RECAP: 2025 THRIVE Leadership Roundtable

The IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter hosted its fifth annual THRIVE Leadership Roundtable in 2025, convening interior design and industry leaders across Toledo, Cleveland/Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati/Dayton, and Louisville/Lexington. Moderated by Abby Scott, the multi-day event created space for candid conversation around the evolving role and value of professional organizations.

Participants shared personal motivations for joining groups like IIDA, emphasizing networking, credibility, mentorship, career advancement, and the sense of community that comes from engaging with peers beyond their day-to-day work environments. Discussions also surfaced key challenges impacting participation, including declining membership, limited employer support, time and cost barriers, and difficulties engaging younger professionals. Attendees explored opportunities for improvement, calling for organizations to better meet members where they are through personalized programming, relevant education, cross-industry collaboration, and informal mentorship.

The roundtable concluded with a shared understanding that sustaining strong professional organizations requires collective investment—from organizations, firms, and industry leaders—to support emerging professionals, foster meaningful connections, and ensure long-term relevance and growth.

Thank you to Abby Scott for facilitating, it was lovely to have you in our region! Thank you to all of the firm leaders who were able to attend in-person and virtually, it was a truly special event. See event photos below!

THRIVE Report 2025.pdf

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