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February 20, 2026

Pre-Market Coffee Chat with High Point Market VP Ashley Grigg

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Summary

This Pre-Market Coffee Chat introduces designers to High Point Market before their arrival. Hosted live on Zoom, the conversation focuses on preparation, logistics, and decision-making that help attendees use their time more effectively once they land in North Carolina.

Rather than sorting through schedules and transportation details alone, participants will hear directly from a High Point Market leader and gain a clearer understanding of how experienced attendees approach the week. This session is designed for both first-time visitors and returning designers who want a more organized plan heading into Market.

Reflection Questions

How do I usually prepare for Market, and which parts of the process tend to feel rushed or uncertain?

What would change if I arrived with a defined plan for navigating showrooms, events, and travel logistics?

Which questions about High Point have I never had the chance to ask someone directly involved in organizing the experience?

Journal Prompt

Imagine yourself arriving at High Point with your schedule already mapped out. You know where you need to be and when to step away for a break. Think about how preparation might influence the conversations you have and the decisions you make during Market. Write about what a more structured approach could change in how you experience those days and what you bring back to your projects afterward.

VIRTUAL | FEBRUARY 25, 2026

DesignDash will host a live Pre-Market Coffee Chat ahead of High Point Market this final week of February. The platform invites designers outside the exclusive DesignDash Community to gather online for a focused conversation on planning and navigating one of the furnishings industry’s largest events. Hosted by Melissa Grove and Laura Umansky, the session will take place Wednesday, February 25 at 11:00 AM ET and will be accessible through Zoom following registration.

REGISTER FOR the coffee chat

This Coffee Chat brings together designers preparing for Market and Ashley Grigg, Vice President of Strategic Growth and Partnerships at High Point Market Authority. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear common challenges addressed directly by Grigg herself, and leave with a clearer understanding of how to structure their time.

High Point Market spans dozens of buildings and an extensive calendar of programming, from live podcast recordings to panels to book signings to vendor-hosted after parties. Because of the sheer size of HPMKT, even experienced designers who have attended before can find it difficult to navigate. This session will give designers the chance to address any uncertainties beforehand, while there is still time to adjust travel plans and schedules.

High Point Market April 2026

Grigg, Grove, and Umansky will cover registration, travel considerations from nearby airports, navigating the shuttle system, and strategies for choosing events that align with one’s professional goals. Participants may also submit anonymous questions in advance through a DesignDash form. Designers can expect the hosts to respond directly to real concerns raised by attendees.

Unlike traditional presentations, the Coffee Chat format ensures a supportive, conversational pace that engages attendees rather than “talking at them”. Designer are encouraged to join with coffee (or tea) in hand, listen, ask questions, and compare notes with peers preparing for the same experience.

Participation is open to designers at all stages of their careers, and attendance is free with advance registration. A recording will be shared with registered participants following the event.

Event Details

Pre-Market Coffee Chat: Navigate High Point Market Like a Pro
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
11:00 AM ET | 10:00 AM CT
Live on Zoom

REGISTER FOR the coffee chat

About DesignDash

DesignDash is a professional community and media platform for interior designers and firm leaders, offering education, events, and editorial programming centered on business growth, industry connection, and professional development. Through articles, workshops, and live conversations, the platform supports designers seeking practical advice alongside meaningful industry dialogue.

Written by the DesignDash Editorial Team
Our contributors include experienced designers, firm owners, design writers, and other industry professionals. If you’re interested in submitting your work or collaborating, please reach out to our Editor-in-Chief at editor@designdash.com.