High Point Market Authority

Trade Show and Event Management Serviceshighpointmarket.org

High Point Market Authority is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that organizes the semi-annual High Point Market, the world's largest home furnishings trade show, connecting 2,000+ exhibitors with 40,000+ retailers and interior designers across 11.5 million square feet in High Point, North Carolina.

Company typePrivate
Founded1909
HeadquartersHigh Point, United States
Headcount11–50
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What High Point Market Authority does

High Point Market Authority (HPMA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation founded in 1909 that organizes and operates the High Point Market, the world's largest home furnishings trade show. Held semi-annually in April and October in High Point, North Carolina, the event brings together approximately 2,000 exhibitors across 11.5 million square feet of showroom space, attracting 75,000+ attendees — including 40,000+ retailers and interior designers from all 50 U.S. states and approximately 10% international visitors. HPMA's three primary customer constituencies are home furnishings manufacturers/exhibitors (sourcing buyers and generating leads), furniture retailers (sourcing inventory), and interior designers (sourcing for client projects), with trade media as a secondary stakeholder.

HPMA's product portfolio centers on the trade show itself but extends into signature experiences (Style Spotters, Keynote Series, Design Influencers Tour, Diversity Advocacy Alliance, Center Stage entertainment), operational services (airport/hotel/downtown shuttle networks, registration and badge systems, exhibitor services, MediaLink press coordination), and digital products (Exhibitor Directory, HPMKT App/My Market, Exhibitor Services Portal). The underlying technology is an event management platform combining registration systems with shuttle logistics and market coordination services.

HPMA's revenue model is association-based rather than transactional. Market passes are free for buyers, media, and exhibitors; industry passes cost $55. The organization is funded primarily by exhibitor contributions and government appropriations from the State of North Carolina (Department of Commerce and Department of Transportation), Guilford County, and the City of High Point, with mayoral representation on HPMA's board. The event generates a $6.73 billion annual economic impact on North Carolina, supporting 42,427 jobs (25,014 direct) and $202 million in state and local tax revenue, though these figures reflect broader ecosystem impact rather than HPMA's own revenue. HPMA announced a planned headquarters relocation in 2027.

High Point Market Authority firmographics

Firmographics

Name: High Point Market Authority
Legal name: High Point International Home Furnishings Market Authority Corporation
Website: https://highpointmarket.org
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1909
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 11–50 employees
Short description: High Point Market Authority is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that organizes the semi-annual High Point Market, the world's largest home furnishings trade show, connecting 2,000+ exhibitors with 40,000+ retailers and interior designers across 11.5 million square feet in High Point, North Carolina.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

High Point Market Authority industry classification

Industry

Product category: Trade Show and Event Management Services
NAICS: Furniture and Home Furnishings Retailers (4491)
SIC: Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores (5700)
akta.pro primary industry: Consumer & Public Shows (B2C) Organizers (THAHABAC)
akta.pro secondary industry: Trade Show & Exhibition Marketing (Booth Design/Build) (MPAAAGAC)

Keywords

Home furnishings trade show
Furniture trade events
Interior design market
Trade show management
Exhibitor services

Where High Point Market Authority is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: High Point
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

High Point Market Authority business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

Association Funding: Funded by exhibitors and government entities (State of North Carolina, Guilford County, City of High Point). Operates as a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
Freemium	Pay-as-you-go	Free passes for buyers, media, and exhibitors

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

High Point Market Authority product offering

Product offering

Core offering

High Point Market Authority operates the semi-annual High Point Market, the world's largest home furnishings trade show held in April and October in High Point, NC. The organization provides a B2B marketplace platform connecting approximately 2,000 home furnishings manufacturers/exhibitors with 40,000+ retailers and interior designers across 11.5 million square feet of showroom space. Supporting services include market registration, transportation shuttles, accommodations, dining, educational programming (Keynote Series, Style Spotters), and signature experiences such as the Design Influencers Tour and Diversity Advocacy Alliance.

Product overview

High Point Market Authority operates a platform-based trade show ecosystem centered on the semi-annual High Point Market (April and October), one of the world's largest home furnishings trade events. The core offering is the trade show itself, featuring over 2,000 exhibitors across 11.5 million square feet of showroom space. The portfolio includes signature experiences (Style Spotters, Keynote Series, Design Influencers Tour, Diversity Advocacy Alliance, Center Stage entertainment), operational services (transportation shuttles, registration, exhibitor services, MediaLink), and digital products (Exhibitor Directory, HPMKT App). These components work together to create a comprehensive B2B marketplace connecting home furnishings manufacturers with retailers and designers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA): A program dedicated to advancing diversity by cultivating a welcoming environment and expanding BIPOC representation within the home furnishings industry
Design Influencers Tour
Style Spotters
Center Stage
The Point

Products and services

High Point Market Trade Show The world's largest home furnishings trade show held in April and October in High Point, NC, featuring 2,000+ exhibitors across 11.5 million square feet of showroom space and attracting 75,000+ attendees from 50 states and internationally. Designed for home furnishings manufacturers, retailers, and interior designers.
Style Spotters Program A trend-spotting program where design experts canvas the showroom space to identify newest products and trending styles, creating curated inspiration content for Market attendees.
Market Tours (Hot Spot Tours) Curated tours including Hot Spot Tours that guide attendees through key showrooms, helping buyers navigate the extensive market space efficiently.
Keynote Series Educational programming featuring industry thought leaders discussing trends, design innovation, luxury kitchen design, neuroaesthetics, and biophilia in interior design during Market events.
Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) An initiative dedicated to advancing diversity and expanding BIPOC representation within the home furnishings industry through awards, mentorship programs, and networking events.
Design Influencers Tour A two-day program taking design influencers through sponsor showrooms for insider access to brand histories, visions, and furnishings collections, with social media content sharing post-event. Developed in partnership with Esteem Media.
Center Stage Entertainment Live entertainment venue featuring performances by artists such as Kool & The Gang and The Smithereens during Market events.
Transportation and Shuttle Services Comprehensive shuttle services including airport shuttles (Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte), hotel shuttles, downtown shuttles, Park & Ride, and Go-Anywhere services for navigating the Market.
Market Registration and Badge Services Online and onsite registration systems for Market attendees, with badges available for mailing prior to events and multiple scan locations throughout the venue.
Exhibitor Directory Online searchable directory of exhibitors participating in the High Point Market, allowing buyers to discover and plan visits to showrooms.
HPMKT App / My Market Mobile application providing Market navigation, scheduling, and access to Market information and resources for attendees.
Exhibitor Services Portal Online portal at exhibitor.highpointmarket.org providing services and resources for exhibitors participating in the Market.
MediaLink Press Services Press and media services including press pass issuance and media coordination for the trade show, accessible via medialink.highpointmarket.org.
Economic Impact Reports Published reports documenting the economic contribution of High Point Market to North Carolina, including job creation, tax revenue, and comparative economic impact metrics.

Quantifiable outcome

Generates $6.73 billion annual economic impact to North Carolina
+2 more outcomes

Companies that use High Point Market Authority

Customer profile

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

High Point Market Authority technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

High Point Market Authority partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

State of North CarolinacoreOthersState government partner providing funding for Market Authority through Department of Commerce and Department of Transportation. General Assembly authorizes transportation and communications program funding. County Commissioners and City Council also provide funding and in-kind services.
Guilford CountycoreOthersCounty government providing funding and emergency management support for the semi-annual event.
City of High PointcoreOthersCity government providing funding, in-kind services, police and fire department support, public services, and waste collection. Mayor serves on Market Authority board.
Travel Quest, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull-service concierge providing in-person and online assistance for accommodations and flights. Manages International Buyers Center with travel services and on-site amenities.
Visit High PointminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConvention and visitors' bureau facilitating Market's relationship with tourism organizations.
Business High Point Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes and facilitates relationship between Market and local businesses.
Esteem MediacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Design Influencers Tour program, developing the tour in partnership with HPMA and sponsoring showrooms.
Atrium Health Wake Forest BaptistminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerState Medical Assistance Team providing medical services during Market events.
Piedmont Triad International AirportminorOthersPreferred airport for High Point Market with shuttle service coordination.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

High Point Market Authority competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

International Market Centers (IMC): Operates the Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market, which are direct competitors to High Point Market in the home furnishings trade show space. IMC is the most comparable peer in scale, business model (B2B trade show organizer), and exhibitor/buyer audience.
ANDMORE (AmericasMart): Operates the Atlanta Market and other home furnishings/gift trade shows across multiple U.S. venues. Directly comparable to HPMA as a B2B trade show organizer serving the home furnishings and adjacent lifestyle categories.
Dallas Market Center: Operates large-scale B2B trade events in the home furnishings, gift, and apparel categories from a single major venue. Comparable to HPMA as a multi-category trade show organizer serving home furnishings retailers and designers.

Broad incumbents

Messe Frankfurt: Global trade fair organizer operating Ambiente and Heimtextil, two of the largest international home and textile trade shows. Comparable to HPMA as a major global home furnishings trade show operator with broader portfolio reach.
Salone del Mobile.Milano (Cosmit): Organizes the Milan Furniture Fair, the world's most prestigious design and furniture trade show. Comparable to HPMA as a leading B2B home furnishings trade show organizer, though with a stronger international luxury positioning.
Maison & Objet (SAFI): Biannual Paris-based trade show for home furnishings, design, and lifestyle. Comparable to HPMA as a major international B2B trade event organizer serving the same exhibitor/buyer audience in the home furnishings category.
Koelnmesse (IMM Cologne): Operates IMM Cologne (now imm cologne), one of the leading European furniture and home furnishings trade shows. Comparable to HPMA as an established global B2B trade show organizer in the home furnishings space.
Informa Markets (KBIS, ICFF, Surfaces): Global events company operating KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show), ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair), and Surfaces, all B2B trade shows serving the home furnishings and adjacent categories HPMA covers.

Emerging players

NY NOW: B2B trade show serving home, lifestyle, and gift categories with overlapping attendee base to HPMA (retailers and designers sourcing home goods). Comparable as a complementary B2B sourcing event for the home furnishings retail audience.
High Point By Design / Design Influencers Conference: Smaller, design-influencer-focused events orbiting the High Point Market ecosystem. Comparable as adjacent programming serving the same designer attendee base that HPMA attracts, though at a different scale and format.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

High Point Market Authority financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

High Point Market Authority leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

High Point Market Authority funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

High Point Market Authority M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about High Point Market Authority

What does High Point Market Authority do?

Is High Point Market Authority a public or private company?

High Point Market Authority is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was High Point Market Authority founded?

High Point Market Authority was founded in 1909. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is High Point Market Authority based?

High Point Market Authority is headquartered in High Point, United States, in the North America region.

How does High Point Market Authority make money?

One revenue line is on record: association Funding.

Who are High Point Market Authority's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are International Market Centers (IMC), ANDMORE (AmericasMart) and Dallas Market Center. Broad incumbents are Messe Frankfurt, Salone del Mobile.Milano (Cosmit), Maison & Objet (SAFI), Koelnmesse (IMM Cologne) and Informa Markets (KBIS, ICFF, Surfaces). Emerging players are NY NOW and High Point By Design / Design Influencers Conference.

Does High Point Market Authority have an API?

No public API is recorded for High Point Market Authority.

What industry is High Point Market Authority in?

High Point Market Authority's product category is Trade Show and Event Management Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHABAC, Consumer & Public Shows (B2C) Organizers, with a secondary code of MPAAAGAC, Trade Show & Exhibition Marketing (Booth Design/Build). Its NAICS code is 4491 and its SIC code is 5700.