Feed Your Mind. Connect With Success.

Innovative ideas and great networking top the menu at the WithIt Education Breakfast

Beyond the world’s most expansive product selection, High Point is also the place to discover your next business-building idea, and meet the people who can help you thrive. For 20 years, the biannual WithIt (Women in the Home Industries Today) Education Breakfast has served up a full plate of inspiration and meaningful connections for WithIt members and their guests.

With open seating and an average of 200 attendees, networking is a key benefit of the early-morning program. "It is always a worthwhile experience. The audience is a group of engaged, smart and enthusiastic executives – people who understand the value of networking in growing their businesses,” says WithIt member and founder Kimberley Wray of Kimberley Wray Marketing Communications.

“WithIt events provide an opportunity to meet, network, and share ideas with a diverse group of women and men in our industry.”
- Violette Forman, Monroe Market Manager for Havertys

True to its mission, the event draws executives from all industry segments. “I always learn something or meet someone who gives me a new perspective in my business,” says - Violette Forman, Monroe Market Manager for Havertys.

“I attend WithIt’s educational breakfasts because the speakers have shown me the many different sides of home furnishings – which we lose sight of by just sitting in our own world,” says Robin Malinovsky, Manager at FurnitureCore.com. “Each breakfast gives me the opportunity to meet a new group of industry professionals and connect with colleagues and prospective clients.”

Sponsored by Myriad Software, the WithIt Education Breakfast has been held on the Sunday morning of Market since 1998. Past presenters include well-known personalities such as Candice Olson, Kelly Wearstler, Kathy Ireland, Jaclyn Smith, Bob Mackie, Alexander Julian, and Cristina Ferrare.

“The speakers are great.”
- Kimberley Wray, founder, Kimberley Wray Marketing Communications

Fall 2017 featured Mark Badgley and James Mischka of Badgley Mischka Home, who shared their journey from fashion designers for Hollywood stars to lifestyle brand experts. After entertaining the crowd with early career stories of late-night runs to UPS and using soup cans to stretch hand-beaded gowns, the power design duo shared the inspirations and influences behind their five newest furniture groups.

“The networking is invaluable.”
- Robin Malinovsky, Manager, FurnitureCore.com

“I'm part of WithIt to have a direct red-phone line to a brain bank of women with competitive intelligence, strategies, and problem-solving experience – and to be at the other end of their red phones,” says Jana Platina Phipps, owner of Couture Collective. “Together, we create powerful collective business momentum, and our strengths can change the landscape of leadership in our industry to reflect sexual equality.”

Designed to grow the industry and ensure its future, WithIt events create opportunities for connection and collaboration. At the Fall 2017 Market, the organization was recognized for its 20 years supporting leadership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities for women – and men – across the industry.