Brandon Woodrow 
The High Point Market is one of the largest furniture trade shows in the world, featuring more than 2,000 manufacturers and 11.5 million square feet of showroom space. Held in multiple buildings in downtown High Point, North Carolina, the show attracts tens of thousands of retail home furnishings buyers, interior designers, architects, and other professionals in the industry.
This market is only open to industry professionals and is therefore a great place to gain competitive insight on the latest trends and market tendencies. For example, the High Point Market also features several keynote speaker sessions and educational seminars. It also offers a mobile app that makes scheduling easy. This way, attendees can attend as many sessions and presentations as they want.
The High Point trade show is renamed International Home Furnishings Market, reflecting its importance worldwide. In addition to a name change, the exposition building becomes the International Home Furnishings Center. The exposition center also expands by adding a 12th floor to its three-million square foot area. It is now operated by the High Point International Home Furnishings Market Authority, which continues to grow in size every year.
After a hiatus of four years during World War II, formal furniture markets resume in High Point, N.C., with attendance exceeding expectations. As the furniture industry grows, rival markets threaten to emerge in the region. The southern Furniture Exposition Building expands by 163,760 square feet in May. In addition, major furniture manufacturers create the Furniture Factories’ Marketing Association.
While the High Point Market is struggling to rebound from the effects of the pandemic, some exhibitors are hopeful for a normal time soon. For example, Tammy Covington, director of operations for the High Point market, will be attending the High Point market in Las Vegas to see how the industry is doing there.
High Point Market has grown dramatically since the first post-war Exhibition in 1947. Today, the International Market Center serves four major industries, which represent $500 billion in consumer spending. Whether you’re in the furniture industry, design or furniture industry, High Point will have something for you. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with suppliers and buyers.
Organizers of the High Point trade show may be paying a premium to reach the Las Vegas market. For example, Butler Specialty Company will pay $22,000 to rent a showroom for a week in Las Vegas, compared to $16,000 to $18 per square foot in High Point. Additionally, Las Vegas is easier to get to than High Point.
