JEFFREY SHAW

Conference Kickoff & Keynote

Thriving in today’s market isn’t about holding back or being cautious—it’s about understanding the complex behavior and nuanced mindset of luxury buyers and finding the opportunities. The real key to success in luxury design is understanding the new rules of selling to the rich in changing times and knowing how to build trust, elevate the client experience, and position yourself as indispensable. In this powerful keynote, Jeffrey removes the guesswork and replaces it with a clear, proven approach to attracting, serving, and retaining high-end clients. He’ll reveal what affluent homeowners really want from their designers, how to communicate your value, and the key to creating an experience that keeps them coming back.

DONNA HOFFMAN

Pipeline Problems: The Hidden Leaks that Cost You

A robust pipeline is the top-of-mind goal and worry for interior design CEOs everywhere. Yet, designers are always surprised to discover that their pipeline leaks and challenges are not where they think they are. Some will surprise you; some may annoy you; all will cost you. Enjoy this insightfully on-point and engaging session, that uncovers the hidden truth about pipeline problems: where they are and importantly - how to strengthen your own pipeline to seamlessly drive a more profit and revenue into your company.

KAMALA NAIR

Messaging Secrets to Stand Out in a Saturated Market

In a crowded design industry, a beautiful portfolio is no longer enough. The real differentiator? The words you choose to represent your brand. In this powerful and practical session, you’ll discover how strategic messaging and authentic storytelling can elevate your business, attract your ideal clients, and set you apart in a saturated market. Whether your goal is to grow your local presence or position yourself as a national industry leader, the foundation remains the same: clear, compelling messaging that connects. You’ll learn how to communicate your value with confidence and infuse your brand with the personality and purpose that make you memorable.

ELIZABETH P. LORD-LEVITT

Construction Essentials for Designers: What You Need to Know to Confidently Collaborate with Contractors and Architects

Strong construction knowledge is essential for today’s interior designers. In this session, you’ll learn the key construction concepts every designer must understand to design spaces that are not only beautiful, but functional and financially feasible. We’ll also dive into how to foster effective working relationships with contractors and architects. From new builds to renovations, this session will help you elevate your role on a jobsite to facilitate successful a project.

JENNA GAIDUSEK & CLAIRE JEFFORD

Pricing & Deliverables That Work FOR You

Get ready for an actually useful workshop that dives deep into pricing strategies and deliverable packages for interior designers (and other creatives). Claire Jefford—pricing coach, designer, business strategist—joins forces with AI educator Jenna Gaidusek to walk you through real-world examples of profitable pricing models and clear deliverables that protect your time and boost your value. Then the magic happens: Jenna will demo a brand new custom GPT (yes, trained entirely on Claire’s pricing strategies) that you can use live in the session. Bring your own service details, test different packages on the spot, and walk away with a pricing structure that finally makes sense for your business.

MEGAN DAHLE

Trusting Your Own Judgment: How to Use 4 Simple Numbers to Shape a Thriving Design Business

In this no-math-required session, you’ll learn the Vital 4 numbers that quietly run your business — whether you’re tracking them or not. You’ll discover how to understand what they’re really telling you, choose the right focus (growth or profit), and design business strategies your business thirsts for — and that you can feel proud of. It’s time to trust your own judgment and make decisions with clarity, not chaos.

JENNA GAIDUSEK

Exploring Generative AI and Stable Diffusion

Join this hands-on workshop to dive into the world of Generative AI and Stable Diffusion-based programs. You'll get a comprehensive overview of the best tools available and their capabilities with real life examples. The session will conclude with practical, copy-paste prompts shared via QR code, enabling you to start experimenting with these technologies immediately, either during the session or afterward. This workshop will provide you with actionable insights and steps to integrate AI into your workflow. Everyone will also have access the ever growing, list of AI tools via QR code.

LORRI KELLEY

Sustainable Success: Creating a Business That Supports You Through Every Season

Your business should grow with you—not rely entirely on you. Whether you're preparing for a sabbatical, planning for an extended leave or looking ahead to retirement, this session will help you build a resilient business that adapts to each chapter of your life. We’ll focus on how to systematize your operations, empower your team, and future-proof your design firm. You'll gain insights into leadership development, workload distribution, and how to set up sustainable systems that allow your business to thrive—whether you're fully hands-on or stepping away. Leave with an actionable framework for creating a business that supports not just your clients, but you, through every season of life.

KAMALA NAIR

Inbox Influence: How to Turn Subscribers Into Clients With a High-Converting Email Series

Your website may impress, but it’s your email strategy that converts. In this tactical, content-rich session, you’ll learn how to craft an automated email sequence that nurtures curiosity into commitment—turning new subscribers into dream clients, all while you sleep. You’ll walk away with a step-by-step framework for building a 12-week email series that builds trust, showcases your expertise, and creates emotional connection. Discover the four must-have ingredients of a high-converting email—value, vulnerability, credibility, and education—and how to use them to sound like you (not a robot).

CLAIRE JEFFORD

Stop Getting Shopped

If clients are trying to do the work they hired you for behind your back, you need to reevaluate the way you run your design business and make some necessary changes so that you Stop Getting Shopped. You want to attract the RIGHT clients, not the ones who drain your energy, push back on pricing, and repeatedly question your recommendations. In this session, Claire will share sharing six proven strategies to avoid working with clients who like to shop around and how to position yourself to work only with joyful clients who have full trust in your services and abilities.