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Universal Furniture’s Learning Center to Host Interior Design Sessions at April Market

Furniture World News Desk on 3/12/2025


Universal Furniture has announced its schedule of events for the Learning Center at the upcoming April Furniture Market. Running from Friday, April 25, through Monday, April 28, the sessions will focus on business management, team building, personal development, and operational strategies for interior designers.

All Learning Center events will take place at the Universal Furniture Showroom, 101 S. Hamilton Street, shuttle stop 15 on the Red Line. RSVPs for sessions will be available starting March 24 at www.universalfurniture.com/marketevents.

Event Schedule

Friday, April 25

Universal To The Trade Designer’s Lounge

  • Time: Noon–5 p.m. (April 25), 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (April 26–28)
  • Description: A dedicated workspace for Universal Furniture To The Trade account holders, offering free Wi-Fi and device charging. Sponsored by RUE Magazine, Regina Andrew Detroit, and Valdese Weavers.

Quit Glossing Over Your Financials

  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Speaker: Traci Connell, The Gloss
  • Description: An overview of key financial metrics for interior design firms, covering revenue, cash flow, and profitability strategies.

Streamlining Success: Optimizing Operations for Interior Design Firms

  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Speakers: Rebekah Zaveloff (Imparfait Design Studio), Julia Nikishina (New Age Financial Consulting), Daniel Paul (Tom Stringer Design Partners)
  • Description: Panel discussion on improving workflow efficiency, leveraging technology, and implementing scalable processes for growth.

Saturday, April 26

7 Steps to Fill Your Profit Pipeline

  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Speaker: Melissa Galt, Design Business Coach and Strategist
  • Description: A session on marketing strategies, fee structures, and client acquisition for design professionals.

The Ins and Outs of Performance

  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Speaker: Taylor Walters, Valdese Weavers
  • Description: An overview of performance fabrics, covering durability, features, and selection criteria for various client needs.

The Creative Comeback

  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Speaker: Ginna Christensen, Creative Recovery Specialist
  • Description: Discussion on creative fatigue and burnout, with strategies for regaining motivation and building resilience.

Sunday, April 27

Casting Your A-Team: How to Hire, Inspire, and Let Go (Without Losing Your Mind)

  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Speakers: Gail Doby & Erin Weir, Pearl Collective
  • Description: A workshop on team building, leadership, and business management for interior design firms.

How to Start Your Short-Term Rental Design Business

  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Speakers: Jessica Duce (J.Duce Design), Traci Connell (The Gloss), Emily King (Data Led Design)
  • Description: Insights on entering the short-term rental market, covering profitability and business strategies.

Protect Your Profits: 10 Essentials for Your Design Contract

  • Time: 4 p.m.
  • Speaker: John McClain, John McClain Design
  • Description: Key elements to include in design contracts to ensure clarity and protect business interests.

Monday, April 28

The Language of Luxury: How to Craft a Story-Driven Marketing Approach That Attracts High-End Clients

  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Speaker: Ericka Saurit, Saurit Creative
  • Description: Strategies for positioning design businesses to appeal to luxury clients through branding and messaging.

Ditch the 60-30-10 Rule: A Better Way to Decorate with Color

  • Time: 2 p.m.
  • Speaker: Maria Killam, True Colour Expert
  • Description: A system for creating cohesive color palettes and understanding neutral undertones in interior design.

For more information and to RSVP, visit www.universalfurniture.com/marketevents.

 

 

About Universal
 Retailers and interior designers around the world trust Universal Furniture’s award-winning, smart and stylish designs to create modern, well-appointed living spaces for the whole home. The company’s casegood, upholstery, accent and outdoor designs are developed under the brand names Universal Furniture, Miranda Kerr Home and Coastal Living.

Universal Furniture, founded in 1968 and based in High Point, N.C., is the recipient of 14 Pinnacle awards for design excellence from the International Society of Furniture Designers. It 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.