Industry Associations Lend Support to Revised Fall Market Schedule

Furniture World News Desk on 7/8/2020

In the first initiative of its kind, three industry associations joined the High Point Market Authority to support the new, three-period safe attendance plan for Fall Market, scheduled for October 13-21, 2020. 

The High Point Market Authority recently announced the expanded trade show format to spread out attendance, accounting for an expected reduction in showroom and building capacity based on federal and state guidelines for reducing spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The revised Fall Market schedule expands the normal five-day event to 9 days, now divided into three, 3-day periods for two regions of the U.S. map. Domestic buyer and industry attendees will select their primary attendance period based on the home state of their company headquarters. Full details for the safe attendance plan may be found at www.highpointmarket.org/covid-19-updates.

The strategy is strongly supported by AHFA CEO Andy Counts, HFA CEO Sharron Bradley, and IHFRA Executive Director Ray Allegrezza, who issued a joint statement:

“The American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), Home Furnishings Association (HFA), and International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) have jointly announced their support of the recently proposed nine-day format for the upcoming Fall Market.”

The AHFA, HFA, and IHFRA organizations are urging their exhibitor, buyer and sales representative members to avoid arriving early to Fall Market and attend only during the 9-day Market, establish fair selling practices to accommodate each of the three buying periods by holding product commitments until the end of Market, and set appointments early to facilitate sales rep availability.

“Industry wide support for the staggered attendance schedule is crucial for keeping all Market participants safe and healthy,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “Cooperation is also necessary to ensure equal and fair access to the multitude of product offerings available at High Point Market, and we are pleased to partner with IHFRA, HFA, and AHFA with regards to implementation.”

“High Point Market remains a place for buyers and sellers to congregate, conduct and grow business,” added Conley. “This fall, our top industry associations are in agreement that we will work together to support these goals while ensuring a safe and productive experience for everyone associated with Market.”

Registration for Fall Market opens mid-July at www.highpointmarket.org.    

About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority, www.highpointmarket.org, is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.