The Design Center welcomes you to join us for a day filled with the latest trends and best practices in digital, web and social. Learn the latest trends and network with design industry professionals as we share ideas on how technology can inspire design. Then join us for Cocktails, Hors d'Hourves and Netowrking to launch DESIGNHQ, our new members only club.

Event Breakdown:

10:00AM - Get Social: Creating Content with Purpose, .1 CEU

by: Claire Staszak, Centered By Design

Creating and sharing engaging content via blogs and social media channels has become a key part of marketing in the interior design industry. Luckily, interior designers often encounter rich opportunities to generate content, whether it's installation day at a job site or a day spent sifting through fabric samples. In this session, you'll learn practical tips for capturing and publishing content, methods for growing your web and social media audiences organically, and the most authentic and effective ways to engage with your following to ultimately grow your business. 
 

11:30AM - Owning and Optimizing Your Online Presence: A Digital Toolbox for Designers, .1 CEU 
by: Arianne Nardo, Editor-in-Chief, The Business of Home

Online design and project management tools. Accounting software and smartphone apps that streamline a business partnership. The emergence of virtual reality in the interior design world. The future of interior design is now, and it’s in the palm of your hand. This panel discussion will include a lineup of technologically savvy designers who will share strategies and best practices for industry professionals to truly own and optimize their online presence with the best tools, time-saving tactics and the latest technologies.
 

12:30 - Networking Lunch
 

1:30PM - In a Snap: Making Your Interior Design Photos Insta-Successful, .1 CEU 
by: John and Maura Stoffer, Stoffer Photography Interiors

Although designers are visual people, there seems to be a disconnect in regard to photography, especially photography to be used on social media. When it comes to spreading the word about your interior design services, good content on social media is becoming even more important. Chicago-based interior design photographers John and Maura Stoffer will discuss the best ways to photograph your work in an appealing way using only your phone and how to make your brand irresistible on social media.

3:00PM - Demystifying UX & UI: Top 10 Missteps and Brilliant Ideas to Make Your Website Pop, .1 CEU

by: Lauren Sheehan, SVP Creative & Digital Director and James Wynne, Director of Digital Strategy at HYConnect

UX and UI experts from HY Connect will discuss website best practices and the latest trends, highlighting both user experience and user interface design fundamentals, along with the importance of goal setting, storytelling and search engine optimization. Learn tips, strategies and how to avoid common missteps, along with easy wins to help improve website performance and perceptions.
 

4:00PM - 600PM - DESIGNHQ Launch Reception

***Registration Required. Open to the Trade.***