HIGH POINT, N.C. — Universal Furniture has announced the lineup for its Learning Center during the upcoming spring High Point Market. The sessions are designed to provide actionable insights into evolving design technologies, luxury branding, operational efficiency and the psychology of client spaces.
Events include:
Universal to the Trade Designer’s Lounge
April 24, noon-5 p.m.; April 25-27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Designers can relax and recharge in Universal’s 2,000-square-foot designers-only workspace, available to Universal Furniture to the Trade account holders (designers can open an account on the spot).
The Hustle
April 24, 2 p.m.
Speakers: Carisha Swanson, House Beautiful; Arianne Bellizaire, Arianne Bellizaire Design; Kelly Finley, Joy Street Design
Description: Inspired by the launch of their new podcast, Hustle Adjacent, Arianne Bellizaire of Arianne Bellizaire Design and Kelly Finley of Joy Street Design will engage in an energizing conversation about building a successful creative business while managing the many demands of a full and vibrant life — without glorifying burnout. Moderated by House Beautiful’s director of special projects, Carisha Swanson, the discussion brings together three industry leaders to explore how ambitious women are redefining success on their own terms.
The Cost of the Wrong Client and How to Stop Paying It
April 24, 4 p.m.
Speaker: Ginna Christensen, Creative Recovery Specialist
Description: This is a condensed, practical session designed for interior designers who feel stretched thin or burnt out from working with the wrong clients. The workshop focuses on the hidden cost of misaligned clients — lost time, creative energy and revenue — and helps designers get clear on who they work best with and why.
The Profitable Studio Formula: Scale Your Design Practice the Right Way
April 25, 10 a.m.
Speaker: Melissa Galt, design business coach
Description: In this transformative session, design business coach Melissa Galt reveals the five critical pivots that turn a busy designer into a profitable studio owner, without burnout or sacrifice.
Six-Figure Snafus: How to Mitigate Your Most Expensive Challenges
April 25, 2 p.m.
Speakers: Kristi Hopper, Kristi Hopper Designs; Dann Foley, Dann Foley Lifestyle; Blair Ryan, The Dove Agency. Moderated by Cindy Hodnett of Designers Today
Description: This session brings challenges such as fraud, embezzlement and breach of contract into the open with designers who have weathered these tough situations.
Trend to Transaction: Monetizing What Clients Want Next
April 25, 4 p.m.
Speaker: Deb Barrett, Decor Tours
Description: Design trends don’t happen in a vacuum — and they don’t monetize themselves. In this seminar, Barrett connects the dots between consumer purchasing behavior, emerging design trends and real-world business opportunities.
Clarity Over Chaos: Using AI to Strengthen Visibility, Communication & Design Decisions
April 26, 10 a.m.
Speakers: Jennifer Smiga, Ultraviolet Agency; Mary Beth Chau, Materio; Jenna Gaidusek, AI for Interior Designers
Description: Jennifer Smiga reveals AI-powered SEO strategies that get designers found by ideal clients. Mary Beth Chau shares how AI supports consistent communication, leading to clearer deliverables and enabling confident decision-making for clients. Jenna Gaidusek showcases AI tools that create stunning mood boards and presentations in minutes.
Stop Guessing. Start Leading. Build Your Design Business to Run Like A Well-Oiled Machine
April 26, 2 p.m.
Speaker: Gail Doby, Pearl Collective
Description: During the presentation, designers will participate in a business diagnostic that reveals where their firm is strong, where it’s strained and what deserves your focus now.
Ten Things You Need to Do for Your Business Right Now
April 26, 4 p.m.
Speakers: Melissa Mittag, Collyer & Co.; Joseph Aldrich, The Cypress Group
Description: Industry veterans Joseph Aldrich (The Cypress Group) and Melissa Mittag (Collyer & Co.) will share what they’re seeing across successful practices — what’s gaining traction, what’s falling flat and where focus matters most.
Hospitality: The New Service Standard for Your Design Business
April 27, 10 a.m.
Speaker: Rick Campos, Design Biz Survival Guide
Description: Presented by Certified Unreasonable Hospitality Coach Rick Campos, this workshop will break down the customer journey as it relates to the business of design and uncover opportunities to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary and memorable experiences.
Say This, Not That: 5 Messaging Fixes That Attract Better Design Clients
April 27, 2 p.m.
Speaker: John McClain, John McClain Design
Description: Interior designer and branding expert John McClain breaks down five simple but powerful messaging shifts that immediately change how potential clients see designers.
All Universal Learning Center events take place at the Universal Furniture Showroom located at 101 S. Hamilton St., shuttle stop 15 on the Red Line.
