Although the High Point Market doesn’t officially start until Saturday, we asked manufacturers what they look forward to doing after the market ends next week.
“Exhale like I’ve been holding my breath (and stomach) in since day one of setup … and possibly since (tariff) liberation day. Then, I take one last slow lap through the showroom when its empty, flowers fading, but still glowing … like it knows it showed off for five days. Make a mental list of what worked, what didn’t and what we are absolutely going to pretend was “intentional,” and then — food, drink and something that doesn’t require a ladder or a lighting plan. Somewhere between bites of Mac and Cheese and Bacon, the most dangerous thought arrives: ‘Next market, we go even bigger’…”
Ron Henderson
Founder and Design Lead
Varaluz
“I run home to my family and then get back to work! Post-market is a really important window for us. I ask my team to hold off on vacation immediately following market so we can respond to all incoming requests quickly, while everything is still fresh in our customers’ minds.”
Coley Hull
Founder
“The first thing I do when High Point ends is take a moment to reset, quiet time with my girls and a good night’s sleep. It’s such a high-energy, nonstop environment, so having a little space to decompress is essential. After that, it’s straight into follow-up. We quickly regroup, review what we saw, connect with new contacts, and turn all of those conversations into next steps while everything is still fresh.”
Meganne Wecker
CEO
“Swear off biscuits for 6 months… “
Ned Baker
Client Liaison for Sales & Marketing
“That’s easy. We immediately start writing thank-you notes. Every single market we get a note out to every person that we were able to do business with and thank them. Second, we also reach out to everyone we expected to see who weren’t able to make it, and take the opportunity to connect with new people that we met for the first time. From there, we also communicate with those that don’t typically come to High Point, as there is always the next show on the calendar!”
Josh McKay
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Kalalou
“I try to get outside as much as possible. Usually that involves golf.”
Neil MacKenzie
Chief Marketing Officer
“I’m on the last flight of the evening back to Dallas and back at it again the next day. Shortly afterward, our sales and marketing teams conduct a review of what went well and what we can improve upon for the next market.”
John Hart
CEO
Arteriors
“Honestly, I like to
step back for a moment and take it all in. Market moves fast, so it’s important to pause and absorb the energy, the feedback and the connections we’ve made. That’s usually where the next ideas start to take shape.”
Nancy Lonoff
Principal & Designer
Crystorama
“Congratulate our teams that were involved in the market. These are the people designing the space, building it, shipping it, working it and more.”
Eric Swanson
President
Loll Design
“We usually wrap up High Point Market in our newly opened showroom. It’s a moment to sit down with the team, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. We also like to invite clients and prospects during the week to discover the space in a more relaxed setting, often over a drink and a bite to eat, a nice way to close the week together.”
Axelle Moncarey
PR Manager
Ethnicraft
“I am usually right back to work with little to no downtime. For example, this April, I will be leaving High Point on Sunday to return to Lexington, Ky., for a large Land Rover event we are designing. We go from there right into a home install and then immediately on to another event.”
Christopher Todd
Principal
Christopher Todd Design
“In the perfect world, it’s a combination of fuzzy socks, a book, wine and a long, quiet weekend with my family. In the real world, it’s back to the real life of being a working mom … none of those obligations go away just because you’re exhausted and talked out!”
Jenny Heinzen York
Vice President of Marketing
Currey & Company
“Recap and begin follow up.”
LaVern Hershberger
President and Creative Director
Abner Henry
“We immediately step back to evaluate the show’s overall performance: what worked, what didn’t, and where the opportunities are. In many ways, the real work begins once the show ends; that’s when execution and follow-through define the results.”
Eduardo Perez, Sr.
CEO
Adriana Hoyos Furnishings
“Sitting down with our team and a drink in the showroom on the last day — once the space has finally cleared out — is always a nice way to close out a busy week.”
Patrick Troy
CEO
Dedon USA and Gloster Furniture U.S.
“Drive home to Atlanta in my cone of silence. Once I am home, I cook something for myself and enjoy the comforts of home.”
Cecil Adams
Vice President and Creative Director
Currey & Company
“Snuggle with my poodles, then hit a yoga class for a reset.”
Pamela Burke
Global Sales Director
Blue Pheasant
