8/28/2019 - High Point Market
High Point Market Authority Announces Brand Ambassador and Tour Partnerships
HIGH POINT, N.C., August 28, 2019 — The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has partnered with long-time Market veterans and industry experts Deb Barrett and Jackie Von Tobel for two exciting initiatives. Both kicking off in time for Fall Market, Barrett and Von Tobel will assume the role of official High Point Market Brand Ambassadors and also bring back a revised version of their popular new buyer Market tour.
The newly designated role of High Point Market Brand Ambassador was created to enrich the promotion of HPMA and its bi-annual markets to current and prospective new attendees around the world. Barrett and Von Tobel have already begun serving as High Point Market Brand Ambassadors and are working to continue the year-round Market dialogue for attendees near and far, both digitally and in person.
The VIP HPMKT Experience 2.0, a new-buyer-focused, multi-day tour, will provide first-time attendees with a High Point Market immersion that includes education, direct engagement, a complimentary 5-day hosted tour during Fall Market, and the opportunity to join an alumni network of designers and like-minded business professionals who are new to the High Point Market experience.
The tour is a refresh of the original new buyer tour led by Barrett and Von Tobel from April 2015 until April 2018. Updates to the tour format include enhanced pre-Market preparation in the form of webinars and other digital content, a shift in the daily agendas to allow for a more personalized experience within each showroom, and a closing reception with former tour attendees to elevate the networking and learning potential.
“We are thrilled to introduce Deb and Jackie as our inaugural High Point Market Brand Ambassadors along with our collaboration to introduce an updated HPMKT brand experience for new guests,” said Tom Conley, president and CEO of HPMA. “Deb and Jackie’s passion for this industry, combined with their expertise and enthusiasm, is an exemplary representation of the opportunities and relationships we stand for.”
Barrett and Von Tobel bring more than 20 years of achievement in the design industry to these newly appointed roles, leveraging their expertise and experience as designers and consultants. Their specialty is building and promoting long term relationships and a vibrant design community.
“Our expanded tour program will allow first-time Market attendees to have a more productive and rewarding introduction to the world’s largest and most exciting home furnishings event,” says Barrett.
“As firm believers in the power of Market, we are thrilled to support and develop the HPMKT brand through this tour program and our ambassadorship roles,” added Von Tobel. “This is a perfect fit for us.”
Buyers looking to be a part of the HPMKT VIP Experience 2.0 can learn more at https://www.highpointmarket.org/plan-your-trip/vip-tour.
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. Find the High Point Market anywhere online, and follow on social media using the hashtag #hpmkt.
About Deb Barrett
Design confidante and industry presence for more than 30 years, Deb Barrett is an industry expert with a unique perspective. Deb’s design career has taken many paths, and her fascination with what’s around the corner has led her to her current roles as designer, speaker, educator, trend forecaster and consultant. As a design creative, Deb concentrates on textiles and the complex world of window coverings and soft furnishings. As a sought-after speaker and design educator, Deb frequently speak at design events on a variety of design and trend topics. She is a member of the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) Board of Directors and Withit. As a co-founder of Soft Design Lab and the VIP Market Tour for both HPMKT and LVMKT Deb has been instrumental in bringing to market and mentoring hundreds of new attendees. As a trend strategist and brand ambassador, Deb travels the globe tracking developments in the ever-evolving world of design. www.debbarrett.com
About Jackie Von Tobel
An industry tour de force, Jackie Von Tobel has led a life full of passion for art and design which has allowed her to make her mark in multiple disciplines within the home décor space. An award-winning interior designer, product designer, artist, author and consultant, she possesses a unique hands-on knowledge of the inner workings of the home furnishings industry from the perspective of both the buyer and the manufacturer. Passionate about design education, Jackie is a sought-after speaker and educator, teaching a variety of design related subjects. As a co-founder of Soft Design Lab and the VIP Market Tour for both HPMKT and LVMKT Jackie has been instrumental in bringing to market and mentoring hundreds of new attendees. In recent years, Jackie’s eponymous lifestyle brand has expanded to include art, rugs, drapery hardware, fabrics, tabletop, gift, garden, home, and holiday. www.jackievontobel.com
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