What an incredible weekend it was at the 2024 IIDA Ohio Kentucky (OHKY) Student Conference in Cincinnati! From dynamic learning opportunities to engaging networking events, the conference proved to be an enriching experience for everyone involved. We had the honor of hosting 90 students from 19 universities, with additional attendees from the Michigan, Gateway, and Wisconsin chapters, making this event truly regional. The energy was palpable as future interior designers came together to learn, connect, and be inspired. You can see the full photo album on the student conference webpage.
A Stellar Kickoff with Thought-Provoking Sessions
The conference opened on Thursday with an exciting and thought-provoking design charrette at GBBN, where students had the chance to dive into the "Future of Working." This hands-on activity allowed them to engage with the challenges and possibilities of designing spaces for the future. The students worked with products from sponsors like Kimball International and Dan Binford & Associates, exploring innovative solutions to the evolving nature of workplace environments.
To set the stage for an inspiring weekend, we were honored to hear from Kaelynn Reid, Design Futurist at Kimball International, who delivered a keynote on the future of workplace amenities. Her insights on the future of design left attendees buzzing with ideas and questions about what lies ahead in the world of interior design. Special guest Michelle Boolton, MBA, also joined us, providing a valuable perspective from the IIDA International Board.
That evening, the energy shifted to a more social atmosphere at RJE, where we hosted a networking event full of fun and interaction. The event featured activities like icebreaker games, a neurodiversity in design station, and even a Cincinnati trivia session—giving students the chance to connect with peers and professionals while learning about the latest trends in the industry. With headshots being taken and plenty of opportunities for mingling, it was the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Friday’s Full Day of Learning and Networking
Friday was packed with a series of educational sessions and panel discussions, each designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of interior design. One of the standout sessions was "Designing for a Circular Economy" with Steelcase, where students explored how sustainability is reshaping the design industry. Other sessions, including "The Power of You" with Aaron Estabrook and OFS, "Energizing Spaces" with Momentum, and "The Future of Design" with IIDA & CIDQ, offered students a range of perspectives on how design can influence not just spaces, but also the people who experience them.
A major highlight of the day was the Vendor and Firm Expo, where students were able to connect with industry professionals, learn about the latest products, and discover cutting-edge solutions in design. This was an invaluable networking opportunity that helped bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, and students left with an expanded view of the design possibilities that await them.
The conference also featured an inspiring panel discussion, "Minding Your Brand," moderated by IIDA CEO Cheryl Durst. The conversation focused on how students can build their personal brands and effectively market themselves in a competitive industry. The insights from professionals in the field were eye-opening, and students walked away with actionable advice that they can implement as they begin to make their mark in the design world.
A Weekend of Inspiration and Connection
Throughout the weekend, the event was driven by a strong sense of community. More than 20 IIDA member volunteers across five city centers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a reality. Their hard work, combined with the support from our incredible sponsors, ensured that every detail—from the educational sessions to the social events—was incredibly well executed.
One of the primary goals of the IIDA OHKY Student Conference was to foster meaningful connections between students, faculty, and industry professionals. We succeeded in this mission, not only by bringing together students from various universities across Ohio and Kentucky but also by inviting students from neighboring chapters in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Gateway (St.Louis). The diversity of attendees created a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas and experiences, and students left with new relationships and fresh perspectives.
This event also played a crucial role in fulfilling IIDA OHKY’s long-term goals, including growing membership and increasing student engagement. In the months leading up to the conference, the chapter saw a significant increase in student membership—from 129 to 163 members—indicating that the event helped to spark interest and enthusiasm in the design community. We hope that many of these students will continue their journey with IIDA as they transition from student members to professional members in the coming years.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors, including Dan Binford & Associates, Hamilton Parker, RJE, GBBN, Momentum, OFS, and Kimball International, whose support made this event possible. A special thank you to Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, and Melissa Cook, as well as the over 20 volunteers who helped make this weekend such a success. Your dedication is truly appreciated.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the future of the IIDA OHKY chapter and the impact that this conference had on shaping the next generation of designers. We hope that the inspiration, knowledge, and connections forged during the conference will continue to drive these students as they pursue their careers in interior design. We are proud to have been part of this transformative experience and look forward to seeing all the amazing things these future design leaders will accomplish.
To all the students who attended, thank you for making this event so memorable. If you were there, we’d love to hear about your favorite moments from the weekend! The post event survey is still open for your feedback at this link.
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