Must-Visit Interior Design Trade Shows - Fall 2023
Deciding whether to spend money on attending interior design trade shows depends on your professional goals, budget, and the specific benefits you expect to gain from attending these events. We want to help you make an informed decision, and so have pulled out a few key things to consider when planning whether to make the financial commitment of attending a design trade show.
Budget: It goes without saying that if you haven’t budgeted for trade show attendance then probably shouldn’t book that ticket. However, if you’ve had a good year financially, and want some inspiration for future projects or hope to network with industry professionals then definitely choose one or more of the below listed shows but consider all the costs involved - registration fees, travel expenses (airline tickets, Ubers, car rental), accommodations, meals and other costs that occur when away from home.
ROI (Return on Investment): Is there value in attending a particular trade show? Will the connections, inspiration and product awareness outweigh the costs of attending the event? If you deeply consider these questions and feel that attending will lead to new clients, an increase in projects and improved design for your firm then register away!
Do Your Research: Be sure to read the trade show website content from top to bottom, read the FAQ’s and reviews if possible. Are the exhibitors and program offerings going to impact your design work or practice. It’s too easy to get caught up in the excitement over a popular event only to find that perhaps this year’s program and list of vendors don’t hold enough value for you in particular.
Networking: Will you be able to connect with other interior designers, architects, contractors, suppliers and potential clients. Many shows do offer a component that includes the general public and is a wonderful way to share your brand with a larger audience. It also allows you to meet mentors or esteemed designers who can one day be of help or offer a referral with a quick email, phone call or social media connection having met them in person.
Relevancy: Is the trade show under consideration relevant to your design style or average project. If your niche is high end residential then don’t waste your time or money on shows that offer hospitality or commercial showings.
San Francisco interior design colleagues enjoying Paris, Deco Off, January 2023.
Fall Inspiration
Attending interior design trade shows is a great way to stay updated on industry trends, network with professionals, and discover new products and technologies that you can then apply to future projects. Whether you have a limited additional cash or can afford a more extravagant experience, there are trade shows to suit all budgets. Here are some interior design trade shows that you can consider attending for the remainder of 2023.
Save Up For / Add to the Gift Wishlist (wink, wink)
Maison & Objet (Paris, France), September 7 - 16, 2023 & January 18 - 22, 2024: An esteemed high-profile design show, Maison&Objet showcases the latest in interior design and lifestyle products. It's worth attending if you have the budget for international travel and accommodations.
Who should attend: Established designers who decorate for residential and hospitality markets or merchandisers or buyers. Young designers with the budget to attend will be amazed by all the talent, and truly inspired by what’s on display.
Paris, Deco Off (Paris, France), January 17 - 21, 2024: Happening within the same week of Maison & Objet, Deco Off is free to professionals and the general public. This spectacular event brings together the finest in fabrics, wall coverings and all the trimmings.
Who should attend: Anyone making the trip to Paris for Maison & Objet!
L to R: Sabra Ballon of ballonSTUDIO, Lisa Stapran of Staprans Design and 19th&CO’s Christine Woodward enjoying Paris’ Deco Off, January 2023.
Salone del Mobile (Milan, Italy), April 16 - 21, 2024: This is one of the most prestigious and influential interior design events in the world. It can be expensive to attend, but it offers a premium experience with access to top designers and brands.
Who should attend: You’re an interior designer or decorator—newbie and veterans alike—as should residential- and hospitality-product buyers and distributors looking to stay on top of the furniture market trends. Don’t bother if you can’t spend a minimum of three days in Milan, because there’s a lot of ground to cover.
Worth The Spend for Networking & Inspiration
Black Interior Designers Inc, 2023 Conference, (Los Angeles, California), September 20 - 23, 2023: After a three year hiatus this premier event offers emerging design trends, sustainable practices, technology integration, business strategies, and the future of interior design. Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and actionable strategies to elevate their own design projects and businesses.
Who should attend: Established designers, budding entrepreneurs, industry veterans, or those simply passionate about interior design.
Decorex International (London, UK), October 8 - 11, 2023: This event showcases premium interior design products and offers a more cost-effective option when compared to certain international alternatives. The four-day event also hosts the Design Talks series, which offers more than 80 industry professionals discussing topics such as materials, colors, design processes and business.
Who should attend: Interior designers, interior design retailers, contract specifiers and buyers, architects, interior architects, property developers, hoteliers and anyone working in the interior design or residential industry.
High Point Market (High Point, North Carolina, USA), Oct. 14 - 18, 2023: Known as the largest home furnishings trade show in the world, High Point Market offers a broad spectrum of products and styles at various price points. Accommodations in the area are relatively affordable. Takes place across multiple locations not just one exhibition hall and offers everything from furniture to lighting.
Who should attend: Young designers will benefit the most from the seminars and talks tailored to growing one’s business. However, veterans will also enjoy seeing the trends and new products, as well as reuniting with their longtime industry friends.
Round Top Antiques Show (Round Top, Texas), October 23 - 28, 2023: is a renowned antique and collectibles event that takes place in Round Top, Texas. You can find everything from European antiques to American primitives, mid-century modern pieces, and rustic farmhouse decor. This show is not limited to a single venue but is spread out over several venues, including tents, barns, and fields, throughout the Round Top area and the neighboring towns of Warrenton and Carmine. Plan ahead and make the most of all that is offered at this festive event. There is another Round Top show in March 25 - 30, 2024 that you can also plan towards.
Who should attend: Any designer looking to discover unique and one-of-a-kind pieces for their clients' homes and projects.
Annual Design Leadership Network Summit (Mexico City, Mexico), October 23 - 25, 2023: Exclusive to members of Design Leadership Network, this annual global conference is where education, inspiration, and connection come together for industry leaders. Enjoy the unique history, crafts and designer insights of this design capital. And, if you’re a DLN member and are attending, let us know here, our Founder Christine Wundrow will be there. She’d love to grab a drink with you!
Who should attend: DLN Members who want to network, be inspired by Mexico’s incredible style and continue learning.
Stay Local, Save Money & Satisfy Budget
Local Design Shows: If the year end is coming too fast and you’re unable to take advantage of any of the previously mentioned shows, you can also look for smaller, local design shows or interior design exhibitions. These events often have lower admission fees and can be a great way to connect with local designers and suppliers. Below are a couple examples of the kind of local shows worth checking out. Whether you’re in San Francisco or Connecticut there will likely be something worth your time at very little expense.
The San Francisco Fall Show (San Francisco, California), October 12 - 15, 2023: This is the West Coast’s leading international art, antiques, and design fair, attracting collectors, dealers, artists, and experts in the art and antique world.
Holiday Craft Shows: November - December 2023: These local events often include local artisans offering up everything from paintings to ceramics to accessories.
Interior design shows are truly wonderful to experience but remember to plan your budget carefully, taking into account not only the admission fees but also travel, accommodations, and any additional expenses. Additionally, research each event to ensure it aligns with your design goals but also so that you can make the most of your time at the event. These events are vast, and can be often overwhelming but if you go in with a plan of what or who in particular you want to see then you can enjoy your free time exploring the area and networking.
19th&CO works with interior design and architecture firms of all sizes as an extension of their teams, and helps with just about everything but the designing! Our cohesive group of seasoned operators will help with business development strategies, recruiting, establishing team culture, human resources, financial projections and business operations.
