In October I attended my first conference with the International Association of Staging Professionals held in Charlotte. The Staging industry has becoming a vital marketing component for Real Estate. It takes more than just watching a TV show to become a stager. Look for professionalism and accreditation.

 

“Our 2018 IAHSP Conference & EXPO was a HUGE success! Not only did we have the largest number of attendees to date, we also had the hottest duo in the Home Staging/Design world – The Scott Brothers!  They charmed and educated our attendees and added such great celebrity star power to our event!  All attendees earned their Luxury Home Staging (IAHSP-LHS) Designation as well as learned valuable information and insights from top-notch speakers.”

– Jennie Norris, Chairwoman, IAHSP International

It was a week of inspiration and connections.

 

High Point Market Experience

It was my first adventure at High Point market with 14 vendors welcoming our group of stagers to tour their showrooms to see a variety of products from home décor, lighting, rugs and furniture. I’m more of a touch and feel shopper so I wanted to sit in the furniture to experience it, which required a road tip via UBER the next day.

 

Trends

As far as staging, transitional style is very popular. It is a fresh, updated look with clean lines and photographs beautifully in listing photos. Mid Century Modern is hot depending on the area. Professional stagers know how to stage for the target market.

For this area of the Hudson Valley, many of the homes I stage are farmhouse style. It is a hot trend for decorating but it’s been here forever.

 

The Scott Brothers

A highlight of the conference was the keynote speakers, The Scott Brothers featured on HGTV’s Property Brothers. Jonathan and Drew were warm, friendly, enthusiastic about staging and very tall. We each had a photo op to receive our autographed copy of their book, “It Takes Two”.

 

Awards Gala

Yours truly came home with a Top Individual Stager award for stagers who work on their own without a team. We may have help on staging day but are doing it all ourselves. What an honor!

 

Every friend was once a stranger

Thanks to the online expo group, I connected with my new forever friend, Sharly Ward, from Hawaii. We became High Point shopping buddies. “What an immediate connection I felt when Claudia and I met. We shared lots of common beliefs like our love for Staging however never have I experienced a bond that formed so quickly and tight. 5000 miles will never keep us from being great friends and mentors. I am looking forward to sharing all future conferences, markets and personal trips together with Claudia” – Sharly Ward, Hawaiian Global Staging

Meeting Barb Schwarz, creator of Home Staging, was inspirational. Barb discussed staging your life by removing the clutter.

Last but not least,

I got to meet my California Facebook friend, Kevin Htain of INDENTITY HOME staging+design in person. Kevin stages for the HGTV show “Flip or Flop”. Truth be told, I went to the conference to meet Kevin after convincing me to attend.

 

As we enter the New Year, my wish for you is focus on all the positive experiences and people in your life. Let go of what no longer serves you, especially the clutter. Make space for new connections and be inspired.