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High Point, Show Events, Show News & Business

HPMA Announces 2026 DAA Awards Honorees

Mission-supporting industry stakeholders to be honored at October mixer.

9/21/2026
HIGH POINT, N.C – The High Point Market Authority’s Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) announces its annual Diversity Advocacy Alliance Awards, to be celebrated at a presentation ceremony and mixer held at The Spinning Room at Congdon Yards on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 5pm.

The event will be emceed by celebrated interior design Michel Smith Boyd. Beginning at 5:45 pm, three awards will be presented to stakeholders within the home furnishings industry who exemplify characteristics that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lighting resource Crystorama will receive the Open Arms Award, awarded for inclusivity and hospitality towards all showroom visitors regardless of race, gender or orientation. This award also recognizes the High Point Market exhibitor’s commitment to supporting diversity through its employment practices and marketing initiatives.

Professional home stager and HGTV personality Nikki Watson will receive the Mentorship Award, which honors industry leaders who share their knowledge to foster success for established and next-generation professionals. This award recognizes her history of offering guidance, support and mentorship to emerging designers from underrepresented backgrounds. Watson is also a member of The Design Besties, which received DAA’s Social Responsibility Award in 2025.

Ebony Staten, an interior designer and founder of non-profit organization The Vogue Room Foundation, will receive the Social Responsibility Award, for her work supporting minority college students. This award honors industry leaders or companies who advocate diversity beyond the High Point Market trade show experience, spotlighting the individuals who drive community, innovation and unique perspectives across the industry.

“Our industry is at its best when it reflects the breadth of people, perspectives and creative voices it serves,” says Benjamin Johnston, founder and principal designer of Benjamin Johnston Design and DAA committee chair. “This fall, we are proud to celebrate the leaders who are not simply talking about progress, but actively creating it—and helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for the design and furnishing industry.”

“High Point Market welcomes all professionals in the furnishings and design sector, and the DAA awards highlight the warm hospitality our trade show is known for,” says Tammy Covington, HPMA president and CEO. “I encourage everyone to attend the event and to be inspired by the individuals and companies these awards recognize.”

The event will take place at Congdon Yards, 410 W English Rd., on the third floor in the Spinning Room. Free parking is available onsite.

This event is open to all Fall Market pass holders and is made possible by the generous support of several industry sponsors. Gold Level sponsors include Fabricut and Leftbank Art. Bronze Level sponsors include Benjamin Johnston Design, Chaddock, Design Biz Survival Guide, Feizy Rugs, Interior Design Society (IDS), Janus et Cie, Rock House Farm Family of Brands, Theodore Alexander, and Verellen. Friends of DAA sponsors include Crystorama and WorkTheBrand PR.
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