FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jane Dagmi, HPxD
954-242-9024
jane@hpxd.org

High Point by Design Hosts “Beyond Booked” to Empower Short-Term Rental Owners and Designers with a Spotlight on Inclusive Travel, Design and Marketing

July 2025 | High Point, NC — Beyond Booked: Design Smarter. Market Well. Earn More., a fast-paced half-day educational event for short-term rental hosts, investors, and designers will take place on Tuesday, August 12, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM in High Point, North Carolina.
Presented with Visit High Point and Downtown High Point, Beyond Booked is designed to support the community of local short-term rental operators with expert insight, practical tools, and strategies to help their properties stand out in a competitive and evolving market—while also reflecting the design-forward spirit of a city known as the Home Furnishings Capital of the World.
“Beyond Booked reflects how we activate High Point’s brand promise, by equipping partners to create inclusive, design-forward experiences that exceed expectations,” says Melody Burnett, president of Visit High Point.
This event brings together nationally recognized experts in vacation rental design, branding, and marketing—with a special presentation by accessible travel advocate Lorraine Woodward, founder of Becoming RentABLE, on how inclusive, accessible design can unlock opportunity in the short-term rental market.
“With High Point’s designation as a Certified Autism Destination, hosting a conversation here around accessibility is more relevant than ever, especially as it relates to hospitality and what we  can offer our overnight guests,” said Jane Dagmi, Managing Director of High Point x Design. “Lorraine’s session will open eyes to the growing need — and opportunity — for short-term rental properties in our city and beyond.”
In addition to Woodward, featured speakers include:
Jessica Duce, founder of JDuce Design and cofounder of Vacation Rental Designers, on how intentional design enhances guest experience and drives higher reviews and revenue.


Ericka Saurit, brand strategist and founder of Saurit Creative, on how to craft a compelling brand presence through visuals and language.

Chelsea Hannon, content marketer and a co-owner at StayLakeNorman luxury vacation rental management company, will share tips for social media success for STRs.
 
Jill Harrill, Director of Marketing & Brand Communications at Valdese Weavers and MaterialWorks, will give the lowdown on the latest performance fabrics for short-term rentals

Attendees will also hear from community leaders including:

• Melody Burnett, President, Visit High Point
   
• Christina Payne, Director of Business Development, Visit High Point
   
• Rebekah McGee, Executive Director, Downtown High Point
   
• Lyndsey Ayers, Assistant VP for University Relations
•  
• Jane Dagmi, Managing Director, High Point x Design (HPxD)
   

Tickets for the event are $55 and include education and a post-event reception. Space is limited to 45. The first 25 registrants will receive a $50 Downtown High Point gift card, redeemable at participating local businesses. Register at Eventbrite.

Attendees are encouraged to stay an extra day to shop the HPxD Sizzle Sale beginning Wednesday, August 13—a rare chance to purchase high-quality home furnishings at exceptional prices, ideal for upgrading vacation rental properties.
  About the Organizers:
Beyond Booked is produced by the team behind the award-winning Vacation Rental Design Summit, in partnership with Visit High Point and Downtown High Point, with a shared goal of promoting inclusive, design-forward hospitality and enhancing High Point’s reputation as a premier destination.