Programming Announced for Design Influencers Conference at Dallas Market Center
–Pop-up event on November 7 to include keynote from Christian Daw; sessions to educate and inspire the interior design community–
DALLAS – October 6, 2023 – Dallas Market Center and Esteem Media have announced the programming schedule for the Design Influencers Conference to be held at Dallas Market Center on November 7, 2023.
The keynote at the one-day event will be delivered by Christian Daw: “How To Leverage Your Hard-Earned Design Influence to Build Your Business.” Daw runs a successful boutique interior and architectural design firm based in Washington, DC. In addition to rethinking classic interior design, tailored to today’s homeowner, he creates spaces that are luxurious yet unpretentious. In this talk, he will discuss his transition from lawyer to architectural designer; outline some of the strategies he used to build online influence; and share the outcomes of that strategy for his business.
The full programming is outlined below. The debut event in Dallas will offer attendees a unique opportunity to participate in the intersection of interior design and the world of media including social media, e-commerce, digital branding, publishing, line promotion, and more. For more information and to register for $129 visit https://designinfluencersconference.com/.
The Design Influencers Conference is the only conference specifically supporting the interests of interior design influencers and interior designers using content to build their businesses and personal brands; supporting brands leveraging digital networks; and supporting any design professional seeking to learn more about using social and other digital content for branding, connecting, and/or ecommerce.
Tuesday, November 7
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens: Coffee and Networking Time
8:30 a.m.: Welcome from Dallas Market Center and Esteem Media CEO, Adam Japko
9:30 a.m.: Keynote: “How to Leverage Your Hard-Earned Design Influence to Build Your Business” presented by Christian Daw, Principal, Influencer, Interior Designer and Architect, Christian Daw Design.
Christian Daw embarked on building influence in the online design world in 2016 when he decided to put his law school and lawyering years behind him to chase his ultimate dream of designing amazing spaces for a living. He started with Instagram, attended a couple of Design Influencer Conferences, and built a 400,000+ following on social media and which he and his team culled to build a list of clients they preferred working with. In this talk Christian will:
- Discuss his transition from lawyer to architectural designer
- Outline some of the strategies he used to build online influence
- Share the outcomes of that strategy for his business
10: 15 a.m.-10:45: Refreshments and Networking Break
10:45 a.m.-11:30: Mastering TikTok and Reels Trends presented by Kyla Herbes, Principal, Influencer, and Interior Designer, House of Hipsters
TikTok and Instagram Reels have moved the needle skyward on video creation and marketing. These platforms have evolved in terms of functionality and audience engagement during this pandemic era...where video connections dominated in-person conversations. Learn basic techniques and tips that will launch your video campaigns to new heights.
11:30 a.m.-12:15: The Secret Tricks of Turning Influence Into Income presented by Ursula Carmona, Home & Garden Style expert, Influencer and Brand Ambassador, and Principal, Home Made by Carmona
Details: Learn behind-the-scenes secrets to leveraging influence for the biggest impact, no matter the size of your audience! Whether you are a designer, shop owner, brand manager, or content creator.
· Ways to get paid for your influence (passive & active)
- How to obtain influencer opportunities & features (magazines, tv, books, podcasts, etc.)
- Curating your portfolio & media kit, then leveraging it for partnerships
- The art of professionalism and why it matters
12:15 p.m.-1:30: Lunch and Networking Time. Sponsored by The Botanical Mix.
1:30 p.m.-2:15: Create Magazine-Worthy Photos Using the Smartphone, presented by Linda Holt, Influencer, Interior Designer, and Photographer, Linda Holt Creative
Unlock the hidden potential of your smartphone and learn how to how to create magazine-worthy photos using the smartphone. In this presentation, Linda will explain the art and science of using your smartphone just like a high-end digital camera. Never worry about copyright infringement again when you master taking your own images. We'll learn:
- How to conquer perspective problems and assure straight lines in your photos
- How to master the lighting--both available light and supplemental lighting
- Composition tips for stellar interior shots
- My two favorite editing apps for bringing your design photos to the finishing line.
2:15 p.m.-3:00: Choosing The Right Brand Partner & Measuring Your Influencer Marketing Efforts, presented by Jennifer Smiga, CEO, Ultraviolet
Strategic alliances are the cornerstone of any savvy interior designer’s marketing plan. Beyond just followers and fanfare, the right brand partner can transform the trajectory of your business. But what makes a powerful partnership? Just as a design requires meticulous planning, so does an influencer marketing match. With clear objectives, astute measurements, and a knack for nurturing relationships, you can create campaigns that resonate with your audience — and the brands you love (and would love to work with). In this presentation we'll take you on a journey through the nuances of selecting the perfect brand partner, and the art of measuring and reporting on your work together. Get ready to craft your playbook for influencer marketing success now!
3:15 p.m.-4:00: How to Land Interviews That Will Skyrocket Your Career, presented by Zandra Zuraw, Principal and Interior Designer, Little Yellow Couch; and Podcaster, Slow Style Home
Why can’t top designers and PR firms send pitches that actually land press opportunities? It’s because pitch development takes thought, planning, and time. In this presentation you’ll learn why some pitches work and others never see light. Actionable takeaways:
- Pitching strategy and timeline
- How to choose the right press opportunities and know when to pitch the big ones
- Useable blank template for writing a winning pitch
- Website review checklist for attracting press opportunities
4:00 p.m.-5:30: Networking Reception in Dallas Market Center Showrooms
5:30 p.m.: Event Adjourns
The Design Influencers Conference and Dallas Market Center would like to thank our local media sponsor, D Home magazine, and brand sponsors Currey & Co., Hubbardton Forge, Hi End Accents, and The Botanical Mix.
Dallas Market Center is the largest and most active open-daily design center in North America and includes more than 1.5 million square feet of showrooms serving interior designers. The Center is located in the strongest economic region in the U.S. and supports several of the largest professional chapters of interior design organizations in the U.S.
The Design Influencers Conference at Dallas Market Center has an early bird rate of $129 from September 22-October 16; and a standard rate of $179 from October 17-November 7. There is a $49 rate for Dallas Market Center showrooms and staff.
A block of hotel rooms has been reserved exclusively for conference attendees. The hotel booking deadline is October 22 and more information is available on the event website.
Winter Trade Events
In addition to the Design Influencers Conference, Dallas Market Center is anticipating well attended winter trade events of interest to the Design community including Total Home & Gift Market, January 10-16, 2024 (Temps January 10-13); and Lightovation, January 10-14, 2024 (Interior Designer Preview Day, January 9).
For information on upcoming events, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.
About Esteem Media
Esteem Media is home to leading national and local media brands in the luxury home design, fine wine, and content marketing education spaced focused on connecting professionals and consumers around their passions and businesses. The Esteem Media businesses includes Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine, Design Influencers Conference, Design Influencers Leadership Conference, WineZag, New England Home magazine, Luxury Home Design Summit, Wine & Design Italy and the Multifamily Social Media Marketing Summit and leverage events, print media, social media, blogs, luxury travel experiences, and digital marketing. The company is focused on acquiring, launching, investing in, and expanding media properties in local and global luxury markets that rely on connected communities of trade professionals and enthusiastic luxury consumers. Esteem Media takes leadership roles in community building by creating commercial, educational, and professional content and networking opportunities using flexible media and event formats. All of its media initiatives prioritize helping luxury business professionals navigate the shifting traditional-to-digital media landscape. For more information visit the Esteem Media website.
About Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting and apparel. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via dominant trade events for gift, home décor, holiday and floral; the nation’s most comprehensive apparel and accessories markets featuring the latest styles from East Coast and West Coast designers; the largest residential lighting trade event in North America; and the largest and most successful open-daily design center. To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center App. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the Dallas Market Center blog.
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