The High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, bringing more than 75,000 people to High Point every six months.  Joann and I have been to Highpoint at least 12 times and every year our business is enriched with new knowledge and resources. Although the action is still in full swing, Joann and I have just returned home. I can honestly say that this was the best High Point Market I have attended. The energy and electric commotion created by great products, refreshed showrooms, valuable educational opportunities and well attended social events made for a memorable week. 

A few fun facts about Highpoint:180 Buildings11.5 Million Square Feet of Showspace75,000 Attendees Each MarketMore Than 2000 Exhibitors100+ Countries RepresentedTens of Thousands of New Product IntroductionsApproximately 10% of Attendees Are International

According to my iPhone, we walked an average of 11, 452 steps per day.  The leg cramps and sore feet were well worth it!

It's amazing what the Highpoint team puts together.  The event schedule - both social and educational - is impressive! We always make time between our endless showroom visits to take advantage of the agenda.

The first event we attended was "The Next Wave of Designers" - a panel discussion with three up-and-coming designers recently recognized by House Beautiful as the next wave of designers: Jon Call, featured in March 2012, Patrick Mele, featured in February 2014, and Sara Gilbane Sullivan, featured in November 2010. They discussed how the recognition from House Beautiful changed their businesses and lives and what they are working on now. It was casual, funny and inspiring!

It's always great to see our colleagues on stage sharing their knowledge and experiences.  The commoderie we share with designers across the country has enriched our business and our love of the industry exponentially.

The educational agenda was REALLY impressive this year. Here's a link to all the events: http://www.highpointmarket.org/event/all/2014-10-18.

Let's also not forget the FUN social calendar the Highpoint Team puts together.  After a long day in the showrooms, we were more than happy to wind down!

A big shout out to Bernhardt, Gabby, Wesley Hall, CR Laine, Stanley, Mad Cap Cottage and Currey for entertaining us in the evenings.

Little River Band was the featured band this year.

And there's always friends to catch up with!

Our friends Bethanne Matari and Cecil Adams at Currey & Co.

Meeting up with our buddy Lisa Mende at C.R. Laine.

Each year we make an itinerary for ourselves of what we want to accomplish each day - we visited dozens and dozens of showrooms to see what's new to the marketplace.

The showrooms were impressive as always.

Design Legacy by Kelly O'Neal

There were lots of new relationships to be forged and new accounts to be opened. Finding new manufacturers to work with is always our favorite part of highpoint.

Mirth Studio in Charleston, SC

Hand blown glass lighting from SKlo in California.

A new venture by our designer friend Johanna Dobbs - Couture Lamps. A beautiful collection!

We also had to check to see what's new with our favorite manufacturers - love the mid century modern look of the new Brooks Console at Stanley Furniture.

Gabby Home was one of our favorite showrooms.

And of course - priority #1 - to sit in as many chairs and sofas as possible and make lots of notes! Most of our clients never personally sit in the furniture we specify for  their homes before they purchase it so it's up to us to sell with confidence!

Joann at Lee Industries

As you can see, we are designers that take FULL advantage of all that the Highpoint Furniture Market has to offer.

Congratulations to the Highpoint Market Authority team for a job well done!

We've got lots more to share about our favorite find and trends this market, so stay tuned!

Kelly