The rise of COVID-19 has touched nearly every industry across the world in one way or another. For those who organize highly anticipated in-person events, the pandemic has paused all plans indefinitely.
High Point Market has been home to the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, providing over ten million square feet for over 2,000 exhibitors across 180 buildings every spring and fall. However, this year's spring event was postponed from its original April date to June 12-14 in response to the global pandemic. This event is an essential element within the design community for networking and exploring potential business opportunities.
Founded in 2017, Vishion, a North Carolina-based design-focused startup, has been well-versed in the digital realm since its inception. The company works with brands and partners to help interior designers and design lovers properly identify the colors and decor they're looking for in their projects, all through an app.
As showrooms close and the design community is forced to pivot their high-touch businesses to a virtual variation, Vishion has been at the forefront of the movement. Fully recognizing the importance of events such as High Point Market for both designers and brands, the postponement announcement inspired the startup to create a virtual alternative.
Last month Vishion announced the launch of the free Virtual Market that will encourage the design community to come together digitally despite the current circumstances.
“Understanding the strain this pandemic is putting on brands and designers, our team decided to pull together Vishion Virtual Market to help the design community continue to thrive online,” Samantha Smith, founder and CEO of Vishion, said in a statement.
Vishion has invited brands to exhibit their showrooms virtually through the Vishion app, allowing the design community a safe and accessible space to interact with exhibits and vendors. The top ten trending exhibits from Virtual Market will be highlighted the week of April 13, during which time Vishion will open a forum to host live online sessions where attendees, brands and industry experts can discuss how best to transition to a virtual marketplace.
Some virtual sessions will include:
- Sean Low, president of The Business of Being Creative, will discuss how designers can conduct business during COVID-19.
- Maureen Stevens, founder of Maureen Stevens Design, will talk about her award winning designs and how she's currently conducting business.
- Exhibitors will share their showrooms and announce new products via live videos.
These virtual sessions will also allow the design community to come together to discuss how the pandemic has affected their business specifically and offer ways to support one another.
“Even though it’s an incredibly stressful time, one thing remains true: Incredible things happen when we get together – even if it’s done virtually,” Smith said.
All participating brands and the official schedule for Virtual Market will be announced the first week of April.
