High Point Market exhibitors have wrapped up another spring market. All the planning, last-minute showrooms changes, high-stake meetings and anxiously anticipated feedback are now in the “done” column.
What comes next?
We asked exhibitors what’s the first thing they do when High Point ends. Some take a much-needed pause while others jump right into post-market planning. Here’s what a few lighting vendors had to say:
Ron Henderson, founder and design lead for Varaluz, responded with his trademark humor and candor. “I 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. I 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.’”
Arteriors CEO John Hart is right back to work. “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.”
Others aim to find some work/life balance.
“In the perfect world, it’s a combination of fuzzy socks, a book, wine and a long, quiet weekend with my family,” said Jenny Heinzen York, vice president of marketing at Currey & Company. “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!”
Her Currey colleague, Vice President and Creative Director Cecil Adams, was all about regrouping. “I drive home to Atlanta in my cone of silence. Once I am home, I cook something for myself and enjoy the comforts of home.”
Neil MacKenzie, chief marketing officer at Regina Andrew Detroit, also had a rejuvenation plan. “I try and get outside as much as possible. Usually that involves golf.”
