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From Home Furnishing Business
ISFD Marks 30th Anniversary of Pinnacle Awards with Gala
August 19,
2026 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) will mark the 30th anniversary of its prestigious Pinnacle Awards® with an evening designed to bring the furniture industry together in celebration. Set during the Fall High Point Market, the 30th Annual Pinnacle Awards® Gala will be held on Monday, Oct. 19, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the IHFC 11th Floor Club Level Ballroom. Designers, manufacturers, retailers, industry veterans, students, and friends of ISFD are welcome to enjoy an evening of networking, cocktails, and an exciting presentation of awards to this year’s most outstanding furniture designs. The celebration also gives back with a portion of ticket proceeds supporting the ISFD Foundation Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to talented student designers nationwide. Seating is limited, and tickets are available now on the Pinnacle Awards® Gala website.
“30 years, thousands of designers, and countless creative moments have made the Pinnacle Awards a special part of our industry,” said David Blair, executive director of ISFD. “This 30th anniversary is an opportunity to come together for one unforgettable evening—to celebrate the people shaping the future of furniture design, honor the remarkable work being recognized, celebrate the legacy of these awards, and reconnect with the friends, colleagues, and industry veterans who have helped make this community so wonderful. By attending, guests also support the next generation of professional furniture designers through our scholarship fund.”
The celebration begins with a special student meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktails at 6 p.m. and the Pinnacle Awards® presentation at 7 p.m. Winners will be announced live during the Gala, making the evening an opportunity to be among the first to celebrate the designers whose work represents the outstanding creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship driving the industry forward.
To support the next generation of furniture designers, ISFD makes opportunities accessible to students through the Student Pinnacle Awards® and Gala. There is no entry fee for the competition, and every ISFD student member receives one complimentary ticket to the Gala. Companies interested in sponsoring this year’s student competition and Gala, or supporting these efforts through a donation, can learn more at Support the Students.
ISFD gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2026 Pinnacle Awards® sponsors: Presenting sponsor: Andmore; Bronze level: High Point Market Authority; Designer-Maker category sponsor: Appalachian Hardwood; Biophilic Design in Wood sponsor: Real American Hardwood; Student Competition sponsors: Furniture Design Studios, Lockdowel and Richard Frinier Design Studio; Corporate Partner: Canadian Wood; and industry partners: Designers Today, Elements Studios, Furniture Today, International Furnishings and Design Assn. and A New Day Creative Communications & Marketing. We would also like to thank the International Textile Alliance (ITA) and the Sustainable Furnishings Council for their continued support.