This week, interior designers from around the country will descend on Dallas en mass for Lightovation and the Total Home & Gift Market. If you've already perused our winter market preview, then you know there are plenty of new introductions and exciting innovations to see in nearly every showroom.
But touring showrooms shouldn't be your only activity at market. Dallas Market Center will be hosting a number of great speakers and panel discussions that all designers should be attending.
Don't forget your comfy shoes because with our list of seminars at Lightovation and the Total Home & Gift Market, you're going to be doing a lot of walking. Check them out.
Developing Product is Not for the Faint of Heart with Michael Mitchell, Tyler Hill & Alexa Hampton
It takes a lot to bring a product from concept to store shelf, and these speakers know it firsthand.
In this discussion, panelists Michael Mitchell, Tyler Hill and Alexa Hampton will talk about their experiences in interior design and product development. Mitchell and Hill are the owners of design firm Mitchell Hill, and they also have their own product line of the same name. Hampton is also a designer and has several licensed collections.
Wednesday, Jan. 17
2:00 p.m.
Location: IHDC 1D205
Diversifying Design with Julia Buckingham, Robin Baron & Steven Favreau
These days, interior designers touch on a number of business opportunities well outside the home. While some focus on commercial design and staging, others are creating licensed collections and private labels and even launching their own retail spaces to complement their design studios.
Which of these options could help grow your business? In this seminar, designers Julia Buckingham, Robin Baron and Steven Favreau will discuss their own design pathways and how they've grown their businesses from studios to empires.
Thursday, Jan. 18
10:00 a.m.
Location: IHDC 1D205
The House That Pinterest Built: A Conversation with Diane Keaton
Versitile Diane Keaton's never been known for standing still. The Oscar-winning actress, director, author and home design enthusiast will be at market to recount how Pinterest helped her build and design her home from the ground up and how it led to her new book, The House That Pinterest Built.
After the discussion, Keaton will be signing copies of her new book in the Aiden Gray showroom (WTC 10009) where copies of the book will also be available for purchase.
Thursday, Jan. 18
1:00 p.m.
Location: Atrium - WTC 1
Broaden Your Brand: Tips and Tactics to Really Grow Your Design Business with Dann Foley, Libby Langdon & Michelle Workman
Michelle Workman didn't just happen into a licensed collection. Neither did Dann Foley or Libby Langdon. All three designers used the power of the press as well as their own voices to grow their businesses and portfolios.
This panel discussion will cover tips and advice for generating brand awareness in terms of both consumers and the media. Foley, Langdon and Workman will provide insights on how to get your work in front of members of the media and how to leverage your own voice through your website and social media channels. The panel will be moderated by The Chaise Lounge's host Nick May.
Thursday, Jan. 18
3:00 p.m.
Location: IHDC 1D205
The Business of Interior Design with Nancy Price, Kelli Ellis & Rebecca Robeson
We all have an idea about what will be trending at market: metallics, blues, grays. But what's trending on the business side of interior design? How is the business of the industry changing and what does that mean for designers today?
May will step in once more to moderate this panel discussion with Nancy Price, Kelli Ellis and Rebecca Robeson. Attendees will hear about what business trends and tactics the panelists see coming and how they anticipate changing trends in the near future.
Friday, Jan. 19
1:00 p.m.
Location: IHDC 1D205
Tell us, which of these seminars are you psyched to listen to? Share with us in the comments!
