The vial role of international industry trade shows for an interior designer

From January 29 to February 2, 2023, we are off to 2023 Design and Construction Week where we will be attending the Las Vegas Winter Market (LVMKT), the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the International Builders Show (IBS), the National Hardware Show (NHS), and The International Surface Event (TISE). Covering over 6 million square feet, Design and Construction Week is the largest annual gathering of residential construction and design industry professionals.

The single most-important reason for an interior designer to attend trade shows is for us to actually try on the products for size so you don’t have to. We are the experts in the industries we serve and we know what products work well for each of our clients’ needs. It is much more cost-effective and efficient for the interior designer to travel to shows, sit on 3,589 different sofas to feel the fit and finish, rather than expecting our clients to take that time out of their busy lives to do it. An added side benefit is that we stay informed about the latest design trends. These events provide an opportunity to see the latest product releases and innovations from manufacturers and suppliers. It also allows the designer to see how these products are being used in real-world applications, which can be invaluable for developing new design ideas.

Another benefit of attending trade shows is the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the industry. These events provide a platform for networking and building relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and other designers. This can lead to new business opportunities and collaborations, as well as the chance to learn from the experience of others in the field.

Additionally, tradeshows often feature seminars and workshops that provide continuing education opportunities for interior designers. These sessions can cover a wide range of topics, including design trends, project management, and business development. Attending these sessions can help designers stay current on industry best practices and improve their skill set.

Speaking of, Corey, along with Judith A. Neary, CMKBD, are presenting NKBA’s new CKBD Pathway to Certification, a re-imagined qualification process for the illustrious Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer examination. Corey and Judith, along with 10 other reputable and highly sought-after Subject Matter Experts, worked together for 3 years with the mission of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with only one other interior designer examination, the NCIDQ.

Planning months, sometimes a year, ahead to attend an industry trade show is nothing unusual for us. You may recall that we attended IMM Cologne in 2019, and last attended an industry trade show in 2020, just prior to the lockdowns from the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. These international trade shows are not inexpensive, and there are a few ways that interior designers can budget for them in advance, but the best way is with a reward points business credit card, like RBC’s Avion Visa Infinite Business (not an advertisement, not sponsored). There are a few more out there, but this has been a great way to budget flights, hotels, and a little entertainment on an annual basis.

Overall, for an interior designer to attend a trade show, it is an important aspect of being successful. It helps to stay informed about the latest trends and products, connect with other professionals in the field, and improve one's skills. It provides a valuable opportunity for interior designers to grow and stay competitive in their field.

Head over to our socials to follow along (or as best as we can because these international cellular roaming rates are still costly!)