by HIGH POINT – Universal Furniture has rolled out its agenda for the Learning Center during the upcoming April Furniture Market. These events, scheduled from Friday, April 25 through Monday, April 28, offer various sessions designed to enhance knowledge in business management, team building, personal development and operations.
All Universal Learning Center events take place at the Universal Furniture Showroom located at 101 S. Hamilton Street, shuttle stop 15 on the Red Line. RSVP for any and all events at www.universalfurniture.com/marketevents. The RSVP links will be live March 24. A full schedule of events is listed below:
Friday through Monday
Friday April 25
Universal To The Trade Designer’s Lounge
Time: April 25 (noon-5 p.m.), April 26-28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Description: Relax and recharge in Universal’s newly updated 2,000 square-foot Designers Only Workspace, available to Universal Furniture To The Trade account holders. (Designers can open an account on the spot.) Sponsored by RUE magazine, Regina Andrew Detroit and Valdese Weavers. Device charging and free wifi are available.
April 25, 2 p.m.
Quit Glossing Over Your Financials
Speaker: Traci Connell, The Gloss
Description: Learn “just enough” design math to scale your firm and build real wealth for you & your family. Solve your revenue, cash flow and profitability challenges. Learn the three key numbers you need to know, track and optimize to build a multi-million-dollar design firm.
April 25, 4 p.m.
Streamlining Success: Optimizing Operations for Interior Design Firms
Speakers: Rebekah Zaveloff, Imparfait Design Studio; Julia Nikishina, New Age Financial Consulting; Daniel Paul, Tom Stringer Design Partners.
Description: Efficient operations are the backbone of a thriving interior design business, from project management to financial oversight. This panel will explore best practices for improving workflow efficiency, leveraging technology, and implementing scalable processes that support growth. Join us as industry experts share insights on balancing creativity with operational excellence to build a more profitable and sustainable design firm.
Saturday April 26 10 a.m.
7 Steps to Fill Your Profit Pipeline
Speaker: Melissa Galt, Design Business Coach and Strategist
Description: Would you like to escape the worry about where the next project is coming from? Are you ready to work exclusively with ideal clients? Don’t miss this proven process by design business strategist Melissa Galt that will transform your practice from a revenue rollercoaster to steady growth and predictable profits. Come and learn marketing strategies, fee formulas and contract clauses.
April 26, 2 p.m.
The Ins and Outs of Performance
Speaker: Taylor Walters, Valdese Weavers
Description: Performance fabrics are more in demand than ever, but with so many different brands and features, how do you know which one is the best for your client’s lifestyle and space? Learn the ins and outs of performance fabrics and how textiles are made from renowned textile manufacturer Valdese Weavers.
April 26, 4 p.m.
The Creative Comeback
Speaker: Ginna Christensen, Creative Recovery Specialist
Description: Are you suffering from creative fatigue and burnout? That describes 99% of the creative professionals Ginna works with. Many describe feeling stuck, unmotivated, and ambivalent. Some want to blow up their business and start over entirely. In this talk, we’ll uncover the hidden causes of creative fatigue and burnout, discuss how they impact your life and work, and share the first steps to begin your recovery. Learn how to reignite your passion, rediscover your purpose, and start building resilience for a more fulfilling and sustainable future.
Sunday April 27, 10 a.m.
Casting Your A-Team: How to Hire, Inspire, and Let Go (Without Losing Your Mind)
Speakers: Gail Doby & Erin Weir, Pearl Collective
Description: Ready to turn hard work into your dream business? Join Gail Doby and Erin Weir, co-founders of Pearl Collective and the ultimate business gurus for interior designers, in this lively, hands-on workshop where you’ll get the scoop on building a powerhouse team—and reclaiming your life. Bring your challenges and leave with a clear action plan to build a team that works as hard as you do.
April 27, 2 p.m.
How to Start Your Short-Term Rental Design Business
Speakers: Jessica Duce, JDuce Design; Traci Connell, The Gloss; Emily King, Data Led Design
Description: Short-term rental is the fastest-growing segment of interior design. But where do you start? And what do you need to know? Join STR design expert and founder of Vacation Rental Designers Jessica Duce, interior design business coach Traci Connell and Emily King of Data Led Design, as they bring you the information you need to begin working in the short-term rental market and insights on how to make it profitable.
April 27, 4 p.m.
Protect Your Profits: 10 Essentials for Your Design Contract
Speaker: John McClain, John McClain Design
Description: Your design agreement is the cornerstone of a strong, successful partnership with your clients. In this presentation, you’ll discover the key standard and customizable elements every design contract should include. Plus, John will share his Top 10 essential components to safeguard both your clients and your business, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind.
Monday April 28, 10 a.m.
The Language of Luxury: How to craft a story-driven marketing approach that attracts high-end clients
Speakers: Ericka Saurit, Saurit Creative
Description: Luxury design is more than aesthetics—it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with the aspirations of high-end clients. In this presentation, learn how to position your business as the go-to choice for discerning clientele by mastering the language of luxury while exploring the subtle signals that convey exclusivity, from persuasive messaging and brand positioning to cohesive visual storytelling. Through compelling case studies, proven strategies, and actionable insights, you’ll gain the tools to transform your brand into an irresistible magnet for perfect-fit clients, setting you apart in the competitive world of luxury interiors.
April 28, 2 p.m.
Ditch the 60-30-10 rule: A Better way to Decorate with Color
Speaker: Maria Killam, True Colour Expert
Description: Ready to move beyond basic neutrals and all-white rooms? Learn a powerful three-step system for decorating with color. In this session you will learn the professional secrets to building a cohesive color palette that works every time. Plus, master the 9 essential neutral undertones that are the secret to decorating with today’s most sought-after warm neutrals.
