Kirsten Nicholas  15 Jan, 2018   Stories, Industry Insights, Designer, architecture, Art, art advising, Art Basel, art fairs, art trends, BDNY, BDWest, conferences, contemporary art, Design, design trends, expos, luxury hotels, Travel, HD Expo, Hotels, industrial, interior design, interior design conferences, interior design expos, leisure, luxury, NYC, art x design

Please Note: We've updated this article to reflect 2018 dates and added some new exciting fairs and trade shows to the list. Let us know which ones you'll be attending this year! 

Go ahead, sit on that chair. Run your hands along that wallpaper. Flip a switch and watch that bulb burst to life.

More than any other industry, interior designers need in-person events. Trade shows give you the perfect opportunity to talk to manufacturers and distributors. Conferences give a jolt of inspiration for your next hotel project. And networking with other brilliant and talented pros is one of our favorite ways to connect with the industry.

But which event to choose? Where to go? From high-end-invite-only-hospitality-think-camps to 50,000 attendee expos, you have more than a few options. You could scour the internet and find one that sounds compelling ... or you could keep reading.

 


 

Below we’ve curated our favorite conferences, trade shows and expos for interior designers. Keep in mind that each of these events usually inspires spin-off events, cocktails, and shows to see so make sure to check back here for curated lists of what to see and do around these times. 

 

The All-Around Best Interior Design Conference and Exhibition

Photo-Courtesy-of-NeoCon_Building-Exterior

Image courtesy of NeoCon

1. NeoCon

When: June 11-13, 2018

Where: The Merchandise Mart, Chicago

 

Dubbed as North America’s most important commercial design event, NeoCon runs for three days in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.

Everything launches at NeoCon. Peter Pepper’s iBooth. Via’s oyo chair. KI's Sway seating. If you get a rush from being in the know, NeoCon is the event to attend. You’ll find everything from furniture to art equipment to lighting to wall treatments.

Previous years have seen up to 50,000 attendees and 700+ exhibitors representing many sub-industries like healthcare, retail, education and hospitality.

As with most exhibitions of this size, NeoCon also offers over 100 seminars and special events. In 2015 leader designers from HOK Atlanta gave the keynote on designing Porsche headquarters.

NeoCon East is taking a break until 2019 so make sure you book now for the OG design show in Chicago. 

 

AD Design Show

Photo courtesy of AD Design Show, by Matthew Carasella

 

2. The AD Design Show

When: March 22-25, 2018

Where: Pier 92 & 94, NYC

 

Tired of looking at product digitally? The Architectural Digest Design Show brings together high-end design retailers from around the world. Lighting, furniture, wall decor, and fabric are just a few of the things you'll discover. 4 Days, 400 Brands ... You don't want to miss the premiere design event.

Attended by both retail and trade professionals the AD Design Show attracts super start decorators and the high-end clientele to match. It's considered the best place to find talented emerging and established independent designers/makers.

In recent years, they've received consistent praise for the MADE Section, which features 70+ new makers from around the world. You'll have access to objects you can't find anywhere else. Also make sure not to miss the highly stylized dining room vignettes of Dining by Design where design firms partner with vendors to raise money for DIFFA.

 

Hospitality Design Conferences

bdny

Hello from Boutique Design, New York - The Indiewalls Team

3. Boutique Design New York

When: November 11 - 12, 2018

Where: Jacob K. Javits Center

 

Over 500 exhibitors show off their products and services at BDNY’s trade fair and conference for hospitality design pros.

Seminars focus on a range of topics, from brand building to the future of hotel art. Many sessions provide continuing education credits with the AIA and IDCEC.

BDNY is also famous for temporary spaces, spaces created by talented designers. Last year New York-based Meyer Davis Studio unveiled “The Bar,” complete with collapsible door that turned into a work of art. BDNY used the space as a lounge for panel discussions.

Boutique Design West will be April 4 - 5, 2018 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. 

 

HD Summitt

Image courtesy of HD Summit

4. Hospitality Design Summit

When: March 7-9, 2018

Where: Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, California

 

This exclusive networking event is invite only and includes Ted Talk like discussions from executives in a range of industry. From filmmakers to writers to aritsts, HD Summit is interested in idea collaboration and inspiration. 

We know what you’re thinking. They aren’t in the design industry. Which is sort of the point.  Less conference, more networking and education, HD Summit is an event for “fresh thinking.”

Attendees spend three days networking at a resort while participating in bicycle tours and fishing outings. The summit is best for hospitality execs who want less product-browsing and more idea-swapping. You'll hob knob with decision makers and get to know them in an low pressure environment. We're talking real connections.

Want to attend? The summit is invitation-only for senior-level hospitality executives. You’ll need to either be nominated by a sponsor or nominate yourself.

 

Image courtesy of HD Expo

5. HDexpo

When: May 2 - 4, 2018

Where: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

 

HDexpo is the largest trade show and hospitality conference, running strong since 1992. Presented by Hospitality Design, the event brings together designers, architects, developers and purchasers. Top specialists lead sessions, and many can earn you those coveted CEU/LU credits.

This year’s schedule includes sessions on the impact of cruise design, the dos and don’ts of historic renovations and hyper-local guest experiences. Be prepared for visual overload and social hangovers, but trust me they'll be worth it. Everyone in hospitality attends or sends reps. 

HDexpo is a great if you design hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruise ships and more. Go hang out in Vegas and discover the latest trends, source products, train a little, then sneak in a game of Blackjack.

Want to join us for happy hour during HD Expo madness? Let us know at friends@indiewalls.com. 

 

Niche Interior Design Conferences

More interested in flooring than a full-on hospitality show? Don’t worry, there’s an event for that.

Image courtesy of Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo

6. Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo

When: October 8-10, 2018

Where: Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX

 

Traditionally held in Orlando, this year's HFSE will take place in Austin in conjunction with the National Organization for Arts and Health conference. HFSE focuses on “the intersection of design and wellness."

If you're an architect, interior designer or engineer in the healthcare industry, this one’s for you. The goal of HFSE is for pros to find products that help them build innovative healthcare environments.

 

Image courtesy of The International Surface Event

7. The International Surface Event

When: January 30 - Feb 1, 2018

Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas

 

While 2017's event has come and gone, book in ISE for next year. This “mega event” attracts the Who’s Who of the floor-covering world. Retailers, distributors, architects and designers descend on Vegas to explore new products and materials.

Browse the latest in carpet, stone, alternative surfaces, hardwood, laminate, tile and more. ISE boasts the most extensive display of its kind. It's actually a compilation of three world-class tradeshows: SURFACES, STonExpo/Marmomac, and Tile Expo events. 

The show floor also offers live, expert instruction so you can get hands-on training during opening hours. This always takes place in January so plan for next year or fast for this year! 

 

LFI-CHICAGO-EVENT-IMAGE

Image courtesy of The LIGHTFAIR International

8. LIGHTFAIR International

When: May 8 - 10, 2018

Where: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

 

With over 500 exhibitors, 200 accredited courses and six pavilions, LIGHTFAIR is huge. You’ll definitely need more than just one day to take it in. This event is all about new tech in lighting. Last year, LED was in. Think wireless systems and smart sensors.

LIGHTFAIR is also the place to be for product announcements. Last year Bulbrite launched the “Nostalgic Collection”—gorgeous LED filament bulbs that act as an energy-saving alternative to vintage trends.

Whether you’re deep in the trenches or a curious interior designer, LIGHTFAIR is a great way to meet reps and connect with new, light-happy pros.

 

International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF)

Image courtesy of Twitter @ICFF

9. International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF)

When: May 20-23, 2018

Where: Javits Center, NYC

 

Held annually at the New York City’s Javits Center, ICFF is all about the products. Lighting. Wall panels. Furniture.

And not just any furniture. Heated outdoor seats from Galanter & Jones. Custom acoustic 3D felt wall coverings by London-based Anne Kyyrö Quinn.

Displayed across two massive floors, you’ll browse the work of over 700 exhibitors from around the globes. This show is for designers who love luxury and anything custom-made.

Exciting development: ICFF has launched a second edition down in Miami. It will be held at the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center from December 4-6, 2018. This years Florida rendition coincides with Art Basel Miami. If you're not too tied up that week make sure to get down to ICFF South Florida

 

Photo courtesy of Design Miami/

10. Design Miami/

When: December 5 - 9, 2018

Where: Adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center

 

In early December, thousands disembark at Miami Beach for a week filled with art and design. One of the most popular events during this week is Design Miami/, called “the world’s premier contemporary-design shopping event” by Vulture. It’s much smaller than the trade shows we’ve highlighted above, but Design Miami/ is more about quality and conceptual design rather than size.

Along with browsing collectables and new products, you’ll also see interesting collaborations. Last year’s environmental commission from Swarovski visualized a melting glacier in Austria's Alps.

The event is also held in Basel, Switzerland each June in conjunction with Art Basel. If you find yourself overseas check out it's sister show, which tends to be a little less manic than Miami. 

 

Want more Art x Design?

 

 

Have a Project in Mind?
Indiewalls helps interior designers, brands, and real estate developers discover, purchase, and commission art from independent artists.
CONNECT WITH A CURATOR