Interior Design Markets: How to Attend Strategically & Profitably

If you have ever questioned whether attending an interior design market is worth the time, energy, and investment, this article is for you. 

Markets are rarely taught as strategic business environments. Most designers are told to go – without ever being shown how to decide why, when, or whether attending truly serves their firm. 

Going to market is a strategic business decision. 
It is definitely not a vacation. 
It is also not an obligation. 
And it is about far more than inspiration. 

Market is work. It is opportunity. It is access. And when approached intentionally, it can profoundly impact your interior design firm’s profitability, positioning, and growth. 

There is no “right” market in isolation. 
There is only the right market for your firm right now. 

Your business model, visibility goals, growth stage, bandwidth, and energy all matter. 

Interior Design Markets: How to Attend Strategically & Profitably 

If you have ever questioned whether attending an interior design market is worth the time, energy, and investment, this article is for you. 

Markets are rarely taught as strategic business environments. Most designers are told to go – without ever being shown how to decide why, when, or whether attending truly serves their firm. 

Going to market is a strategic business decision. 
It is definitely not a vacation. 
It is also not an obligation. 
And it is about far more than inspiration. 

Market is work. It is opportunity. It is access. And when approached intentionally, it can profoundly impact your interior design firm’s profitability, positioning, and growth. 

There is no “right” market in isolation. 
There is only the right market for your firm right now. 

Your business model, visibility goals, growth stage, bandwidth, and energy all matter. 

Understanding Which Interior Design Markets Matter 

There are several national and international design markets available to interior designers. Each serves a different purpose—and none are mandatory. 

Designers most often attend markets such as: 
• High Point Market (Spring & Fall) 
• Las Vegas Market 
• Atlanta Market, including ADAC 
• Dallas Market Center 
• Legends of Design 
• ICFF 

Internationally, designers expand their lens at: 
• Maison & Objet and Déco Off 
• London Design Week 
• Salone del Mobile 

The goal is not to attend everything. 
The goal is to attend intentionally, with a clear reason and a clear return. 

Reason #1: Strategic Sourcing (Not the Lazy Loop) 

The most obvious, and most underutilized, reason designers attend market is sourcing. 

At market, designers can: 

• Discover new manufacturers and emerging brands 
• Evaluate quality firsthand through sit tests and material inspection 

Seeing product in person matters. Scale, finish, craftsmanship, and construction cannot be fully assessed online—especially for designers working in luxury, custom, or whole-home projects. 

Markets also protect you from what I call the lazy loop: defaulting to the same vendors simply because they are familiar. There are always manufacturers you have never heard of—often with better lead times, stronger service, and pricing that protects your margins. 

Reason #2: Relationship Building That Protects Profit 

Markets are where relationships are strengthened, not casually, but strategically. 

Strong vendor relationships support: 

• Easier account openings and better access 
• Improved lead times, custom options, and real problem-solving support 

Being present matters. Being recognized matters. Asking the right questions matters. 

At market, you should be asking about: 

• Manufacturing locations and what is currently in stock 
• Lead times, tariffs, and supply-chain realities 

When vendors know you, understand your business, and recognize your name, you are better served. That recognition is earned through consistent presence and real conversation—not emails from behind a desk. 

Reason #3: Education That Sharpens Direction 

Education is another powerful reason interior designers attend market—particularly at High Point, the world’s largest furniture market.  

Market education now includes: 

• Panels and curated learning experiences 
• Showroom trainings and in-depth product education 

The best designers do not attend education to chase trends. They attend to stay sharp, informed, and positioned, so they can lead with confidence instead of reacting after the fact. 

The Designer Profit Intensive (Before High Point) 

If you want to maximize your market experience, this is where the Designer Profit Intensive comes in. 

Held on Thursday, April 23rd, just before High Point Market opens, this one-day experience restructures profitability and positioning before you step foot on the shuttle. 

During this intensive, you will: 

• Restructure your rates using six proven flat-fee formulas 
• Refine your Design Discovery process to grow scope and confidence 
• Learn marketing that attracts ideal clients—without frustration or contortion 

Gourmet breakfast, lunch, and a happy hour are included, alongside 14 focused designers in a powerful working environment. GET THE DETAILS HERE.  

Reason #4: Peer, Colleague, and Mentor Connections 

Design is a relationship-driven industry. 

Designers attend market to: 

• Connect with peers who understand leadership responsibility 
• Strengthen mentor relationships and reduce isolation 

There is something grounding about being in a room with other interior design firm principals who carry the same weight. These conversations often evolve into referrals, collaborations, and long-term support. 

Proximity leads to profit and perspective. 

Reason #5: Visibility With Brands 

Markets are more than sourcing environments. They are visibility platforms. 

Market visibility creates access to: 

• Licensing opportunities 
• Brand ambassador and collaboration relationships 

These opportunities begin with presence and are built through consistent, intentional engagement. 

Reason #6: Influence and Long-Term Positioning 

Designers attend markets to expand influence. 

Market presence supports: 

• Content creation and visual storytelling 
• PR exposure, speaking opportunities, and long-term positioning 

Markets offer behind-the-scenes access and alignment moments that cannot be replicated remotely. Presence matters, especially when it aligns with where you are going, not just where you have been. 

Reason #7: Being Treated Like the Royalty You Are 

Designers are specifiers, tastemakers, and economic drivers. 

At market, you’ll experience: 

• VIP events, private dinners, and curated experiences 
• Genuine recognition of your role and influence 

This is not ego. This is acknowledgment, and enjoying it is allowed. 

Reason #8: Seeing and Being Seen 

Market is about intentional presence. 

That includes: 

• Dressing intentionally 
• Showing up confidently in the right rooms 

Market is not casual attendance. It is strategic visibility. 

We are often planning our wardrobe choices a week or month in advance. It’s designers getting their style on, dressing their brand, and enjoying time out from behind their laptop and out of the office.  

Reason #9: Real-Time Human Connection 

Designers crave connection beyond the screen. 

Markets offer: 

• Toe-to-toe conversations 
• Shared experiences with designers from around the world 

Markets dissolve aloneness. You meet yourself in other versions, sharing the highs, lows, and responsibility of leadership. 

Reason #10: Because It Is Fun 

Yes. Market is fun. 

Market energy provides: 

• Momentum and clarity 
• Perspective when client or contractor challenges feel heavy 

Markets are where shifts happen. Where change feels possible. Where creativity and leadership collide. 

The High Point VIP Designer Tour 

To experience High Point without the lazy loop, the High Point VIP Designer Tour introduces you to resources you did not know existed—and now cannot live without. 

On this curated tour, you will: 

• Discover off-the-beaten-path manufacturers who truly serve designers 
• Build sourcing relationships that elevate every project 

You will travel in style, enjoy curated experiences, and connect with partners who support your growth. Breakfast, lunch, and a happy hour are included. 

Attend Fewer. Attend Better. 

Markets are not about being everywhere. 
They are about being where it matters most. 

When chosen intentionally, markets support sourcing, relationships, visibility, and leadership growth. When chosen reactively, they drain energy and dilute focus. 

Know your why before you go. 
Design your presence the same way you design your business—with clarity and intention.