101 S. Hamilton St. Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line) Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Corporate Phone: 336.822.8888

www.universalfurniture.com

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Universal Furniture International, Inc.

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Universal Furniture creates quality furnishings for the whole home with a focus on function and lifestyle. The company’s casegood, upholstery, accent and accessory designs are developed under the brand names Universal Furniture, Miranda Kerr Home, and Coastal Living, and sold through retailers and interior designers throughout North America and around the world. Founded in 1968, Universal Furniture is a brand of Samson Holdings, one of the world’s largest vertically integrated furniture manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.universalfurniture.com, or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest @UniversalFurn.

3pm - 4pm, April 12

Masters and Mavericks: A Dialogue of Differences Between Generations Managing Successful Design Firms

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Dive into a captivating dialogue between generations in the design world with 'Masters and Mavericks.' Join us for a riveting exploration of the contrasts and commonalities between seasoned veterans and innovative young leaders managing successful design firms. Delve into the diverse perspectives and approaches shaped by different eras, experiences, and visions for the future. Our masters and mavericks will explore how time and experience have shaped service offerings, pricing strategies, and design processes while delving into the impact of technology on marketing and public relations. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as we bridge the gap between generations and celebrate the dynamic evolution of the design industry. Presented by DAA

Speakers: Noz Nozawa, Hadley Keller, Byron Risdon, Peti Lau, Virginia Toledo


10am - 11am, April 13

Rates and Fees to Double your Revenue in Half the Time

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Are you ready to earn more in less time with less stress? Join design business strategist and coach Melissa Galt for her proven formulas for flat fees that deliver bigger fees without the headaches of hourly invoicing and tracking. She's also got you protected from scope creep and client surprises. Increase your profitability while falling back in love with your business, and finally get paid what you deserve!

Speakers: Melissa Galt


12pm - 1pm, April 13

How Nightmare Projects Test Your Limits—and Help You Grow

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

No matter how hard you try, some projects go sideways. Maybe it's an indecisive client who hems and haws over every selection or a contractor who blows past the construction budget, jeopardizing the money set aside for furnishings. Products arrive late, damaged, or not at all. When a nightmare scenario arises, there's only one thing to do: pivot. Business of Home's editor-in-chief Kaitlin Petersen sits down with designers Cate Dunning, Lathem Gordon, and Hema Persad to discuss recent jobs that hit a roadblock—sharing what went wrong, how they found a new path forward, and how they've evolved their businesses to protect themselves in the future now that the dust has settled.

Speakers: Kaitlin Petersen, Cate Dunning, Gordon Lathem, Hema Persad


2pm - 3pm, April 13

Designing Your Business: Investing In Business Leaders For Your Firm

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

When it comes to growth, having the right team and processes in place is crucial, and that doesn’t just mean your design team. Join our panel of firm experts for an educational discussion about the business side of interior design. From financials, client experience, finding and hiring the right people, outsourcing back office tasks, and more, these business-minded leaders know the ins and outs of the design profession, which has led to their esteemed firms’ overall success.

Speakers: Adam Wasserman, Mike Yates, Alex Kearney, Ruth Ann Janson, Traci Connell


4pm - 5pm, April 13

Do You Want Fries with That? Learn how to upsell every client for more profit

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Selling can be hard, so why make it harder? In this session, John will teach you how to easily upsell to your existing clients simply by adding on services and products they might not even know they need (and you might not have thought about either). You will leave this session armed with the exact framework to add new substantial revenue streams to your business without having to source new clients. Now, would you like fries with that?

Speakers: John McClain


10am - 11am, April 14

Having It All: How to Build Income Now and Create Your Future Financial Freedom

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Interior designers often seek out passive income opportunities to help support the income and lifestyle they want now. It's possible to do that and build a sustainable business that creates future financial freedom. How? Premier interior design business coach Gail Doby walks you through the steps to develop a business that runs without you day-to-day, allowing you to unleash your creative genius and free up your time. Learn to secure a future that aligns with your personal values and goals, providing income now and prosperity for the next phase of your life. And build value into your business should you want to sell or exit your company.

Speakers: Gail Doby


1pm - 2pm, April 14

Group Coaching Sessions with Traci Connell

Educational Universal Furniture Designers Lounge Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Are you ready to take your Interior Design business to the next level? Join Traci Connell, Business Coach & founder of The GlossThe Ultimate Glossary of Business Resources for Interior Designers, for a 30-minute 'speed coaching' session! Bring one specific business challenge to the table and have Traci discuss it with you to unlock your potential and level up your business! There are ten spots available for each of the sessions listed: 1:00-1:30 pm and 1:30-2:00 pm.

Speakers: Traci Connell


2pm - 3pm, April 14

The Role of Media in Shaping Client Expectations

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

The media's portrayal of interior design has had a significant impact on how clients perceive the design process, often shaping their expectations in terms of timelines, deliverables, and costs. Uncover the realities behind media-influenced client expectations regarding project timelines, budgets, and the design process, often distorted by the allure of instant transformations and trend-focused narratives. This insightful conversation will equip interior designers with strategies to align client perceptions with the practicalities and nuances of authentic design work, fostering successful and realistic project outcomes.

Speakers: Tori Sikkema, Kelli Ellis, Courtney Porter, Ericka Saurit


4pm - 5pm, April 14

Purchasing Power: Maximize your Firm’s Potential with the Best Digital Tools

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Creating beautiful design is the heart and soul of every design firm, but you need the right business processes to bring your vision to life. With the right systems in place, you get to spend more time doing what you love: designing inspiring one-of-a-kind spaces, working with innovative artisans, and creating exquisite spaces for your trusted clients. Learn how the best in the business structure their office operations, source product and place orders with vendors all while remaining efficient and profitable.

Speakers: Julia Nikishina, Keith Granet, Valerie Lambert, Kaitlyn Murphy


5pm - 6pm, April 14

Studio Designer Meet and Greet

Social Designer's Lounge Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Join us at 5 pm (directly following the panel) for cocktails and light bites at Universal Furniture! The Studio Designer team will be on hand to connect and chat. We’d love to see you!


10am - 11am, April 15

Designer Secrets to SEO

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Join this panel discussion for SEO insights tailored to interior designers. Our experts explore the balance between SEO and maintaining an authentic online voice to elevate your design business. Actively participate by posing questions to receive personalized insights, guiding you to SEO success.

Speakers: Jen Smiga, Jeanne Chung, Ann Yancy, Mickey Schluter, Jim Thornton


4pm - 5pm, April 15

Become an IN-DEMAND Designer in 3 Easy Steps

Educational Learning Center Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

If your dream client showed up at your doorstep, would you be ready to awe them with not only your talent but also the experience that comes with working with your firm? In this workshop, Sandra Funk will share the essentials to creating an incredible client experience... so much so, that your clients won't be able to help themselves but refer you to all their (ideal) friends.

Speakers: Sandra Funk


UNIVERSAL FURNITURE EXPANDS SPECIAL ORDER UPHOLSTERY PROGRAM FOR RETAILERS AMID SUCCESSFUL YEAR

After a successful year of furniture sales, marketing programs and collection extensions, Universal Furniture is expanding its year-old UChoose special order upholstery program with contemporary styles, named Modern UChoose. The program will offer two seat depth options as well.

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE BROADENS ITS MODERN COLLECTION WITH RECORD NUMBER OF WARM, CASUAL AND LUXURIOUS DESIGNS

This fall, Universal Furniture's Modern Collection embraces a fusion of luxurious, yet casual, design elements in its largest introduction ever. Drawing inspiration from global styles and incorporating materials reminiscent of upscale hotels, the new additions feel grounded and approachable.

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE AND STANTON RUG COMPANY LAUNCH RETAILER RUG PROGRAM

Universal Furniture and Stanton Rug Company are partnering on a rug program for retailers that features Stanton’s new line of in-stock, pre-sized area rugs. Launching at High Point Market this October, the program will be available to all Universal Furniture’s retail partners.

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE UNVEILS EXTENSIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 2023 MARKET

Universal Furniture, creator of stylish yet functional home furnishings for the whole home has announced its schedule of Learning Center events to take place during October Furniture Market. Scheduled from Friday, October 13, through Tuesday, October 17.

Weekender

Universal's third indoor furniture collaboration with Coastal Living.

Universal Furniture Spring 2023 Events

UNIVERSAL DEBUTS NEWLY UPDATED FORMS WITH A HINT OF THE PAST

Classics come modern with Universal Furniture’s Newstalgia collection, debuting at this fall’s High Point Furniture Market. With updated styles for today that have origins in yesteryear, Newstalgia brings timeless silhouettes up to date with clean architectural elements and fresh finishes.

ERINN V. x UNIVERSAL FURNITURE COMPLETE LINE DEBUTS AT FALL MARKET

Los Angeles based interior and product designer Erinn Valencich and Universal Furniture offered an amuse-bouche of their bold and progressive collaboration at High Point Market in the spring. This fall, they’ll be serving the main course.

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE TO HOST HALF UNITED AT FALL MARKET

Universal Furniture will host nonprofit HALF UNITED at its showroom and Learning Center during High Point Market this fall. HALF UNITED is a North Carolina-based brand that fights hunger and poverty through the sale of home goods and apparel made by artisans in Haiti, Peru, Mexico and other countrie

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE ANNOUNCES OCTOBER 2022 MARKET EVENTS

Universal Furniture’s in-person learning events ramp up to speed this fall, featuring industry heavy hitters like Traditional Home’s Krissa Rossbund, product and interior designer Erinn Valencich, interior design coach Gail Doby, and interior design business coach and author Melissa Galt.

ERINN V. x UNIVERSAL FURNITURE ENGAGES IN BOLD, MODERN RISKS FOR A STUNNING PAYOFF

Described as bold and progressive, the collaboration between Los Angeles based interior and product designer Erinn Valencich and Universal Furniture debuts this spring to deliver a fashion forward furnishings collection with modern European, Japanese and California influences

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE DEBUTS FABRIC DESIGNED BY LOCAL ART INGENUE

Universal Furniture is pleased to announce a special addition to their Spring Market showroom—the Bahia Honda Accent Chair upholstered in a custom Kandinsky-inspired fabric created by high school junior Isabella Rocque. The chair will be part of a silent auction at the Universal showroom.

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE UNVEILS UPDATED DESIGNER’S LOUNGE

Universal Furniture is pleased to announce a completely re-imagined Designer’s Lounge, just in time for Spring Market. Open Friday, April 1 from noon – 6 p.m. and April 2-5 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Universal’s Designer Lounge is sponsored by RUE Magazine and features Crypton Home Fabric + Regina Andrew