High Point Market is one of the most valuable events you can attend as an interior designer, but without a solid plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re wondering how to prepare for High Point Market, a clear strategy is essential to navigate the thousands of showrooms, industry events, and networking opportunities available. With so much to see and do, knowing what to expect and having a game plan can make all the difference.
Spring High Point Market runs from April 26-30, 2025 and my chauffeur-driven limo VIP Designer Tour is on Friday, April 25—so plan accordingly!
Episode Highlights
- 02:30 – “Why you need to plan for Market (size, scope, and importance).”
- 07:45 – “Mapping out showrooms and prioritizing your time.”
- 15:10 – “Booking flights, accommodations, and avoiding travel mishaps.”
- 25:50 – “Must-attend events and showroom appointments.”
- 32:15 – “Packing essentials and staying comfortable while looking stylish.”
How to Prepare for High Point Market
High Point Market is massive:
✔ 180 buildings
✔ 12 million square feet of showroom space
✔ 2,000+ manufacturers
✔ Representation from over 100 countries
✔ 80,000+ visitors flooding the town of High Point
Translation? If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll end up exhausted, frustrated, and missing out on the showrooms and events that truly matter for your business.
Step 1: Mapping Out Your Showrooms
If you’re wondering how to prepare for High Point Market, start by mapping out your showrooms. Don’t make the rookie mistake of thinking you can tackle an entire Market zone in a day. My client Megan tried to map out a showroom zone per day, and I had to tell her—Superwoman couldn’t even pull that off! Each zone has multiple days’ worth of showrooms, so be selective.
✔ Prioritize your must-visit showrooms.
✔ Minimize the distance between stops to save time and energy.
✔ Don’t forget the temporaries—you’ll find fresh, independent, and nimble manufacturers willing to customize and work without high minimum orders.
The IHFC ground floor and the Suites at Market Square house some of the most exciting temporary exhibitors—don’t miss them!
Step 2: Book Your Flights & Accommodations Early
If you haven’t booked your flights yet, do it now. With 80,000 people heading to High Point, flights and hotels fill up fast.
✔ Fly into Greensboro (GSO)—it’s the most convenient airport. Avoid Charlotte if you can (trust me on this one).
✔ Use the High Point Market Authority for hotel bookings—they block rooms at key hotels in Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem.
✔ Skip the Motel 6 nightmare—triple-confirm your reservations!
Step 3: Register Online (And Skip the Lines!)
Market registration is free online but comes with a fee if you wait to do it in person. They’ve increased the on-site registration fee this year—so just get it done now.
✔ Have your badge sent to your home or office.
✔ Avoid long registration lines that can get messy if tech issues arise.
Step 4: Plan Your Market Transportation
✔ Shuttles: High Point Market has free shuttles running between major showroom eas—use them! The Shuttles also run from major hotels to the transportation hub in front of IHFC.
✔ Go Anywhere Shuttle: A lifesaver when you’re lost, exhausted, or need to reach an outlying showroom.
✔ Avoid relying on Uber/Lyft: They are unreliable at Market, often take 20 minutes to reach you, and have been known to cancel at the last minute.
✔ If renting a car, book it now—availability disappears quickly!
Step 5: Schedule Your Key Showroom Appointments
Some showrooms require appointments, and if you want access to their best events and reps, you’ll want to be on their schedule. These vendors require (or strongly prefer) appointments:
✔ Made Goods (Old Bank Building, 4 floors of stunning product)
✔ Theodore Alexander (Think celebrity designer book signings, high-end product launches, and buffet dinners)
✔ Bernhardt & Abysson (Make sure you get time with your rep!)
Want to make the most of Market networking? Bring business cards and don’t rely on vendors to follow up with you—it’s your responsibility!
Step 6: Know Where to Eat & Refuel
A well-fed designer is a happy designer, and Market has plenty of hidden food gems if you know where to look. When considering how to prepare for High Point Market, knowing where to eat and refuel is key to keeping your energy up throughout the day.
✔ Surya – Their buffet is tucked behind the bar (yes, you can have both food and wine).
✔ Universal – A lovely cafe for breakfast and lunch.
✔ Curry & Company – Great hand-passed apps and signature cocktails at 5 PM.
✔ Theodore Alexander – Their evening events are must-attend for food, drinks, and networking.
If you’re planning a nice dinner out, make reservations now—Market restaurants book quickly and many are already full.
Step 7: Dress Smart (and Pack Essentials!)
Market is your chance to dress your brand, but keep it practical:
✔ Stylish yet comfortable shoes—yes, even stylish sneakers.
✔ A crossbody bag or something light—don’t haul around a heavy tote.
✔ Business cards (both your premium ones and “trash” cards for less essential contacts).
✔ A portable phone battery—Market has terrible cell reception, and your phone will drain fast.
✔ A packable rain poncho—umbrellas are useless in Market’s infamous windstorms.
Step 8: Leave Room for Fun & Spontaneity
Market is as much about business as it is about inspiration and connection. Don’t jam your schedule so tight that you:
✔ Miss chance encounters with designer friends.
✔ Skip exploring unexpected showrooms that catch your eye.
✔ Don’t have time to treat yourself at the jewelry and accessories vendors in Suites at Market Square.
Step 9: Attend Key Events
Some of the best learning happens at Market’s educational sessions and meetups. Here’s where I’ll be:
✔ Saturday at Universal (10 AM) – Training session that has helped designers double their revenue!
✔ Sunday at Suites at Market Square (11:30 AM) – Presentation on getting everything you want in design and life (based on my book The Language of Success).
✔ Sunday Afternoon at Modern History – How to build profit partnerships with builders, architects, and contractors.
Key Takeaways
High Point Market is a game-changer for your business—if you plan it right.
✔ Book flights, hotels, and registration NOW.
✔ Plan your showroom visits strategically.
✔ Use shuttles, make appointments, and bring business cards.
✔ Don’t forget to eat, refuel, and leave room for fun!
✔ Attend key events to grow your knowledge and network.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design practice profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of interior deisgn.
I can’t wait to see you there!
