As we dive headfirst into the new year, 2022 is certainly shaping up to be filled with inspiring events and networking opportunities not to be missed! After the last two years of downsized, altered, and restricted events, it appears the event industry is spreading its design wings again and soaring to new heights with a calendar packed to the brim with exciting, buzz-worthy events.
Without further ado, here are our top picks for the year, along with why they should be on your interior design radar.
1. High Point Market (Spring & Fall)
Back with a bang this year, North Carolina's High Point Market is sure to satisfy any interior designer's furnishing dreams. Being one of the most significant furniture trade shows of the year and largest in the world, each market draws in over 75,000 attendees across 180+ buildings, 12 million square feet of show space, and more than 2000 exhibitors. A melting pot of ideas and trends, it allows for great networking opportunities and a chance to rub shoulders with various talented vendors and designers.
As you can guess, planning your visit is crucial; otherwise, you'll likely end up wandering around like a deer in headlights! Luckily, their website is equipped with a dedicated Plan Your Trip section, including videos, checklists, and lots of other helpful info. Registration for the Spring market is open now. Register by March 18 to have your pass mailed to you.
Event dates: April 2 - 6 (Spring) & Oct 22 - 26 (Fall), 2022
2. Kips Bay Decorator Show House (Palm Beach, New York & Dallas)
Relish in pure visual delight and feast your interior designer eyes, all while helping a great cause (yes it is possible!) at the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse events. With all proceeds benefiting Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club (whose mission is to provide educational and developmental programs to disadvantaged youths), these showhouse events feature prominent interior designers from all over. This makes for an excellent opportunity for you and your firm to network and gain exposure.
They are still announcing all of the featured designers for their Palm Beach house. However, we know that Beth Diana Smith is transforming the dining room, Chris Goddard of the Goddard Design Group is on guest house duties, and Amanda Reynal will be revamping the sun terrace. Keep an eye on the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse Instagram for more info as it's released.
Event dates: Palm Beach (March 5 - April 3, 2022), Dallas (TBD), New York (TBD)
3. Marburger Farm Antique Show (Spring & Fall)
Located in Round Top, Texas, this show has been drawing designers and collectors for over 20 years. This year, there will be over 350 antique dealers spread across 43 acres. With extensive lead times for custom furnishings and décor, many designers are taking advantage of any opportunity to get the best antiques.
Up for grabs are showcased antiques from all over the world consisting of varying periods and styles; English, Continental, Asian, French, Americana, early Texas, painted furniture, fine art, textiles, mid-century modern, and many more. The Marburger Farms Antique Show is a niche event your design firm doesn't want to miss!
Event dates: Mar 29 - April 2 (Spring) & Oct 25 - 29 (Fall), 2022
4. NeoCon
If your firm's services include commercial design, attendance at this event is 100% necessary. Bringing more than 500 exhibitors to TheMART, Chicago's massive design center, NeoCon is the commercial design industry's platform for new products and technology. Categories include furniture, fabric, flooring, interior finishes, technology, and more.
The historic event offers an array of seminars, running virtually and onsite. You'll undoubtedly come home with new ideas in tow as your design firm is updated on the latest in commercial design. Registration for NeoCon 2022 opens this month - so mark your calendars now!
Event dates: Jun 13-15, 2022
5. Las Vegas Market
Las Vegas Market is one of the most comprehensive cross-category markets in the United States – which isn’t surprising when you consider that it covers more than 5.4 million square feet of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits!
With more than 4,000 exhibitors and brands, the Las Vegas Market features the latest furniture, upholstery, bedding, lighting, furnishings, décor, houseware, handmade items, and more. But don't worry, their campus has been designed for incredibly convenient navigation. Simplify your trip with their Las Vegas Market Planner: Your Personalized Market Guide. Simply download their app (or you can log in on the web as well) to create your custom itinerary. You can save products straight from the exhibitor directory, create lists to remind you which exhibitors you want to visit and save events and seminars that you don't want to miss.
Open only to members of the home furnishings and gift and design trades, registration for 2022 is not open yet. However, when it is, you can access it here.
Event dates: Jul 24-28, 2022
6. Maison&Objet (March & September)
International travel, anyone? Oui oui! Paris is always a good idea if you ask us, and so is the Maison&Objet design fair. A French trade fair for interior designers, it's usually in January but has been postponed until March this year. Held in the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, it brings together worldwide design brands and thought-provoking speakers.
This year, it spotlights Japanese designers for the Rising Talents Awards and features a brand-new hall dedicated to luxury design. Add into the mix 14 sectors, four “What's New?” spaces, 20 conferences, and more than 15 installations – get your ticket to the March event for one unforgettable experience!
Event dates: Mar 24-28 & Sep 8-12, 2022
