September 20, 2023

The Educational Foundation (EF) of IFDA, the International Furnishings and Design Association, is pleased to announce that it is a Silver Sponsor of the Bienenstock Furniture Library’s third-annual Future Designers Summit in High Point, N.C., Sept. 20 to 22.

The Future Designers Summit is an immersive educational experience conceived and organized by the library for nurturing the next generation of industry professionals in fields ranging from furniture and industrial design to interior architecture and merchandising.

“Sponsorships are critical for funding student participation and awards,” said Karla Jones, executive director, Bienenstock Furniture Library. “We’re grateful to all our sponsors for their generous support of this industry-forward student initiative.”

Following a competitive applications review earlier this year, 40 students from universities and colleges across the U.S. will attend this three-day event, featuring keynote presentations by designer Corey Damon Jenkins; trend forecaster and creative director Patti Carpenter, IFDA; and Tammy Nagem, president and CEO, High Point Market Authority.  Nancy Fire of Nancy Fire Designs, IFDA, is one of the panelists. There will also be in-depth facility tours and opportunities to earn one of three $5,000 scholarship awards. 

“We are honored to support such an important initiative,” said Karen Dzendolet, chairman of the Board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA. “Educating and inspiring the next generation as well as encouraging career growth is what we are all about.  Our thanks to IFDA EF Board Member and past IFDA EF Board Chairman Helen Wagner for spearheading this effort.”