates the creativity of the interior design community,” said Cameron Sellers, VP of marketing at Hooker Furnishings. “We carefully selected offerings that give interior designers and retail buyers opportunities to learn and be inspired, including a CEU session on how color influences the human experience, a healing-focused design panel in partnership with the City of Hope, lessons from industry trailblazers, practical ways to simplify sourcing, and high-end project strategies. Each event offers designers a chance to explore what’s next in their craft, whether they are just starting out or pushing the boundaries of their practice.

Hooker Furnishings’ Designer’s Theater events include:

Friday, April 24, 2:00 – 3:00 PM 

What Does “To the Trade” Really Mean? Join Us to Find Out More.

Moderators: Laurie Laizure, Founder of Interior Design Community; Julie Pearson, Interior Design Channel Manager, Hooker Furnishings; and Misty Ellis, Director of Design, Hooker Custom Upholstery.

Discover practical ways to make sourcing simpler and more efficient for your projects. This session is created for interior designers who want to streamline processes, expand customization options, and stay on schedule for their clients.

And most importantly, we want to hear from you. Your perspective, your challenges, and your feedback matter. This is a conversation built around you — the interior designer.

Saturday, April 25, 10:00 – 11:00 AM 

City of Hope “Designs that Heal” Panel with Hooker Furnishings

Moderator: Ellie Alexander, Marketing Specialist at Hooker Furnishings

Panelists: Jessica Duce, Owner & Principal Designer, JDuce Design, & VRD co-founder;

Kathryn Behmer, Director of Merchandising, Accents and Occasional at Hooker Furnishings; Loren Boyko, Director, Corporate Philanthropy, City of Hope; a City of Hope patient; and Donna Moss, HGTV Design Star, and former host of Donna Decorates Dallas.

Join us for an inspiring and purpose-driven conversation, where innovation, compassion, and design intersect in powerful ways. 

This special panel will explore the intentionality behind the thoughtfully curated spaces at City of Hope. Every detail, from color palettes to furnishings, is selected with care to create environments that promote comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being. Design is not an afterthought - it is part of the healing journey. 

This panel also offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with City of Hope—learning more about its mission, engaging with leaders, and discovering ways to become part of a movement that extends far beyond our walls.

Sunday, April 26, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Lesson Learned + Profits Earned

Moderator: Rick Campos - Design Biz Survival Guide 

Panelists: Mae Reedy, CEO, Principal Designer, GC Mae Reedy Build + Design;

Rhonnika Clifton, Allied ASID, CAPS, NKBA Owner/Principal, RJ Clifton Designs, LLC; and Meredith Huck, Owner and Creative Director, House of Huck

You won’t want to miss this insightful panel discussion with three industry pros about where they started, where they’ve been, and where they’re headed in the business of design. Our panelists will reveal lessons learned, finding their why, their path to profitability, and the vision for the future of their design business.

Sunday, April 26, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2026: Anthology Volume Two

CEU Credits: 1.0 (qualifies toward HSW requirements) 

Presenter: Trend Insight Team Member 

This course will take the participant on a directional color journey, showcasing stimulating imagery, evidence-based findings, and a focus on Health, Safety, and Wellness requirements that are found throughout the main color drivers, as well as color, material and finish directions for 2026. We will explore the macro trends influencing future color directions that include historical, psychological, and sustainability factors, providing insight into the four-color evolution stories for 2026: Frosted Tints, Sunbaked Hues, Restorative Darks, and Foundational Neutrals.

Monday, April 27, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Are you Built for a $4 Million Client? The Three Tiers of Luxury Consumers and How to Recognize Them

A Fireside Chat with LuAnn Nigara and Kate O’Hara

Moderators: LuAnn Nigara, author and host of A Well-Designed Business podcast; Kate O’Hara, CEO and Creative Director of O’Hara Interiors.

What truly separates a $400K project from a $4M project? It’s not just the budget. Join LuAnn Nigara, author and host of A Well-Designed Business podcast, as she leads a candid conversation with Kate O’Hara, CEO and Creative Director of O’Hara Interiors. Kate is not simply the creative force behind an award-winning luxury firm. She is a disciplined, profit-focused CEO leading a multi-studio operation executing custom projects at scale. 

This is not about aesthetics. It is about understanding the tiers of luxury consumers, how they think, what they value, and whether your business is prepared to serve them at the level they require.