IDS Conference: Chicago
IDS Conference: Chicago
BEYOND THE DESIGN. BUILDING A THRIVING BUSINESS.
August 6 - 8, 2020  ·  Chicago, IL

We have made the difficult decision to postpone our 2020 IDS National Conference due to COVID-19 concerns. This decision is one that our Executive Committee, National Staff and Conference Committee made while taking into consideration many factors. A wide variety of challenges make this conference unattainable in 2020, including restrictions on large gatherings, travel concerns and the overall economic climate.

Our plan is to still produce this conference sometime in 2021. Once we have a date in place, we will make the announcement. Everyone who is currently registered for the 2020 National Conference will receive a refund of their registration price. Refunds began issuing May 19, 2020. Hotel reservations may be cancelled directly with the Westin River North.

A highlight of the conference is our awards gala, recognizing the winners of our annual Designer of the Year awards program. Our team is working on creative ways to honor 2020 award recipients and we will get more information to you as soon as possible.

We'd like to thank our conference partners, speakers and hosts for their flexibility through this process. We are looking forward to a supreme conference in 2021 where we can be confident of a safe and healthy environment for all of our attendees! 

Sponsors
Agenda
Thursday, August 6
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
For chapter leaders only.
12:30 PM - 2:15 PM
12:30 PM - 2:15 PM
The IDS Conference officially opens with a lunch and keynote kickoff. LuAnn Nigara will present: New Decade, Better Business
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Conference attendees will go on a quick tour of The Merchandise Mart. Complete with a signature cocktail, of course!
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monogram will host us for cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a live presentation on their appliances.
9:00 PM - 9:15 PM
9:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Load buses at after the Welcome Reception to head back to the Westin River North.
Friday, August 7
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
9:30 AM - 11:45 AM
9:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Choose 3 out of 5 to attend: -Increasing Revenue Through Procurement - Beth Bender, The Dove Agency -Why SEO? - Kae Whitaker -Time is Money - Michelle Lynne -Luxury Marketing is not Marketing - Julia Molloy -Overcoming Obstacles - LuAnn Nigara
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Buses will pick up at the Westin River North to take attendees to the Gala venue at 5:30 pm, 5:45 pm, and 6:00 pm
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, August 8
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Creating a Process: Your New Standard
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Choose 3 technology providers to visit during scheduled rotation times.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Private architectural boat tour just for our group with Chicago Line Cruises. Join us for beverages, narration of the most famous Chicago architecture, and the enthralling view of Chicago's skyline.

The 2020 IDS Conference will host top designers from around the country who are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve and are constantly striving to improve their business. They are IDS chapter leaders, award-winning interior designers, and industry insiders.

What's included in your conference registration:

  • Exclusive opening night reception, hosted in the Monogram showroom
  • Ticket to our Designer of the Year Awards Gala at the historic Blackstone Hotel (Friday, August 7th)
  • Private Architecture Boat Tour (Saturday, August 8th)
  • Seminar sessions lead by LuAnn Nigara, Julia Molloy, Michelle Lynne, Kae Whitaker, and Beth Bender
  • Small group breakouts focusing on business tools and resources for interior designers
  • A VIP tour of Chicago's Merchandise Mart
  • Cocktail parties and meals
  • Transportation between hotel and event locations