Universal Furniture International, Inc.

The Cost of the Wrong Client And How to Stop Paying It

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

This is a condensed, highly practical session designed for interior designers who feel stretched thin or burnt out from working with the wrong clients. The workshop focuses on the hidden cost of misaligned clients—lost time, creative energy, and revenue—and helps designers get clear on who they work best with and why. During the session, attendees will: Understand the real drain of working with the wrong clients; Learn the benefits (and relief) of saying yes to the right ones; Create their own Ideal Client Criteria; Gain tools to identify alignment early and spot red flags. Learn how to attract better-fit clients without overhauling their brand or marketing Designers will leave with clearer boundaries, more confidence, and practical tools.

Speakers: Ginna Christensen

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The Profitable Studio Formula: Scale Your Design Practice the Right Way

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Scaling your interior design business is not about doing more; it's about doing differently. In this transformative session, Design Business Coach Melissa Galt reveals the five critical pivots that turn a busy designer into a profitable studio owner, without burnout or sacrifice. You'll learn how to price for profitability, hire strategically, market authentically, discover efficiently, and systematize effectively. This isn't about working harder; it's about building smarter infrastructure that supports the business and life you want. Whether you're preparing for your first hire or restructuring a growing team, this session gives you the clarity and confidence to scale successfully.

Speakers: Melissa Galt

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Six Figure Snafus: How to Mitigate Your Most Expensive Challenges

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Even designers at the top of their game can face difficult and costly business situations. So when the unthinkable happens - fraud, embezzlement, breach of contract - what do you do? This session brings those challenges into the open with designers who have weathered these tough situations and addresses what they learned and how you can be better prepared for bumps along the way. Join Designers Today Executive Brand Editor Cindy Hodnett as she talks with designers Kristi Hopper and Dann Foley about adversity and how they gained awareness that makes their business stronger.

Speakers: Kristi Hopper, Dann Foley, Cindy Hodnett

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Trend to Transaction: Monetizing What Clients Want Next

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Design trends don’t happen in a vacuum—and they don’t monetize themselves. In this forward-looking seminar, Deb connects the dots between consumer purchasing behavior, emerging design trends, and real-world business opportunities. You’ll gain a clear understanding of why today’s clients buy the way they do, how trends take hold in the design marketplace, and where designers can monetize to capture new revenue. Drawing from current market introductions in product, style, and color, this presentation breaks down what’s driving today’s design decisions, exploring how trends develop, why they matter, and how designers can move beyond simply following them to strategically sell them.

Speakers: Deb Barrett

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Clarity Over Chaos: Using AI to Strengthen Visibility, Communication & Design Decisions

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Most designers struggle to get discovered online, stay consistent in the endless and sometimes chaotic client communications, and create compelling client presentations. This power-packed panel delivers a three-part strategy that addresses all three challenges. Jennifer Smiga reveals AI-powered SEO strategies that get you found by ideal clients. Mary Beth Chau shares how AI supports consistent communication, leading to clearer deliverables and enabling confident decision-making for your clients. Jenna Gaidusek showcases AI tools that create stunning mood boards and presentations in minutes.

Speakers: Jenna Gaidusek, Jennifer Smiga, Mary Beth Chau

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Stop Guessing. Start Leading. Build Your Design Business To Run Like A Well-Oiled Machine.

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Running a design firm shouldn’t feel like constant guesswork. This leader-level session with Gail Doby, co-founder of Pearl Collective, challenges you to step out of reaction mode and lead with clarity. During the presentation, you’ll participate in a business diagnostic that reveals where your firm is strong, where it’s strained, and what deserves your focus now. Gain knowledge, perspective, and a clear starting point—so you can lead your team forward one smart, intentional step at a time toward the business you actually want.

Speakers: Gail Doby

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Ten Things You Need to do for your Business Right Now

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

10 Things Your Interior Design Practice Needs to Do Now is a candid, interactive conversation about the realities design firms are navigating today. Industry veterans Joseph Aldrich (The Cypress Group) and Melissa Mittag (Collyer & Company) will share what they’re seeing across successful practices-what’s gaining traction, what’s falling flat, and where focus matters most-while inviting attendees to bring their questions, challenges, and real-world scenarios into the discussion. Designed as an open exchange, this session emphasizes audience participation, honest insight, and practical takeaways you can put to work immediately.

Speakers: Joseph Aldrich, Melissa Mittag

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Hospitality: The New Service Standard for your Design Business

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

Presented by Certified Unreasonable Hospitality Coach Rick Campos, this workshop will break down the customer journey as it relates to the business of design and uncover opportunities to transform ordinary moments in your process into extraordinary and memorable experiences. You’ll learn how to rank and prioritize every touch point of your design process and develop a new “hospitality forward” approach to client engagement that will change your definition of service and make an unforgettable impression on your clients.

Speakers: Rick Campos

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Say This, not That: 5 Messaging Fixes That Attract Better Design Clients

Educational Universal Furniture International, Inc., 101 S. Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Commerce Concourse Shuttle Stop: 15 (Red Line)

You can be an incredibly talented designer and still attract the wrong clients. In this practical session, interior designer and branding expert John McClain breaks down five simple but powerful messaging shifts that immediately change how potential clients see you, trust you, and decide to work with you. Most designers default to industry language that sounds professional but doesn't actually land with homeowners. The result? Vague inquiries, price-shopping conversations, and projects that don't match your level of expertise. This session will help you figure out what to say (and what to stop saying) so your message clearly communicates your value, attracts better-fit clients, and sets expectations before you ever hop on a call.

Speakers: John McClain

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