The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has officially announced its extensive schedule of educational programming, panel discussions, and curated networking events for the upcoming Fall Market. Set to take place at The Point—conveniently situated on Commerce Avenue just one block west of the Transportation Terminal—the daily sessions will run from Saturday, October 17, through Tuesday, October 20. Serving as a central hub for attendees, The Point will offer registered Market guests a dedicated space to connect, learn, and recharge amidst the bustling bi-annual trade show.
Designed to cater to both first-time buyers and seasoned industry veterans, the multi-day agenda tackles some of the most pressing topics facing the home furnishings and interior design sectors today. From leveraging brand partnerships and integrating emerging artificial intelligence to expanding revenue streams and decoding future textile trends, the Fall Market lineup brings together prominent industry leaders, top-tier designers, and visionary experts to share their insights.
Saturday Programming Kicks Off with Brand Partnerships and Business Realities
The educational events commence on Saturday morning with the popular Hot Spot Tours, taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Led by seasoned Market veterans and members of the 2026 Style Spotters cohort—specifically Juliana Ewer and Isabel Ladd—these curated excursions feature two to three preselected showroom stops. Participants are encouraged to meet at The Point at 9:15 a.m. ahead of the 9:30 a.m. departure. Individuals interested in joining can review specific tour details and secure their spots by visiting the official High Point Market registration page.
Following the morning tours, attendees can settle in for the 10 a.m. session titled "What Your Brand Partners Wish You Would Ask For." In this enlightening discussion, a panel of veteran designers alongside brand leaders from Revolution Fabrics will pull back the curtain on co-marketing opportunities, valuable educational resources, and institutional brand support that many interior designers frequently overlook. The session, which includes a complimentary lunch for all participants, features a distinguished panel of guest speakers, including Jessica Duce, Anderson Gibbons, Claire Jefford, Libby Langdon, and Jennifer Smiga, with sponsorship generously provided by Revolution Fabrics.
Saturday afternoon continues with a candid and introspective conversation scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Entitled "Nobody Told Me This Was Part of the Job," this session addresses the unspoken hurdles of building an enterprise in the creative sector. Industry professionals will openly discuss setbacks, professional missteps, and the daily obstacles encountered while establishing a thriving design career. Aimed at both new and established interior design entrepreneurs, the panel offers real-world lessons, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom. The afternoon session is sponsored by Dezign Assist and features guest speakers Nicole Culler, Reed Humphrey, Jennifer Hutton, and Jessica Duce.
Sunday Focuses on the Human Element and Performance Fabrics
Sunday’s programming opens once again with the signature Hot Spot Tours from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., this time guided by industry luminaries Amber Guyton and Kathy Kuo. As with all Hot Spot excursions, participants will gather at The Point at 9:15 a.m. for a prompt 9:30 a.m. departure to explore selected showrooms tailored for both new and veteran Market visitors.
At 10 a.m., the focus shifts to the digital landscape with a thought-provoking session titled "The Human Advantage: What AI Can’t Replace." Tracee Murphy, widely known as The Design Biz Therapist, will lead a deep dive into the intersection of human psychology, emotional intelligence, and rapidly emerging technology. Attendees will learn how to successfully embrace digital innovations, such as artificial intelligence, without sacrificing the uniquely human skills that set exceptional design firms apart. The session provides practical strategies for navigating a technology-driven world and includes a complimentary lunch. Sponsorship for this event is provided by Trade Market Interiors and Studio Designer.
The Sunday afternoon event, running from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., is presented by Luxe magazine and explores the intersection of elevated aesthetics and everyday utility. Titled "Designing Interiors with Crypton Fabric and 29 Park," the session is moderated by Luxe senior editor Jennifer Boles. Leading designers will discuss how high-performance textiles allow professionals to achieve sophisticated looks without compromising livability. Attendees will have the opportunity to examine an extensive collection of Crypton Home Performance Fabrics while enjoying complimentary matcha drinks. The event is sponsored by Crypton Fabrics, Luxe, and 29 Park, with design insights shared by guest speaker Erika Hollinshead Ward alongside Boles.
Monday Explores Franchise Models and Springboard Trends
Monday morning’s Hot Spot Tour, scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., is led by tour guide Rhobin DelaCruz, offering another exclusive look at preselected showroom highlights for Market attendees.
At 10 a.m., the spotlight turns to scalable business models during a session titled "The Inside Stories Franchise: A New Revenue Stream for Design Firms." Miranda Cullen, founder and CEO of Inside Stories, will share the strategic vision behind her firm’s innovative franchise model. Developed following years of scaling one of Colorado’s most successful interior design businesses, the franchise opportunity is specifically structured to complement existing independent design firms and established practices. A complimentary lunch will be provided for attendees, courtesy of sponsor Inside Stories.
Monday afternoon brings one of the most anticipated events of the week: the Style Spotters Trend Panel, taking place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Moderated by Style Spotters alum Stacy Garcia, the panel features the 2026 Style Spotters recapping the overarching trends, styles, materials, and color palettes discovered across the Fall Market floor. The conversation features insights from returning guides Rhobin DelaCruz, Juliana Ewer, Kathy Kuo, Amber Guyton, and Isabel Ladd, providing a comprehensive overview of the directions in which home furnishings are evolving.
Tuesday Concludes with Future Textile Forecasts
The final day of educational panels at The Point takes place on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a forward-looking presentation titled "Reworking Beauty: Home Textile Trends for Spring/Summer 2027." Jaye Mize, vice president of advisory and partnerships at Future Snoops, joins Carrie Dillon, managing director of the International Textile Alliance, to examine the creative concepts and global influences that will shape the textile sector in upcoming seasons. The speakers will frame their discussion around the season’s overarching theme, "Discovery over Acquisition," offering attendees an exclusive preview of future material directions.
Exploring The Point and Its Amenities
Strategically located on Commerce Avenue, The Point functions as an essential resource center throughout the duration of the High Point Market. The facility remains open to registered Market guests from Friday through Tuesday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon. Daily panel discussions are consistently scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Beyond its robust schedule of educational events, The Point houses a comfortable lounge, an on-site eatery, and a dedicated guest services center. Market Advisors are permanently stationed on-site to assist visitors with navigation across the expansive 13-city block showroom district. Furthermore, a light lunch is served daily from Friday through Tuesday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The interior design of The Point was masterminded by Jessica Duce of JDuce Design, utilizing furnishings generously sourced from numerous High Point Market exhibitors and industry partners. Collaborating brands contributing to the physical space include Adesso, Benjamin Moore, Brown Jordan, Crystorama, LH Home, Made Goods, Revolution Fabrics, Splashworks, and Zuo Modern, creating an inspiring, functional environment for all who visit during the Fall Market.
