HIGH POINT– International Market Centers has released details about its plans for the upcoming fall edition of High Point Market, set to run Oct. 13-21, including its commitment to present both showroom and temporary resources safely during the market.
“High Point Market plays a crucial role in our industry’s continued recovery, and we’re thrilled that our properties will contribute to those efforts,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “Although out of an abundance of caution, we elected to suspend temporary exhibits at our gift and home markets in Las Vegas and Atlanta, we are confident that the efficacy of our safety protocols will allow us to open both permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits in High Point this October.”
Among IMC’s 17 High Point buildings are three temporary exhibit destinations: Suites at Market Square (SAMS) and the International Home Furnishings Center’s ground floor InterHall and Plaza Suites spaces. To date, more than 40 tenants have confirmed they will be showing in InterHall, including Bungalow 5, Regina Andrew Design, Ryan Studio and Worlds Away. In SAMS, more than 150 have confirmed attendance including Boda Acrylic; Jo-Liza International; Oldnewrug; Revelation Culture; Rock Run Cabinetry; Sorella Glenn; Stanton Gray; and Sylvester Alexander.
As part of its safety efforts to allow for the opening of temporary exhibitors, IMC has created its Together Safely protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 that include the required use of personal protective equipment, temporal monitoring, social distancing, hand sanitizing and enhanced housekeeping procedures. Additionally, elevators will have capacity limits, stickers will be used to direct movement and promote social distancing, and showrooms will have to abide by capacity limits. To learn more about Together Safely, visit IMC’s dedicated site.
IMC will also be alleviating crowds out of a concern for safety by moving its programming online before and during market.
Educational webinar topics before the market include High Point Market’s signature TrendWatch program, a Virtual Showhouse and programs addressing business practices during and after the COVID-19 crisis, consumer preferences, diversity, and current market trends. Videos of showroom and temporary exhibitors will also be available during market, and industry influencers will “take over” an IMC Instagram account. A full schedule of virtual programming is available at IMC’s website.
Other digital tools, such as Catalog Connexion, powered by IMC_di, a keyword-searchable catalog library, will be available to market attendees to make product discovery easier.
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