VRD at High Point Market Spring 2025
- Vacation Rental Designers
- Apr 22
- 15 min read
Updated: May 23
Your VIP Pass to Market's Most Exclusive Events
You're invited to join an incredible lineup of intimate gatherings, expert panels, and showroom events—each one carefully curated with our brand partners. Think of it as your backstage pass to Market's most meaningful conversations.
No more wondering which events to attend. We've handpicked every session to maximize your Market experience, hosting each event either in our partners' stunning showrooms or featuring our trusted brand collaborators on every panel.
Ready to make the most of your Market week? Join us for five days of connection, inspiration, and insider access you won't find anywhere else.
Friday, April 25
Quit Glossing Over Your Financials Friday, April 25 2pm - 3pm -----
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Learn *Just Enough* Design Math to Scale Your Firm and Build Real Wealth for You & Your Family. Solve your revenue, cash flow, and profitability challenges. Learn the 3 key numbers you need to know to track and optimize to build a multi-million-dollar design firm.
Speakers: Traci Connell
Succeed with 2025 Trends: Insights from the ASID Outlook Report Friday, April 25 2pm - 3pm -----
Hooker Furnishings: Showplace, Floor 3
Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
The 2025 ASID Trends Outlook Report reveals the key shifts shaping the future of design, from wellness-focused environments to sustainability and technological advancements. As spaces evolve to meet changing lifestyles and expectations, understanding these trends is essential for designers, retailers, and industry professionals. Join Dr. Dawn Haynie, a leading researcher and industry expert, as she unpacks the latest findings and provides actionable strategies for creating innovative, purpose-driven spaces that enhance well-being, resilience, and inclusivity. Whether you're a designer, retailer, or simply passionate about the future of interiors, this engaging session will equip you with the insights needed to stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.
CEU Hours: 1
Speakers: Dr. Dawn Haynie, Ph.D.
From Interiors to Empire: Scaling your business beyond design Friday, April 25 3pm - 4pm -----
Unique Loom, Market Square, Floor 1, 190
Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Interior design is just the beginning…you’ve mastered interiors, now what’s next? Many designers are evolving their careers to become editors, educators, coaches, brand strategists, and product developers. If you’ve been sitting on a business idea (or two!) don’t miss this chance to hear from designers who’ve successfully pivoted, diversified, or expanded—without leaving their design roots behind. Whether you’re eager to explore new ventures or future-proof your career, this panel offers inspiration and a roadmap for your next big move. Bring your questions for the panelists and stick around after for Pivot & Pour—our networking happy hour. Kick off your spring HPMKT adventure with us at Unique Loom!
Speakers: Marisa Wilson, Kate Benewald, Jana Platina Phipps, Ericka Saurit
Pappy Hour with the Van Winkle Family & Meet Jessica and Peg of VRD Friday, April 25 3pm - 5pm
THOMPSON, 313.Space, Floor 2, M20
Shuttle Stop: 2 (Green Line)
Sip on bourbon cocktails, enjoy lite fare, and browse select products from Thompson and Pappy & Company. Members of the Van Winkle family will attend the event to meet the design community and share details about our Everyday Heirlooms Collection of luxury barware and other products available for bourbon lovers.
Hooker Furnishings International Buyer Showroom Ribbon Cutting Friday, April 25 4pm - 4:30pm -----
Hooker Furnishings International, Showplace, Floor 2, 2340
Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
Hooker Furnishings is expanding its global footprint with the debut of a dedicated International Buyer Showroom at the April 2025 High Point Market. This milestone reflects the brand’s commitment to serving a worldwide audience with thoughtfully curated designs tailored to international tastes and lifestyles. Set apart from its flagship showroom, the dedicated space – located on the second floor of Showplace in space 2340 – is approximately 5,000 sq. ft. and offers a refined showcase of Hooker Furnishings’ Modern Country Collection, created exclusively for international distribution. The company will host a ribbon cutting on April 25th at 4 pm to celebrate the opening of the new showroom.
Streamlining Success: Optimizing Operations for Interior Design Firms Friday, April 25 4pm - 5pm -----
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Efficient operations are the backbone of a thriving interior design business, from project management to financial oversight. This panel will explore best practices for improving workflow efficiency, leveraging technology, and implementing scalable processes that support growth. Join us as industry experts share insights on how to balance creativity with operational excellence to build a more profitable and sustainable design firm.
Speakers: Julia Nikishina, Rebekah Zaveloff, Daniel Paul
Happy Hour @ The Forge Friday, April 25 4:30pm - 6pm -----
Hubbardton Forge, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH211
Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
Join us for Happy Hour Friday through Monday evening for libations and delicious bites. Gather with friends from the design community and share your day's best finds and adventures. Meet the team from Hubbardton Forge and see all of the latest in luxury lighting. Have a custom lighting challenge? Talk with us! We're here to help.
7 Steps to Fill Your Profit Pipeline Saturday, April 26 10am - 11am -----
Universal Furniture International, Inc. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Would you like to escape the worry about where the next project is coming from? Are you ready to work exclusively with ideal clients? Don’t miss this proven process by design business strategist Melissa Galt that will transform your practice from a revenue rollercoaster to steady growth and predictable profits. Come and learn marketing strategies, fee formulas and contract clauses.
Speakers: Melissa Galt
Saturday, April 26
Grit & Grace: Building a lifestyle brand with resilience & soul Saturday, April 26 10am - 11am -----
Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 ShuttleStop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
This isn’t your average panel—it’s a front-row seat to the raw, real journey of what it takes to build an iconic lifestyle brand. Join moderators Tori Sikkema and Ericka Saurit as they move through the audience, bringing you into an interactive conversation with RAD founders Carla Regina Zajac and James Andrew Slaven. Explore what it takes to turn your creative passion into success, the challenges in getting started and scaling up, and how RAD’s Grit & Grace philosophy can inspire your own journey. Come curious and get insights you won’t hear anywhere else at Market. Limited space available…the first 50 guests will receive a special gift from Regina Andrew.
Speakers: Ericka Surrat, Torri Sikkema, Carla Zajac, James Slaven
Designing Well Showroom tour @Eastern Accents: by ASID Saturday, April 26 11am - 12pm -----
Eastern Accents, Suites At Market Square, Ground, G-1000
Shuttle Stop: 14 (Red/Green Line)
Ready to kick start your Market experience and discover the must-sees and must-haves in products? Join Market Pro, Shane Jones, ASID on a guided “DESIGNING WELL” tour through Eastern Accents and top showrooms from lighting to furniture, rugs, and accessories. This tour is a must if you're looking for a perfect way to start your Market experience. The tour is Saturday, April 26th from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm.
To join the tour RSVP to sjones@asid.org.
Speakers: Shane Jones
Designing Well Showroom tour @Hooker Furnishings by ASID Saturday, April 26 12:30pm - 1:30pm -----
Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3
Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
Ready to kick start your market experience and discover the must see’s and have’s in products? Join Market Pro, Shane Jones, ASID on a guided “DESIGNING WELL” tour, perfect for new buyers and Market veterans alike. This tour is a must if you're looking for a perfect way to start your Market experience. You'll explore top showrooms, from lighting to furniture, rugs, and accessories, and see how innovative designs can bring your projects to life.
To join the tour RSVP to sjones@asid.org.
Speakers: Shane Jones
How Interior Design Duos Work Together Saturday, April 26 1pm - 2pm -----
Feizy Rugs Shuttle Stop: 18 (Red Line)
Join us as top design duos share their secrets to successful collaboration, from dividing responsibilities and handling creative differences to maximizing workflow and client relationships. Whether you’re considering a partnership or looking to refine your teamwork, this conversation is packed with invaluable insights. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and get inspired!
Speakers: Patti Carpenter, Everick and Lisa Brown, Denise Gordon, Tanya Lewis
Interiors in Focus: Smartphone Tips and Styling Secrets Saturday, April 26 2pm - 3pm -----
Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
Join smartphone photography expert Linda Holt and interior stylist Christy Day for a fun, interactive workshop on capturing and styling interiors like a pro. With over 25 years in photography and a background in interior design, Linda teaches designers how to take polished, professional-looking photos using just a smartphone. Christy, whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Coastal Living, brings her expertise in styling for top brands to show how composition and finishing touches can elevate any space. If you are looking to refine your visual storytelling, this session will provide simple yet impactful techniques to make your interiors stand out and create stunning portfolio images or social media content.
Speakers: Linda Holt, Christy Day
How to Legally Fortify your Interior Design Business Saturday, April 26 3pm - 4pm -----
Feizy Rugs
Shuttle Stop: 18 (Red Line)
Join us for an insightful panel discussion covering essential aspects of the design industry, from vetting clients and navigating political issues that impact the design process to understanding what you should know about a client before taking on a project. Learn how to set yourself up for success, and don’t miss the opportunity to engage in a dynamic Q&A session with industry experts!
Speakers: Adam Wasserman, Marie Cloud, Corey Damen Jenkins, Wendy Estela
Heritage & Harmony: The Voice of Home Saturday, April 26 3pm - 4pm -----
Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas of Nine Design and Home as well as Bargain Block, as we explore the intersection of design, heritage, and craftsmanship in creating a home that truly tells a story. This engaging discussion will delve into how thoughtfully curated, heirloom-quality pieces can shape the character of a space—blending history, function, and personal style. Through their unique approach to home restoration and design, Keith and Evan will share insights on every space telling a meaningful story.
Don’t miss this chance to gain expert perspectives in a cozy, conversational setting. The first 25 guests will receive RAD Swag. Small bites and cocktails following this session to all guests.
Speakers: Keith Bynum, Evan Thomas
Pappy Hour with the Van Winkle Family Saturday, April 26 3pm - 5pm -----
THOMPSON, 313.Space, Floor 2, M20
Shuttle Stop: 2 (Green Line)
Sip on bourbon cocktails, enjoy lite fare, and browse select products from Thompson and Pappy & Company. Members of the Van Winkle family will attend the event to meet the design community and share details about our Everyday Heirlooms Collection of luxury barware and other products available for bourbon lovers.
The Creative Comeback Saturday, April 26 4pm - 5pm -----
Universal Furniture International, Inc.
Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Are you suffering from creative fatigue and burnout? 99% of the creative professionals I speak to are. Many describe feeling stuck, unmotivated, and ambivalent. Some feel like they want to blow up their business and start over entirely. In this talk, we’ll uncover the hidden causes of creative fatigue and burnout, discuss how they impact your life and work, and share the first steps to begin your recovery. Learn how to reignite your passion, rediscover your purpose, and start building resilience for a more fulfilling and sustainable future.
Speakers: Ginna Christensen
HiEnd Accents: Beyond the Headboard - Leveraging Top-of-Bed for Bottom Line Growth Saturday, April 26 4pm - 5pm -----
ANDMORE Seminar Room, SAMS T-1022 Located in the Suites at Market Square
Join us to discover how top-of-bed products can transform your store's profitability and customer experience. Profit Boosters: How integrating top-of-bed not only increases average order value but also enhances furniture and mattress sales through strategic pairing and styling. Visual Merchandising Magic: The art of creating compelling top-of-bed displays, including live bed-dressing demonstrations to boost customer engagement and drive sales. Market Shift Opportunity: How recent closures of major home goods retailers have created a prime opportunity for furniture and mattress stores to become the go-to destination for bedding. Success Stories: Examples of furniture and mattress stores that have successfully integrated bedding lines.
CEU Hours: .1
Speakers: Scottie Collins (HiEnd Accents creative director), Melissa Walz, Elizabeth Orth-He
Cocktails & Book Signing with Corey Damen Jenkins Saturday, April 26 4pm - 5pm -----
Feizy Rugs Shuttle Stop: 18 (Red Line)
Sip, Celebrate & Meet Corey Damen Jenkins! Join us for an exclusive book signing and cocktail party with the renowned designer—an evening of inspiration, elegance, and great company awaits!
Braxton Culler 50th Anniversary Party Saturday, April 26 4pm - 7pm -----
Braxton Culler
Shuttle Stop: 13 (Green Line)
Braxton Culler was founded in 1975. Come celebrate our 50th anniversary with us at the showroom from 4-7 pm on Saturday, April 26th. There will be food, drinks, live music, and fun! Hope to see you there in your best 70's era fashion!
Sunday, April 27
Casting Your A-Team: How to Hire, Inspire, and Let Go (Without Losing Your Mind) Sunday, April 27 10am - 11am -----
Universal Furniture International, Inc.
Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Ready to turn hard work into your dream business? Join Gail Doby and Erin Weir, co-founders of Pearl Collective and the ultimate business gurus for interior designers, in this lively, hands-on workshop where you'll get the scoop on building a powerhouse team—and reclaiming your life. Bring your challenges and leave with a clear action plan to build a team that works as hard as you do.
Speakers: Gail Doby, Erin Weir
Marketing Strategies for Interior Designers: Building a Standout Brand in 2025 Sunday, April 27 10am - 11am -----
Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
This session will dive into effective marketing strategies tailored for interior designers, helping them attract ideal clients, build their brand, and leverage digital tools for growth. With LuAnn Nigara moderating an expert panel, you’ll takeaway insights on: brand voice: are you positioning yourself as a luxury, mid-market, or accessible designer?; the power of storytelling: showcasing projects in a compelling way; balancing organic content vs. paid advertising; and using AI tools for content creation & marketing efficiency. RSVP required.
Speakers: LuAnn Nigara, Laurie Laizure, Cameron Sellers, Jude Charles
Create, Elevate, Dominate! Sunday, April 27 11am - 12pm -----
Unique Loom, Market Square, Floor 1, 190
Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Finding your niche in the design world!
Speakers: Jessica Duce, Nina Klemm, Nikki Watson, Johnathan Miller
From Corporate to Creative: The Power of Business Acumen in Interior Design Sunday, April 27 11am - 12pm -----
Feizy Rugs
Shuttle Stop: 18 (Red Line)
Success in interior design isn’t just about creativity—it’s about strategy. From translating corporate strategies into branding and operations to implementing inclusive marketing practices that attract a diverse, high-end clientele, this discussion will explore the intersection of business and creativity. In addition, the audience will learn how diverse voices are shaping the future of interior design and innovation, as well as strategies for supporting and uplifting underrepresented designers.
Speakers: Gary Inman, Lorna Gross, Rasheeda Gray, Traci Connell
Natalie Papier "Start With The Art" Book Signing Sunday, April 27 11am - 1pm -----
Wexel Art, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH508
Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
Calling all designers with a passion for art! Stop by our booth (InterHall IHFC 508) and meet Natalie Papier, the talented author of Start With The Art. The first 25 designers to visit us will receive a free book for Natalie to sign!
Speakers: Natalie Papier
Meet Lorna & Get a Signed Copy of her book! Sunday, April 27 12pm - 1pm -----
Feizy Rugs
Shuttle Stop: 18 (Red Line)
Lorna Gross is coming to Feizy Rugs at High Point Market for an exclusive book signing! Stop by, say hello, and snag your signed copy—just in time to elevate your Spring entertaining! Don’t miss this special chance to meet her in person!
The Art of Reinvention, Keeping Pace with the Changing World of Interior Design Sunday, April 27 1pm - 2pm -----
Feizy Rugs
Shuttle Stop: 18 (Red Line)
Interior Design, like acting, music, and fashion, requires creative personalities to continually grow and evolve as their discipline is intrinsically linked with lifestyles and cultural shifts. The ability to maintain one’s core values while remaining innovative and relevant is a delicate dance that successful designers must achieve. Hear from three phenomenal women who have navigated diverse career paths, from luxury fashion to couture-level interiors and chic shops, finding balance between creativity, life, and love.
Speakers: Gary Inman, Arianne Bellizaire, Victoria Sanchez, Alejandra Thompson De Jordan
Marketing your Design Business in the Age of Algorithms Sunday, April 27 2pm - 3pm -----
The Point (on Commerce Ave, one block from the Transportation Terminal)
While social platforms shift to algorithm-driven content distribution, the media landscape as we once knew it is also adapting to the ever-changing consumption habits of their audiences. This presents a unique challenge to designers seeking to navigate these tools to their maximum potential. Whether you are looking to grow your brand, gain industry recognition, or attract clients, discover how to build "true fan" relationships that thrive independently of these changes. Learn from top design talents and marketing mavens how to create resonant content, discover new revenue streams, develop strategic partnerships, and market your way to industry acclaim - whether implementing strategies on your own or building the right team for your needs.
Speakers: Alyssa Zimerman, Ericka Saurit, Jennifer Smiga, Tina Ramchandani, Rasheeda Gray
How to Start Your Short-Term Rental Design Business Sunday, April 27 2pm - 3pm -----
Universal Furniture International, Inc.
Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Short-term rental is the fastest growing segment of interior design. But where do you start? And what do you need to know? Join STR design expert and founder of Vacation Rental Designers Jessica Duce, interior design business coach Traci Connell and Emily King of Data Led Design, as they bring you information you need to begin working in the short-term rental market, and the insights on how to make it profitable.
Speakers: Jessica Duce, Emily King, Traci Connell
Roar Forward…Meet Your Future Sunday, April 27 2pm - 3pm -----
Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3
Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
America has entered a period of disruptive demographic change which is remaking social, political, and economic norms while ushering in a new era for our country. Older populations will outnumber younger ones across the nation as we are experiencing declining birth rates, and increased longevity. Meet the Re-Imagineers: today’s 50+ consumers who are redefining stereotypes and driving new trends toward making their best future a reality. With more than 30 years of experience in media, publishing, and marketing strategy, Kelly has advised global brands on how to adapt to evolving consumer landscapes. In this session, she will provide actionable strategies for businesses and interior designers to thrive in an era of demographic transformation.
Speakers: Kelly Peterson
Cocktails & Keeler Sunday, April 27 3pm - 5pm -----
THOMPSON, 313.Space, Floor 2, M20
Shuttle Stop: 2 (Green Line)
Learn more about the Thompson & Keeler Brass Company Strategic Design Alliance, browse select product pairings, and sip on craft cocktails during this special in-booth event. Knikki Grantham, Creative Director of Keeler Brass Company, will be on hand to meet designers and explain our curated guide of finishes and showcase their incredible knobs, pulls, and hardware.
Naturally Fabulous Sunday, April 27 3pm - 6pm -----
Unique Loom, Market Square, Floor 1, 190
Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Please join us for a fabulous evening with our own Jill Zarin as she introduces new amazing lines. We will have cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, familiar faces, and fantastic product to share with you! Can't wait to see you there!
Speakers: Jill Zarin
Gilded Hour Social Sunday, April 2 3:30pm - 6:30pm -----
Regina Andrew, IHFC, Commerce, Floor 1, IH006
Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
Celebrate Spring Market with Regina Andrew. Featuring signature Detroit-inspired cocktails served up by a local mixologist and light bites from 1618 West. Live music with DJ David Haire. The first 100 visitors receive some RAD Swag!
Protect Your Profits: 10 Essentials for Your Design Contract Sunday, April 27 4pm - 5pm -----
Universal Furniture International, Inc.
Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Your design agreement is the cornerstone of a strong, successful partnership with your clients. In this presentation, you'll discover the key standard and customizable elements every design contract should include. Plus, John will share his Top 10 essential components to safeguard both your clients and your business, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind.
Speakers: John McClain
Meet & Mingle: Breegan Jane Book Signing! Sunday, April 27 5pm - 6pm -----
Feizy Rugs
Shuttle Stop: 18 (Red Line)
Join us for an exclusive meet & greet and book signing with renowned interior designer Breegan Jane as she celebrates her brand-new book “California Beach House Luxury”! Be one of the first 10 attendees, and you’ll receive a free signed copy—don’t miss this exciting opportunity!
Lessons Learned & Profits Earned: Design Pros Share Their Design Business Journey & Their Path to Profitability Monday, April 28 10am - 11am -----
Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3
Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
Join us for an 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.
Speakers: Rick Campos, Jamie Gasparovic, Melissa Sanabria, Antionio DeLoatch
Color Capsule of the Year: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Innovation Monday, April 28 12pm - 1pm -----
Unique Loom, Market Square, Floor 1, 190Shuttle Stop: 29 (Red Line)
Featuring Sherwin Williams' Natalie Miller, Alexandre Fleuren, and Elizabeth Scruggs ; moderated by Ericka Saurit.
Speakers: Elizabeth Scruggs, Alexandre Fleuren, Ericka Saurit
Ditch the 60-30-10 rule: A Better way to Decorate with Color Monday, April 28 2pm - 3pm -----
Universal Furniture International, Inc.
Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)
Ready to move beyond basic neutrals and all-white rooms? Learn a powerful three-step system for decorating with color. In this session you will learn the professional secrets to building a cohesive color palette that works every time. Plus, master the 9 essential neutral undertones that are the secret to decorating with today’s most sought-after warm neutrals.
Speakers: Maria Killam
Beyond the Basics: Vacation Rentals, Residential, and Staging Design Monday, April 28 2pm - 3pm -----
Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3 Shuttle Stop: 1 (Transportation Terminal)
The differences between vacation rental design, residential design, and staging design go far beyond the products you specify. In this expert-led panel, STR-expert Jessica Duce, residential designer Rachel Moriarty, and luxury stager Birgit Anich will break down the unique aspects of each discipline, offering key insights on pricing structures, client focus, and the designer-client relationship across these industries. Whether you're looking to expand your services or better understand the nuances of these growing markets, this discussion will provide the expertise you need to navigate the opportunities within each category.
Speakers: Jessica Duce, Rachel Moriarty, Birgit Anich
Comments