HIGH POINT — High Point Market attendees can take a side trip to Sweden during next month’s show.

Three seminars to be offered April 7, 8 and 9 will explore Sweden’s design philosophy and home furnishings capabilities, featuring experts from the Scandinavian nation.

The Swedish Design Symposium is co-sponsored by Merchandise Mart Properties and the High Point Market Authority, in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Industrial Development Center West Sweden AB. Sessions will take place at 2 p.m. each day in the Suites at Market Square, space 1-300.

Targeting domestic furniture manufacturers and designers, retailers and interior design firms, the symposium is open to all marketgoers.

The seminar series will begin with a look at Swedish design history. Speaker James Minard will provide an overview of the romantic Gustavian style, a tradition of furniture making that began in the 18th century during the reign of King Gustav III. Minard represents The Gustavian Room, an association of manufacturers of period furniture in the city of Tibro in southern Sweden, many of which are run by the same families and staffed by fifth-generation craftsmen.

Seminar two will focus on Swedish design today, with an emphasis on contemporary Swedish design culture and the brands that have been the inspiration for Ikea and other contemporary producers. The presenter will be Anders Wisth, managing director of The Kingdom of Furniture (an association of 35 companies in southern of Sweden) and cluster coordinator for the interior cluster of western Sweden.

“Our goal with this event is to explore what’s behind the success of Swedish brands in the international arena,” said Wisth. “We’ll look at key factors that are translating into success in the market, from design and craftsmanship to storytelling, and focus on how quality-oriented retailers, designers and architects can effectively compete with Ikea.”

In seminar three, a trio of rising young Swedish design stars — Matilda Lindblom, Sofie Korzonek and Stina Sandwall — will to present their designs and discuss their visions for the future, as well as the unique cooperation that exists between craftsmen and designers in the region.

“This is an incredible opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most notable people working in the Swedish furniture arena today, particularly the new generation of Swedish designers who are becoming known worldwide for their ability to combine simplicity in shape with sustainability,” said Tom Crump, director, Furniture Export Office, International Trade Division, North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Throughout market week, April 7-13, a variety of furnishings representing the craft, design and manufacturing capabilities of Swedish furniture companies will be displayed near the seminar room in space 1-528, Suites at Market Square.