This engaging panel discussion explores how interior designers and their clients are influenced by generational perspectives and preferences. Panelists will examine what motivates designers and clients across different age groups, how generational differences shape design approaches, and how designers tailor their strategies to meet the needs of a diverse client base.

A strong digital presence is no longer optional — it's an essential part of building a thriving, recognizable design business. In this conversation, we’ll explore how designers can translate their own unique design POV into a cohesive and compelling online brand. From graphic identity and website design to photography and social media storytelling, this panel dives into the visual tools and strategic thinking required to elevate your digital brand. Learn how to present your work in a way that resonates with clients, builds trust, and ultimately drives growth.

Join Attorney David Adler, a legal expert in interior design practices, for a focused session on strengthening client agreements. He will cover the key legal elements that make a contract enforceable, when and how contracts are formed or amended, and the most important clauses to protect your business. Attendees will also learn practical strategies for handling clients who fail to meet their obligations, ensuring projects stay on track and disputes are minimized.

In the Continuing Education program “The Art of Mixed Medium: Designing with Wood + Metal,” John Michael Studio Co-Founder and CEO, Michael Sloan, will guide participants through the evolving craft of integrating contrasting materials within luxury kitchen and interior design. Drawing on his experience as a nationally recognized and certified kitchen designer, Michael will illuminate the artistry behind introducing metal into traditionally wood-dominated environments. This conversation will highlight not only the textural and visual richness that comes from blending mediums, but also the functional advantages that metal surfaces and finishes bring to modern design. Participants will explore how thoughtful applications of stainless steel, brass, and other metals can redefine cabinetry and architectural detailing—creating balance, sophistication, and durability. The course will also address a broader design dialogue: how metal allows for seamless continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, dissolving boundaries and establishing a unified design language across the entire home. By examining real-world projects and material applications, this course offers insight into bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation—ultimately equipping designers with the tools to craft interiors that feel both timeless and forward-thinking.

Discover how Frank Lloyd Wright’s “architecture of nature” philosophy shaped Fallingwater’s colors and materials. Explore why ochre tones were chosen, how sensory elements guided design, and how these choices still inspire specs today, offering insight you can apply to any project.

IDEA+ is a celebration of design, artistry, and collaboration. Used as a platform for launching new product, IDEA+ enlisted the creative minds of designers across North America to highlight Divine Flooring's new product using their own concepts, expertise and root of inspiration to create something innovative and beautiful. The result shows how inspiration is subjective, and highlights the infinite potential of material, texture, and colour all in one space.

Shea Soucie and Martin Horner of Soucie Horner Design Collective share the highs, lows, and laughs from 25 years of running a design studio together- nothing’s off the table in this candid conversation.

Rapidly evolving design considerations require performance fabric makers to innovate products and processes for adding longevity, sustainability, material transparency, availability and design-for wellness along with luxury, beauty and style. Whether designing a residential or commercial space, this course offers a guide to finding products to suit the specifier’s design ethos as well as their aesthetic vision.

"Join Scott Group Studio, Amhad Freeman, and Aspire Design and Home for an exclusive look into the artistry and innovation behind their newest collaborative rug collection. Inspired by the fluid beauty of water, the collection unites Amhad Freeman’s vision with Scott Group Studio’s craftsmanship, resulting in custom designs of striking elegance. Through a guided conversation, Aspire Design and Home and Amhad Freeman will reveal the creative journey—unfolding inspiration, collaboration, and the transformation of ideas into luxury carpets. Experience the collection up close, discover the craft behind custom rug design, and spark new inspiration for your own projects."

Design is about creating an emotional connection in the perfect space. Our panel discusses how they craft intimate, thoughtful, and comfortable interiors for their clients, with luxe materials, bespoke furnishings, and creative solutions.

Join us as we explore how to identify a paint color’s undertone, and how to work with it and not against it to create a cohesive, harmonious design. Discover the various factors that affect undertones and how a paint color casts in a space. Throughout our discussion, we will explore the beauty of undertones, focusing on ways to lean into their ability to enhance our designs. By understanding the interdependence between a paint color and its surroundings, we can learn to appreciate the dynamic qualities of color.

A home doesn’t begin and end within its walls. This session explores how seamless indoor/outdoor design, through palettes, finishes, and sculptural furnishings, creates a deeper sense of home while also opening new opportunities for client engagement and business growth.

A book club where no one has to read the book. Join The Table Read, a live panel and tasting experience inspired by Sixtysix Magazine. Enjoy cocktails, pastries, and design insights from Chicago’s top designers plus a fully styled table installation you won’t want to leave.

For centuries, stone has been a hallmark of beautiful and functional design — and it continues to create endless opportunities as the perfect statement-making canvas. Join designer Leah Bolger and architect Justin Bucy for a discussion on ways to thoughtfully utilize this sustainable, versatile, multifaceted material in its many forms.

Join us for a special event with lighting designer and sculptor Ted Bradley, known for his breathtaking porcelain light sculptures and commitment to American-made artisan craft. In a rare, behind-the-scenes presentation, Ted will deconstruct and reconstruct one of his signature pieces live, walking us through the meticulous process behind his work—from raw materials to final form. This event is more than a demonstration—it's a conversation about why craftsmanship matters, especially in today’s design world. We’ll explore what it means to make objects with soul, intention, and lasting value, and why investing in handcrafted, American-made work is more relevant than ever

Art isn’t just an accessory — it’s a catalyst for storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional depth in the home. In this dynamic panel discussion, discover how top designers and artists are reimagining the role of fine art in residential interiors — and how meaningful and intentional collaboration between the two disciplines transforms spaces and elevates every detail. Whether it’s curating a thoughtful collection or commissioning original work, successful partnerships between artists and designers open the door to creative possibilities far beyond aesthetics. These collaborations build trust, spark innovation, and ultimately shape environments that feel both intentional and deeply personal. Moderated by Art For Life Chicago Co-Chair and local artist Darren Jones, this conversation explores the power of creative synergy — where every detail contributes to the story of a space, and every partnership pushes the boundaries of design. Join us to explore how collaboration isn’t just a process — it’s a design philosophy. Let’s talk art!

Quality, creativity, client-care are core values of many design firms, but the keenest ones — like Michigan’s Jean Stoffer Design — go beyond that, using a heart-led approach that fuels everything they touch. Learn from Jean, her marketing director (and son!) John Stoffer, and moderator, journalist Sophie Donelson how authenticity and point of view will transform the next chapter of your business. 

Luxurious Simplicity: Liaigre's elegance for refined details are brought to life with clean lines and perfect proportions available in the finest materials- wood, bronze, leather. Designs that seduce a clientele wanting to live in contemporary interiors as well as holding on to the excellency of the French furnishings tradition. Liaigre gives prominence to high quality know-how: cabinet making, saddlery, bronze making, lacquering. These creations are concerned with well-being. Liaigre proposes more than just furniture: it is a way of living in time. Come experience the beauty that is Liaigre.

Our course will discuss the environment of the future and the importance of sustainability as it relates to new home construction, with a focus on the kitchen. Discussions will include information on sustainable materials, manufacturing, operation and after-life standards. The course will review specification details that might impact the future of a build, including ADA and wellness considerations.

In this panel, founders from three leading firms share how they approach collaboration across every layer of their business — from internal team structure to external partnerships with contractors, showrooms, and manufacturers. Learn how they foster creative alignment, work effectively with trade partners, and build trust that lasts. After the event, please join us for a champagne toast celebrating 30 years of C.A.I. Designs in The Mart!

Benton buckley books presents The Authentic Voices Speaker Series at the DEDON & Gloster Showroom. Join designers Jennifer Garrigues, Jasmin Reese, and Sharlene Young in conversation—moderated by publisher Beth Buckley. These dynamic voices will illuminate the intersection of storytelling and space, artistry and authenticity.

Join us for a lively panel discussion that explores the enduring influence of historical design and architectural precedents on both new construction and older homes in need of renovation. This event brings together leading designers and builders in this space to discuss how the past continues to mold and inspire the spaces we create today.

Join us as we celebrate the launch of the Morris & Co. x The Huntington collection, The Unfinished Works, featuring archival artworks from The Huntington’s library, completed by the Morris & Co. studio. Mark Millmore, Director of Retail at The Huntington, and Melinda Watt from The Art Institute, discuss these newly completed designs originally sketched by William Morris and his protégé, John Henry Dearle.

Colormix® Anthology Volume Two is our biennial report on the color families that our experts predict will define residential design in 2026 and beyond. Dive deep into every nuance of these exceptional hues of the 2026 color forecast, and see them expressed across a multitude of coatings.

These are unprecedented times! One where there is more change building outside of your organization than in it. And a relentless pace of uncertainty that can radically impact your ability to grow your organization and keep your team motivated. The only guarantee you have is this: more change is coming. And if you’re not prepared — if you don’t have a plan — then research proves this level of uncertainty will negatively impact your ability to drive innovation, attract top talent and achieve bottom-line results. While uncertainty can seem daunting, the truth is uncertainty has an upside — it always has an upside. In fact, it can be your greatest asset to thrive, grow and turn disruption into opportunity. But you need a plan, a strategy, and the research that shows the precise path you must follow to turn disruption into opportunity. 

Edward Fields Carpet Makers invites you to the premiere of The Fifth Wall: The Edward Fields Story, a documentary exploring the brand’s legacy in American design since 1935. Join us for an exclusive screening, followed by a cocktail reception in celebration of Edward Fields’ 90th anniversary.

We’ll take you on a journey that begins in 1927, the year when movies with sound were born, to present day home theater capabilities and how it has evolved into a true luxury cinematic experience.  Come in for a demonstration that will wow your senses!