young designers gather in the momentum showroom at the mart

Emerging Design Leaders Gather At First 30/30 National Conference In Chicago

More than 50 designers under the age of 30 gathered at The Mart in Chicago October 28-29, 2024, for Interior Design‘s first-ever 30/30 National Conference, celebrating emerging talent across the country. Attendees included alumni from Interior Design‘s prestigious 30/30 cohort as well as new applicants from additional cities and top manufacturers who came together to talk innovation, industry shifts, and strategies shaping the future of design.

Adding to the excitement, the 30/30 National Conference also included the NEXT Awards, hosted by Editor in Chief Cindy Allen. Honoring 11 designers for their standout work and leadership, Allen shared how she carved her own career path, from her early days at Interior Design to her tenure at the magazine overseeing the 75th and 90th anniversaries of the brand. Importantly, Allen encouraged young designers to look to mentors and icons, such as David Rockwell and Clodagh, for guidance and inspiration. Above all, “be true to yourself,” she told the group.

young designers gather in the momentum showroom at the mart
30/30 National Conference attendees take a seat in the Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering showroom, featuring the brand’s collab with Yinka Ilori.

Event highlights included talks by ThinkLab founder and president, Amanda Schneider around “Client Decision Making,” as well a session on “The Unwritten Rules of Design,” by strategist Jeff Leitner. SANDOW Design Group EVP and Design Futurist AJ Paron also led a panel with industry experts: Madeleine Pickus, workplace designer at JLL, Katie Popp, VP design and construction at Hyatt Hotels, and Jason Hall, founder of Charlie Greene Studio, on the topic of “What Clients Seek in a Design Partnership,” providing attendees with critical industry insights.

Throughout the 30/30 National Conference, emerging designers had an opportunity to peruse a vibrant tabletop expo, learning more about products by leading brands, and tour several showrooms at The Mart, all while forming new connections with manufacturers and their peers—and that’s just the beginning. Networking events, including an opening night party at the Haworth showroom, offered plenty of opportunity to unwind and soak up fresh design inspiration. Until next year, that is, when even more 30/30 designers are sure to join the fun.

designers talk in a showroom
30/30 National Conference attendees learn about Haworth’s design process in the brand’s showroom at The Mart.
Amanda Sneider speaks at the 30/30 conference
ThinkLab’s Amanda Schneider shares insights into industry shifts.
Emerging designers learn more about Stylex in the brand’s showroom at The Mart.

A very special thank you to our event partners: Behr, Formica, Friant, Fry Reglet, Ghent, Gloster/Dedon, Garden on The Wall, Haworth, IKEA, Kimball International, LeLand Furniture, Mannington Commercial, Mizetto, Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering, Stylex, Tuohy, Turf, Williams Sonoma and Material Bank, which graciously offset the carbon footprint of the event.

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