10 Tips for Designers
Christi Barbour is the founder and co-CEO of the multi-faceted, award-winning Barbour Spangle Design located in High Point. She and her team are the visionaries behind some of the most compelling showroom designs and visual merchandising displays at the High Point Market, Las Vegas Market Center, BDNY, AmericasMart Atlanta, and elsewhere. More than two decades of work behind-the-scenes at High Point Market make them the ultimate “market insiders.” The company’s business also includes interior design for luxury residential properties, educational institutions, healthcare, commercial and hospitality projects, and meeting and collaborative spaces. Christi is also the founder of the much-touted High Point Discovered blog highlighting the best the city of High Point has to offer. Christi and her co-CEO, Christi Spangle, work to improve their community by participating in numerous charities as well as serving on the boards of several industry organizations and local governmental and non-profit entities.
Attending the High Point Market can overwhelm even the most seasoned veterans of the furniture industry. As designers, it’s tough to juggle workload, deadlines and attend High Point. How do you ensure when you drive out of town you will feel like it was a good investment? Here's our top 10 tips to get the most out of your market experience.
1. Information:
You will not find a more friendly and knowledgeable-about-all-things-market than the team from High Point Market Authority. Trust us, we know. You can find them every day at The Point, a venue focused on exposing visitors to a taste of the best and brightest at Market.
2. New Goods:
IHFC's INTERHALL is our favorite place to find a curated assortment of up and coming furniture and home décor exhibitors chosen during a juried selection process.
3. Education:
One of the best-kept secrets of High Point Market is the educational opportunities to up your design business acumen. CEU’s, moderated panels and presentations are plentiful, making your time in High Point that much more valuable.
4. Food:
Take it from us, you need not rely on power bars to get you through a busy day. Many market showrooms provide hearty meals so be sure to check in advance with your reps and take advantage of the large variety of cuisine available. Insider Tip: our top two favorite lunch spots are Four Hands (they love designers) and the outside food trucks for some fresh air.
5. Travel Tips
High Point Market has a dedicated travel concierge to help you with all your travel planning details. Contact Lee Allen of Travel Quest 336.434.3867.
Other Quick Tips:
6. Pack a pair of flats in your bag for those long days.
7. Catch Uber at the corner of Commerce and Hamilton by the John Coltrane statue.
8. Don’t miss the networking opportunities that will most assuredly open doors you never thought possible.
9. Shop early for one of kind items and stay late to take advantage of market sample sales!
10. And to see our top five burning questions that we are most often asked about coming to High Point visit the High Point Discovered blog here.
