Just days away from the start of the spring High Point Market, April 2-6, High Point Market Authority (HPMA) leaders are optimistic for the strongest Market since Fall 2019, which was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pre-registration data is tracking several percentage points higher than at this point before last fall’s Market. “The registration patterns since COVID show people deciding on attendance much closer to the event date, and that’s still holding true this cycle,” notes Tom Conley, HPMA’s President & CEO. “Given such, we expect to inch up a few more percentage points over this next week and end up with our largest attendance numbers since 2019.”
International registrations are tracking 38% higher than October 2021’s numbers and almost triple that of last spring, according to HPMA. Although outreach over the past few months revealed a hesitancy to travel still exists for some, there are many ready and willing to embrace transit, especially as government-imposed travel restrictions ease. Corporate travel bans are also easing, evidenced by the larger teams registering from major retailer and online retailers.
Travel Quest, HPMA’s official travel concierge, shares more good news, noting that the average number of room nights for Market guests has increased when compared to previous Markets. “This is encouraging data. We not only see more people planning to come, but they’re opting to stay longer,” Conley states.
The What’s New section of High Point Market’s website features details about product launches, expanding showrooms, new exhibitors, and more across all major product categories.
Check out enLIGHTenment magazine’s preview of High Point Market product debuts below.
Visit High Point, the local CVB, says local businesses are poised and ready to welcome and serve Market guests. “High Point is not immune to the same staffing issues currently plaguing the country, but our local restaurants and service providers are looking forward to sharing the same southern hospitality and charm with which we always greet Market guests,” comments Visit High Point’s President Melody Burnett.
“All factors point to a resilient, rebounding industry ready to reconnect here in High Point, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Conley remarks.
The Spring 2022 High Point Market will open on Saturday, April 2, and run through Wednesday, April 6. Online pre-registration is available through 5:00pm ET on Wednesday, March 30 here .
