Registration is now open for an exciting panel discussion at High Point Market on Sunday, April 14 at 2pm in the Universal Furniture Showroom’s Learning Center.
Entitled The Role of Media in Shaping Client Expectations, the panel will offer a thought-provoking discussion with a lineup of design industry experts including celebrity designer Kelli Ellis, Design News Now Editor in Chief Courtney Porter, and AD photographer Tori Sikkema.
Ericka Saurit (moderator) will guide the conversation to unpack the impact of media on client expectations in the interior design industry—uncovering 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.
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. This panel offers a chance to hear from three talented experts, each with a different point of view.
Attendees to the event will leave with strategies to align client perceptions with the practicalities and nuances of authentic design work, fostering successful and realistic project outcomes.
“More and more designers are choosing to attend HPMKT specifically for the high quality of educational content, celebrity speakers, and seminars that help inform and inspire new ways to operate and grow their businesses. It’s an exciting time to be a designer—it’s a very generous industry!” – Ericka Saurit, designer and brand strategist
The event is open to all registered High Point Market attendees, and is presented by Universal Furniture. Additional event details may be found online at https://www.universalfurniture.com/events/sunday
About the panelists
Kelli Ellis is an award-winning International Designer, Host, Speaker, Artist, and Author of the best-selling book Do I Look Skinny in this House? Kelli stars in The Design Network’s Extravagant Spaces, Design Therapy, and MidMod: Then and Now. In tandem with her international projects, Kelli is the SVP of Operations & Industry Relations for Ronati, working with Designers, Antiques, and Art dealers world-wide based in Europe and CA.
Design News Now Editor-in-Chief Courtney Porter combines a deep understanding of luxury design, business development, and the tech media landscape to deliver insightful reporting in a voice and format respected throughout the industry. Interior designers, architects, showrooms and retail brands have relied on Porter to move their businesses upmarket and expand their reach.
Tori Sikkema is recognized by top New York, NJ, and CT designers and national brands for her expertise in capturing visually compelling narratives, as seen in her work in Architectural Digest. Her unique blend of skill and an editorial eye make her a go-to choice for those seeking elevated and refined interior, architectural, and lifestyle photography. Ericka Saurit is a designer, brand strategist, and founder of the Marketing School for Creatives and boutique marketing studio, Saurit Creative. She has overseen digital product development and brand strategy at Airbnb in San Francisco, created immersive physical and virtual brand experiences for Tag Heuer, Estee Lauder, and Procter & Gamble as well as top home and lifestyle brands around the world to develop award-winning brand messaging and engagement campaigns.
RSVP to the event here.
