High Point Fall Market Expanded to Nine Days

High Point, NC, May 21, 2020-In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the High Point Market Authority is expanding the Fall Market dates in an effort to spread out attendance and account for expected reduced capacity requirements for showrooms and buildings. Fall Market will now take place over nine days from October 13 to 21, 2020.

In an effort to control the flow of attendees, buyers and industry members will be asked to select one of three, three-day periods during the nine-day Market as their primary attendance dates during the online registration process. Domestic buyers and industry members have been divided into two regions based on the home state of their company headquarters. The regions breakdown was developed in partnership with the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) to be sensitive to sales reps and typical regional territories. Those in Region A will be permitted to register for either Period I or II. Those in Region B will be permitted to register for either Period II or III.

The states breakdown for each region and the dates included in each period are outlined on the High Point Market website on the COVID-19 Updates page, www.highpointmarket.org/covid-19-updates. International buyers and media will be allowed to select from any of the three periods. Students passes will only be available during Period III. For all attendees, showroom appointments will be highly encouraged.

Additional health and safety measures will also be in effect, such as increased sanitation and cleaning efforts, social distancing requirements, and enhanced medical services in an effort to create a safe and welcoming environment. Further details will be shared as plans develop.

To maintain fairness and ensure attendees adhere to the attendance periods, the Market Authority is working with buildings to enforce a “no early entry” policy, wherein buyers are not permitted to access the buildings nor showrooms prior to the opening day of Market on October 13. The Market Authority is also working with exhibitors, encouraging them to hold all product commitments until the close of Market after all regions have had a chance to attend and view product.

Registration for Fall Market will open in mid-July at www.highpointmarket.org, at which time registrants will be able to select their primary attendance dates from the outlined periods. Pre- registration will be highly encouraged, although some modified on-site registration will likely be available.