Design Edge Co., the only trade show that brings top designer-focused brands directly to interior designers across North America, announces educational and social programming for its two-day event at The Geraghty, Sept. 21-22.
Open to registered attendees at no charge, a host of events have been curated to appeal to interior designers from Chicago and the Midwest Region, including the following:
Wed., Sep. 21
Building a Personal Brand That Supports Your Design Business 10 to 11am
Moderated by Shannon Sharpe, Homes Editor, Luxe Interiors + Design, this panel discussion includes top interior designers Amy Wertepny and Amhad Freeman along with industry experts Erin McKinley, Christine Phillips and Jane Gish.
Cocktail Reception 4 to 6 pm
A social gathering with remarks from sponsors and partners Luxe Interiors + Design, High Point Market Authority, ASID Midwest Region chapters, and River North Design District. Interior designer Amy Kartheiser will present Under the Same Sky to the group, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness for mental health. Following the reception, Chicagoland manufacturer Eastern Accents will host a social networking opportunity with a speakeasy theme.
Thu., Sep. 22
Rates and Fees 9 to 10:30 am
Interior design business coach Melissa Galt kicks off day two of Design Edge Chicago with her perennially popular topic, “Rates & Fees to Double Your Revenues in Half the Time,” a how-to guide for value based fee scheduling. Registration is recommended due to limited seating. A book signing event for Galt’s indispensable guide Marketing Luxury: Attracting Affluent Clients will follow.
Supporting the Midwest Designer 2 to 3:30 pm
“Getting it Right from the Start” ASID Midwest Chapter sponsored discussion about the critical role of the interior designer in construction, from inception to completion. Moderated by Melissa Galt, the panel discussion features interior designers Julia Buckingham and Amy Storm, along with design and construction leaders George Markoutsas, The ABL Group; Michael Conneely, Greenside Design Build; and Raynette Bradford, Moment Architecture and Design.
Design Edge was the first trade event to bring kitchen and bath resources together with furnishings vendors at its Seattle event this spring. Following on the heels of that success, an elevated “Kitchen and Bath Experience” presentation is planned for the Chicago event. Participating brands include Bentwood Luxury Kitchens, Brizo, Consentino, and Monogram.
Other firsts at Design Edge Chicago include a special display by Thom Filicia with partner brands Vanguard, Eastern Accents, Wendover Art Group, Feizy, and Cyan Design; and designer Amy Kartheiser’s “Meet the Maker” Instagram Series.
Trade show floor hours are Wed., 9/21, 10am to 6pm; and Thur., 9/22, 10 am to 2 pm.
Midwest interior designers interested in attending Design Edge Chicago are invited to register online. Information about room block reservations at the W Hotel located at 172 West Adams St. is also available on the website. Contact Lee Hershberg at lee@designedgeco.com with questions.
Participating furnishings exhibitors are listed on the Design Edge website. Attendees will gain direct access to brand executives, along with special product previews, educational programming and networking activities.
In 2023, Design Edge Co. events will travel to Miami and Houston. Design Edge Co. is on Instagram @designedgeco