Hooker Furnishings is bringing an exciting lineup of expert-led discussions, interactive workshops and networking opportunities to the spring High Point Market. From trend forecasts to business growth strategies, this season’s event series offers valuable insights tailored for retail and design professionals eager to stay ahead in an evolving industry.
Hosted in the Hooker Furnishings showroom located on the third floor of Showplace, the full schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, April 25
- 2 p.m. – Succeed With 2025 Trends: Insights From the ASID Outlook Report
Speaker: Dawn Haynie, Ph.D., research fellow, American Society of Interior Designers
Description: The 2025 ASID Trends Outlook Report reveals the key shifts shaping the future of design, from wellness-focused environments to sustainability and technological advancements. As spaces evolve to meet changing lifestyles and expectations, understanding these trends is essential for designers, retailers and industry professionals alike.
Join Haynie, a leading researcher and industry expert, as she unpacks the latest findings and provides actionable strategies for creating innovative, purpose-driven spaces that enhance well-being, resilience and inclusivity. Whether you’re a designer, retailer or simply passionate about the future of interiors, this engaging session will equip you with the insights needed to stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.
This is a CEU-accredited educational event (1 CEU hour)
Location: Designer’s Theater | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
- 2 p.m. – Interiors in Focus: Smartphone Tips and Styling Secrets
Speakers: Linda Holt, photographer and smartphone photography educator, Linda Holt Creative; Christy Day, Interior Stylist & Founder, Christy Day Designs
Description: Join smartphone photography expert Holt and interior stylist Day for a fun, interactive workshop on capturing and styling interiors like a pro. With over 25 years in photography and a background in interior design, Holt teaches designers how to take polished, professional-looking photos using just a smartphone. Day, whose work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor and Coastal Living, brings her expertise in styling for top brands to show how composition and finishing touches can elevate any space.
If you are looking to refine your visual storytelling, this session will provide simple yet impactful techniques to make your interiors stand out. Walk away with easy, practical tips to enhance your styling and photography skills — perfect for creating stunning portfolio images or social media content.
Location: Designer’s Theater | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
- 3 p.m. – Happy Hour
Location: Clyde’s Café | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
Sunday, April 27
- 10 a.m. – Marketing Strategies for Interior Designers: Building a Standout Brand in 2025
Moderator: LuAnn Nigara, business mentor, speaker and host of A Well-Designed Business Podcast
Panelists: Laurie Laizure, Cameron Sellers and Jude Charles
Description: This session will dive into effective marketing strategies tailored for interior designers, helping them attract ideal clients, build their brand and leverage digital tools for growth. With Nigara moderating an expert panel, you’ll take away insights on:
- Brand voice: Are you positioning yourself as a luxury, midmarket or accessible designer?
- The power of storytelling: Showcasing projects in a compelling way.
- Balancing organic content versus paid advertising.
- Using AI tools for content creation & marketing efficiency.
Location: Designer’s Theater | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
- 2 p.m. – Roar Forward … Meet Your Future
Speaker: Kelly Peterson, business intelligence expert and marketing strategist, Roar Forward
Description: America has entered a period of disruptive demographic change which is remaking social, political and economic norms while ushering in a new era for our country. Older populations will outnumber younger ones across the nation as we are experiencing declining birth rates and increased longevity.
Meet the Re-Imagineers: Today’s 50+ consumers who are redefining stereotypes and driving new trends toward making their best future a reality.
With more than 30 years of experience in media, publishing and marketing strategy, Peterson has advised global brands on how to adapt to evolving consumer landscapes. In this session, she will provide actionable strategies for businesses and interior designers to thrive in an era of demographic transformation.
Location: Designer’s Theater | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
- 3 p.m. – Happy Hour
Location: Clyde’s Café | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
- 10 a.m. – Lessons Learned & Profits Earned: Design Pros Share Their Design Business Journey & Their Path to Profitability
Moderator: Rick Campos, host of Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast
Panelists: DuVal Reynolds – DuVal Design LLC, Melissa Sanabria – Sanabria & Co. LLC; Antonio DeLoatch – Antonio DeLoatch Design + Interiors
Description: Join us for an insightful panel discussion with three industry pros about where they started, where they’ve been and where they’re headed in the business of design. Our panelists will reveal lessons learned, finding their why, their path to profitability and the vision for the future of their design business.
Location: Designer’s Theater | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
- 2 p.m. – Beyond the Basics: Vacation Rentals, Residential and Staging Design
Moderator: Caroline Hipple, chief creative officer, Hooker Furnishings
Panelists: Jessica Duce, principal designer & CEO, JDuce Design & Vacation Rental Designers; Rachel Moriarty, CEO & principal interior designer, Rachel Moriarty Interiors; Birgit Anich, CEO & creative director, BA Staging & Interiors
Description: The differences between vacation rental design, residential design and staging design go far beyond the products you specify. In this expert-led panel, STR-expert Duce, residential designer Moriarty and luxury stager Anich will break down the unique aspects of each discipline, offering key insights on pricing structures, client focus and the designer-client relationship across these industries.
Whether you’re looking to expand your services or better understand the nuances of these growing markets, this discussion will provide the expertise you need to navigate the opportunities within each category.
Location: Designer’s Theater | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
- 3 p.m. – Happy Hour
Location: Clyde’s Café | Hooker Furnishings Showroom | Showplace | Third Floor
