HIGH POINT – Universal Furniture is planning an agenda of 11 events for its Universal Learning Center during the fall High Point Market, plus offering its designer’s only workspace in the Designer’s Lounge.
This season’s programming brings together respected industry leaders to share perspectives and equip designers with ideas they can put into practice.
All Universal Learning Center events take place at the Universal Furniture showroom located at 101 S. Hamilton St. RSVP for events at Event Brite or www.universalfurniture.com/marketevents (available Sept. 1)
The Universal Designer’s Lounge is open during market to To-The-Trade account holders, offering device charging and free WiFi.
Educational events include:
Friday, Oct. 16
10 a.m. – Creating the Soulful Home
A lively discussion on homes created with texture, story, antiques, heirlooms, and the soul of those that live there. Speakers: Margo Roth, House of Margot; Cate Gutter, CWG Design; Ann Sargent, Sargent Design Company. Moderated by Ben Ashby of Cottage Journal.
2 p.m. – The Psychology of Luxury: Why Clients Buy, Resist & Say Yes
Explore how emotional intelligence, empathy, and behavioral psychology can help designers communicate value more effectively, navigate money conversations with confidence, and create stronger client relationships.
Speaker: Tracee Murphy, The Design Biz Therapist
4 p.m. – Why Underpricing Kills Design: How to Command What You’re Worth: Discussion & Book Signing
Learn how to evaluate the factors that should influence their rates, recognize the hidden dangers of comparison-based pricing, and build the confidence to charge based on the unique value they bring to the marketplace.
Speakers: Jonathan Miller, Jsquared Interior Staging & Design; Jessica Duce, JDuce Design
Saturday, Oct. 17
10 a.m. – Double Your Revenue Without Doubling Your Hours: The 3 Profit Shifts That Turn Busy Design Firms Into Highly Profitable Businesses
This session will reveal the three profit shifts that separate busy firms from highly profitable businesses.
Speaker: Melissa Galt, Design Business Coach
2 p.m. – Why Color is Back–and What’s Driving It
Explore the financial climate, cultural influences, emotional needs, and consumer preferences shaping today’s palettes; the hues gaining momentum; and the many ways color can be introduced, from immersive rooms to carefully considered accents.
Speaker: Rachel Fasciani, Design News Now; Isabel Ladd, Isabel Ladd Interiors.
4 p.m. – Bookkeeping Essentials: Building a Financial Foundation for Your Business
This panel will break down the essentials of bookkeeping for design firms, from managing job costs and monitoring profitability to tracking monthly sales tax and making informed business decisions.
Speakers: Blair Ryan, The Dove Agency; Birgit Klein, Birgit Klein Interiors; Michelle Lynne, ML Interiors Group. Moderated by Cindy Hodnett, Designers Today.
Sunday, Oct. 18
10 a.m. – Construction Management: Your New Revenue System
Speaker: Renee Biery, deVignier Design Studio
2 p.m. – Luxury Meets Intelligence: How Smart Designers Are Using AI to Attract, Convert & Nurture Their Best Clients
An open conversation about using AI to fill your pipeline, create sophisticated marketing systems, and nurture high-value leads.
Speakers: Gail Doby, The Pearl Collective; Michelle Murphy, Demi Ryan; Michelle Huck, House of Huck
4 p.m. – Workshop: Future-Proof Your Design Firm for AI Search
Learn how AI evaluates expertise, trust, and credibility and leave with a roadmap that you can begin implementing immediately.
Speaker: Jen Smiga, ultraviolet Agency
Monday, Oct. 19
10 a.m. – The 3 Secrets to Pricing Furniture for Success
Learn how to price with confidence and create a more sustainable, successful design business—in record time.
Speaker: Heather McManus, The Designers Collective
2 p.m. – AI Is Your New Employee
What AI can realistically do for your firm right now, and the difference between trying it once and building it into how you work.
Speakers: Mary Beth Chau, Materio; Dalia Soles, The Designers Agency; Elissa Coughlin, Matchpointe by Elissa.
