Mastering High Point Market: Insider Tips from DesignDash’s Laura and Melissa

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Twice a year, High Point Market turns North Carolina into the design industry’s beating heart. Of course, navigating such an expansive and ever-evolving event takes more than a good pair of shoes (though those certainly help). On a recent episode of the DesignDash podcast, co-founders Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove share their best insider strategies for mastering Market—from showroom scheduling to solo travel tips and everything in between. With nearly two decades of experience and a sharp eye for what makes a Market visit meaningful, they present a refreshing mix of structure, spontaneity, and straight talk. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran returning with fresh eyes, this guide captures the can’t-miss advice from two design industry pros who know how to make every moment count.

Insider Tips from Melisssa and Laura on the DesignDash Podcast

#1 Start with a Clear Mission—Not Just a Map of HPMKT

If High Point Market feels like design’s version of Fashion Week, that’s because it is. HPMKT is a seasonal pilgrimage that designers make biannually for creativity, commerce, and connections. But walking in without a plan is like showing up to a Paris runway in pajamas (and not a pair from the designer’s collection). Laura and Melissa stress the importance of knowing your “why.” Are you sourcing for current projects? Looking to build new vendor relationships? Hunting for inspiration? Your goals should dictate your pace, your appointments, and even your footwear.

The best approach? Divide and conquer. The seasoned duo recommends sectioning out the sprawling campus by zones—Market Square one day, the Vanguard block the next—to avoid zigzagging your way into an exhausted heap at the end of the day. You can absorb more and stress less with a solid plan and intentional pacing. As Melissa puts it, “You don’t want to come home and scroll through your phone wondering what you even saw.”

#2 Don’t Go It Alone—Even If You’re Going Solo

Whether you’re rolling deep with a senior design team or flying solo with a dream and a tote bag, High Point can be equally magical and manageable. Laura—who rarely goes it alone—brings her core team to tackle sourcing without too much stress—documenting new pieces, testing sit-ability, and capturing content for clients. But when she and Melissa attend together for DesignDash, the energy shifts toward storytelling and connection. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but preparation is everything.

Traveling solo doesn’t mean spending Market alone. Insider Tours—like the one led by DesignDash community member Rhonnika Clifton—are made for first-timers and solo attendees who crave structure and instant camaraderie. “You will dive right in and meet tons of people,” Laura promises. These half- or full-day guided experiences are free, fun, and foundational.

#3 Use the App, But Don’t Overschedule

Laura and Melissa set their day-one clock for a mimosa kickoff and a powerful presentation instead of a bleary-eyed sunrise sprint. While some early birds hit the ground at 7:30 a.m., the DesignDash team takes a more measured approach: pace yourself, know your non-negotiables, and give yourself time to soak it all in.

Still, smart scheduling is not negotiable. Melissa swears by the High Point Market app for keeping overlapping panels, showroom visits, and happy hours from becoming a logistical mess. With hundreds of events and dozens of vendors to navigate, you need a way to stay organized, and the app helps with that. Whether you’re booking brunch with Thom Filicia or panel-hopping your way to inspiration, plan ahead.

#4 Book Showrooms Like a Pro (Or Tap a Rep Who Is)

Every showroom at High Point is worth visiting, but only the savvy know how to navigate that maze effectively. Laura emphasizes the value of working with reps who know their lines inside out—people who can help you skip the stale intros and get straight to the heart of each space. Big showrooms like Vanguard, Century, or Bernhardt can feel overwhelming without guidance. Tap your rep, know your ask, and move with purpose.

Intentional sourcing also means capturing your finds in real-time. Melissa recommends bringing someone solely to take visual notes—photos, videos, candid clips of you testing that chair you’re about to spec for a six-figure install. Clients want to know you’ve seen it, touched it, sat in it. Plus, these “visual receipts” will help your team reference Market finds long after you’ve returned from North Carolina.

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#5 Say Yes to the Panels, Tours, and Cocktail Hours

While product sourcing and trend tracking attract designers to High Point, the conversations you have there also matter. This April, check out DesignDash’s schedule of events. On Sunday morning, kick things off with Tracy Murphy’s exploration of psychology’s role in interior design. Her past panels have explored conflict resolution, creative decision-making, and the emotional intelligence required to lead in design. This year’s talk will be an equally introspective and actionable hour.

By afternoon, DesignDash will host our signature showroom tour—an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Windover Art, Fazey Rugs, and Vanguard, complete with a Thom Filicia meet-and-greet. Conversations and cocktails cap off the day on Vanguard’s sun-drenched fourth-floor terrace, where we will connect over mocktails and mimosas. Whether you’re new to Market or a seasoned vet, the people truly are the heart of this experience.

#6 Get the Shot—Even If It’s on Your Phone

Great design deserves great photography, but what if you don’t have a five-figure shoot budget? Former pro photographer turned iPhone expert Linda Holt can help you. Her editorial-worthy project photos are captured entirely on her phone—using the same apps and gear she now teaches in her wildly popular course.

Laura and Melissa are obsessed for good reason. Linda’s lens is honest, accessible, and refreshingly un-gatekept. During their High Point panel, she’ll unpack her must-have tools (think: exact tripod model, lighting tips, editing apps) alongside stylist Christy Day, who will share DIY styling strategies for small-scale shoots.

#7 Dress Smart, Park Smarter

Forget what you’ve seen on Pinterest—this is no place for stilettos. Melissa’s golden rule? “Fashion starts from the ankle up.” She swears by stylish sneakers that can survive the Market marathon, with dressier options tucked in a backpack for evening events. You’ll see it all at High Point, from designer trainers to daring heels—but comfort is key here. After all, you could be clocking 20,000+ steps in a day.

Avoid shuttles in favor of quick escapes and midday breathers—opting for paid lots near key showrooms. Some take Venmo, some prefer cash—just bring a bit of both and aim to arrive early. “I like knowing I can leave when I need to,” Laura confesses.

#8 Plug Into the Community—Then Keep Showing Up

As we noted earlier, High Point is about people as much as it is about product. From insider tours to industry panels, the opportunities to plug into the design community are endless. Laura and Melissa encourage designers to explore the Style Spotters program and others like it so you can gain visibility, meet like-minded creatives, and contribute to the evolving design conversation. Effective networking can catapult your career forward.

If you seek a softer landing spot, DesignDash’s own community is absolutely bursting with behind-the-scenes intel, market maps, event invites, and real-time updates. Whether you’re an introvert or an industry vet, our community makes attending Market feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more fun.

Final Tips & Resources for Designers Heading to High Point Next Month!

To review: download the High Point app, plot your events, DM DesignDash if you want in on their tours, and pack comfortable shoes. If it’s your first time attending, make the Insider Tour your first stop—and if it’s your fifth, treat every day like you’re discovering something new. As Laura says, “Even if you’ve been six dozen times, approach it with a beginner’s mindset.”

And of course, follow @designdasher on Instagram and TikTok for live updates, day-of detours, and extra content you won’t find on the schedule. Whether you’re coming for the showrooms or the shared moments, High Point Market is a choose-your-own-adventure event series. Make it your own.