DALLAS – May 27, 2026 – Dallas Market Center announces the schedule of events for Lightovation Design + Build Day, taking place Tuesday, June 23, 2026. This full-day program that happens the day before Lightovation officially opens brings together interior designers, architects, builders, and other trade professionals for a day of exclusive experiences, sessions with design thought leaders, and guided showroom tours with participation from chief editors of Custom Builder and Business of Home magazines. Retailers are also welcome to attend to gain insights into working with the trade community.
“Design + Build Day brings together designers, architects, and builders for an immersive experience centered on learning and inspiration,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “It’s an opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders, build meaningful connections, and explore the future of design and construction — all in one place.”
This year’s Design + Build Day includes panels moderated by Pauline Hammerbeck, Head of Content at Custom Builder, and Kaitlin Petersen, Editor in Chief of Business of Home, as well as an insightful lunch & learn led by Nikki Watson, founder of The Design Quad. The day rounds out with curated showroom tours, networking opportunities, and a celebratory closing reception featuring AD100 designer Corey Damen Jenkins, bringing together the design and lighting communities.
EVENTS TO INSPIRE
From thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders to guided tours throughout the Trade Mart lighting neighborhood, the day delivers education, inspiration, and connection at every turn.
Design + Build Day Schedule of Events – Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- 9 a.m. – Design + Build Day Breakfast at Hubbardton Forge | TM 3725
Start the day with a welcome breakfast inside the impressive Hubbardton Forge showroom featuring the opportunity to connect with fellow designers, builders, and industry professionals over coffee and morning bites. - 10 a.m. – “Collaboration Wins & Costly Mistakes: An Architect, Builder and Designer in Conversation” presented by Custom Builder | TM 3 Loft – Main Stage | 1.0 LU CEU
Pauline Hammerbeck, Head of Content for Custom Builder, moderates a conversation addressing the importance of communication and collaboration between architects, builders, developers, and lighting designers, complete with tips for successfully improving workflows. Panelists Bob Appert of White Oaks Savanna and Redstone Builders, Eric M. Johnson of Christopher Strom Architects and Mark Keilson of Oldner Lighting will provide their perspectives in this CEU-accredited session. - 11 a.m. – Made in the Americas Exhibitor Tour | Meet at TM 3 Loft – Main Stage
Custom Builder’s Head of Content Pauline Hammerbeck will lead a curated walking tour exploring standout lighting showrooms featuring designs crafted across this hemisphere. - 12 p.m. – Women Who Build Lunch & Learn Hosted by Buster + Punch | TM 4926 – The International Pavilion | 1.0 LU CEU
Nikki Watson, founder of The Design Quad, sits down with Mae Reedy (Mae Reedy Build + Design), Sue Berk (Berk + Walters Homes), and Jen Stevens (Fonde Interiors) for an enlightening conversation exploring how design and construction collaboration leads to better project outcomes. Complimentary lunch provided for the first 40 attendees of this CEU-accredited panel. - 2 p.m. – “Becoming the Builder’s Designer” presented by Business of Home | TM 3 Loft – Main Stage
Join as Kaitlin Petersen, editor-in-chief of Business of Home, moderates a discussion with acclaimed designers Corey Damen Jenkins, Alison Giese, and Erin Sander on how to work more effectively alongside contractors.
- 3 p.m. – Business of Home Showrooms Tour | Meet at TM 3 Loft – Main Stage
This insider walking tour led by Business of Home editor-in-chief Kaitlin Petersen highlights must-see decorative lighting destinations at Lightovation while also offering candid conversations about the business of design. Participants will also receive special gifts from the brands at each stop. - 4 p.m. – Design + Build Day Closing Reception with Corey Damen Jenkins | Eichholtz – TM 3321
Attend a special meet & greet with Corey Damen Jenkins to celebrate the designer’s new lighting line for Eichholtz. He will also be signing complimentary copies of his book Design Reimagined for the first 100 guests. Enjoy refreshments and networking with other design, build, and lighting professionals.
ADDITIONAL DESIGN PROGRAMMING IN JUNE
June Market design programming begins at 4-6 p.m. on Monday, June 22, with the Design Ambassador Vignette Reveal Party on the first floor of IHDC. The festive cocktail-style event celebrates the debut of the first two Design Ambassador vignettes by Pulp Design Studios and Coco & Dash Interiors, featuring products sourced from Dallas Market Center exhibitors. Guests will enjoy wine tasting, live music, and hors d’oeuvres while connecting with the design community and celebrating local creative talent. Registration is encouraged — RSVP here.
In addition to Design + Build Day, designers are invited to attend North America’s largest and most comprehensive residential lighting show, Lightovation, June 24-27. Spanning 1 million square feet, the market brings together industry professionals from across the country to explore the latest trends across every category of home lighting—including indoor and outdoor, decorative and architectural, ceiling fans, smart systems, and more. Inspiring events, educational sessions, and celebrations of the best in the business of lighting round out the experience.
The must-attend Total Home & Gift Market takes place June 24-30, and features new brands and collections across gift, home décor, tabletop, housewares, holiday, lifestyle categories, and more.
The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, June 24-27, is your go-to destination for discovering fresh trends, one-of-a-kind finds, and new brands across four inspiring neighborhoods, offering new resources for gift, home décor, tabletop, housewares, gourmet, holiday, and lifestyle merchandise. The LUXE Design Temps in the Trade Mart atrium will present dozens of high-design home décor, gift, and tabletop resources.
Complete event information is available on the Market Calendar page of the new Dallas Market Center website: https://www.dallasmarketcenter.com/calendar/.
Book June 2026 Market Hotel Rooms Now
All June market attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to book hotel rooms now to secure availability and preferred rates within Dallas Market Center’s official hotel blocks, particularly as World Cup matches take place in the region. Rooms can be explored and reserved at: https://book.passkey.com/event/51023095/owner/14227/home.
For upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the new Dallas Market Center mobile app, which has been completely redesigned. Also, keep up to date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose blog.
About Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting, and apparel. Inside its dynamic, 5 million-square-foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education, and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via dominant trade events for gift, home décor, holiday, and floral; the nation’s most comprehensive apparel and accessories markets featuring the latest styles from East Coast and West Coast designers; the largest residential lighting trade event in North America; and the largest and most successful open-daily design center. To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center App.
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