This High Point Market, Design News Now is teaming up with Lancaster, Ericka Saurit’s Marketing School for Creatives in the Universal Learning Center, Odette Furniture and Hooker Furnishings to bring buyers a series of panel discussions and fireside chats that will help them sell better, expand their brands and uplevel their business to enter the luxury market. Details about the events and RSVP links are below:
Sunday April 14th – 10am in the Lancaster Showroom: Upleveling Your Design Business to Enter the Luxury Market
Unlock the secrets to elevating your design business and make a foray into the luxury market with this enlightening talk from DNN Editor in Chief Courtney Porter and design business strategist Yudi Kaufman of YKD Associates. “Upleveling Your Design Business to Enter the Luxury Market” will take place at the Lancaster Showroom on Sunday, 4/14 from 10-11am. Please RSVP.

Sunday April 14th – 2pm at the Universal Learning Center: The Role of Media in Shaping Client Expectations
Join renowned design photographer Tori Sikkema, celebrity interior designer Kelli Ellis and DNN Editor in Chief Courtney Porter in a discussion about the media’s portrayal and impact on design clients’ expectations, moderated by Ericka Saurit. The media’s portrayal of interior design has had a significant impact on how clients perceive the design process, often shaping their expectations in terms of timelines, deliverables, and costs. Uncover the realities behind media-influenced client expectations regarding project timelines, budgets, and the design process, often distorted by the allure of instant transformations and trend-focused narratives. This insightful conversation will equip interior designers with strategies to align client perceptions with the practicalities and nuances of authentic design work, fostering successful and realistic project outcomes. Please RSVP.

Monday, April 15th – 11am in Odette Furniture: The Double-Edged Influence: Navigating the Impact of Social Media on Design Integrity
While social media platforms such as Instagram can be a powerful tool for interior designers, they also introduce challenges. In this thought-provoking panel, moderated by the Editor-in-Chief of Design News Now, Courtney Porter, designers will delve into how social media platforms influence design trends and client expectations. Angeline Hall, Antonio DeLoatch, and Victoria Holly will share their experiences and insights on how to navigate conversations with clients who have been influenced by social media to make choices that may not align with professional recommendations. No RSVP necessary.

Monday April 15th – 3pm in the Hooker Furnishings Designer’s Theatre: Design Business Blueprint: Best Ways to Pivot Your Design Business in Times of Uncertainty
From embracing digital transformation to fostering adaptive leadership – and everything in between – Business strategist Yudi Kaufman of YKD Associates and DNN Editor in Chief Courtney Porter will provide actionable insights for design professionals looking to thrive in unpredictable environments. Join us for a drink and bring your questions, as we delve into practical strategies to empower your business in the face of uncertainty. No RSVP necessary.
