A press release has been issued,
an e-blast sent out and the news has been posted on our digital platforms, including social media. But, I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss the news. So, I’m announcing it here, too.
InspireDesign, published—and re- cently launched—by ICD Publications, parent company of the Hotel Business media brand, has partnered with the High Point Market Authority (HPMA) to present the third-annual Hospitality at Market (HAM) program during this year’s Fall Market, which will be held October 13-17.
As the exclusive media partner for the program, InspireDesign will work to elevate the reach of the program both in print and digitally, and provide in- sight on developing HAM’s educational program, including a panel discussion and keynote speaker, as well as several networking opportunities for the two days of HAM (October 14-15).
The HAM program began two years ago and was designed to recruit hospitality designers and purchasing agents to High Point Market and assist them in finding the vendors at the show who offer hospitality products. In its first two years, HAM generated interest and buzz among hotel and resort de- signers—and, now, InspireDesign will help that momentum continue.
What sets HAM apart from other shows within the hospitality design industry, and brings value to the de- sign and purchasing communities, is that this targeted show-within-a-show gives designers and buyers an oppor- tunity to not only see a greater range of product than is possible at a hospi- tality-only event, but allows them to interact directly with the showrooms and personnel in this market sector. At a typical event, exhibitors can only show a few pieces of furniture; here, 50,000-plus-sq.-ft. showrooms display suppliers’ entire lines, including the latest introductions. There are more than 75 High Point Market exhibitors who supply both the residential and hospitality sectors and, after traveling to High Point Market with Publisher Allen Rolleri last fall and experiencing HAM firsthand, I can tell you it’s truly inspirational, even if just from a visual perspective. With 180 buildings, 11.5 million sq. ft. of show space, 2000-plus exhibitors and tens of thousands of new product introductions, my imagination was stoked simply walking through the Market.
If you’re a designer or buyer reading this, or a hotel brand or ownership company that employs or hires the creative team, I encourage you to share this and, moreover, make a trip to North Carolina to be wowed.