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The Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge Returns to KBIS 2023

01.23.23 | By
The Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge Returns to KBIS 2023

The Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge, also known as the #dmmtalks Lounge, is back at KBIS with a schedule that’s jam-packed full of presentations and conversations covering design business, social media, and trends. Also returning are the popular BrandTalks that give exhibitors an opportunity to speak about the vision and mission behind their brands, as well as introduce audiences to new products and innovations. We’re excited to dig into these hot topics at the Kitchen & Bath Design Show January 31st to February 2nd, 2023 in Las Vegas with our partner, Modenus. If you’re not already signed up to attend the show, you can register here. Check out what’s in store for the Lounge located in the North Hall at N1577 below!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31

9:15 AM
KBIS Newbie Kickoff: What Not To Miss at KBIS 2023 – RSVP HERE

KBIS 2023 is a big show, and we invite you to start your experience in the #dmmtalks lounge to learn about major show highlights, cool new pavilions and exhibits, and VIP opportunities for you to benefit from as influencers.

Presenters: Modenus Media CEO, Veronika Miller + Principal at White Good, Sherry Qualls

Sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite

10:30 AM
The Design – Build Collaboration: Pitfalls, Processes, and Profits – RSVP HERE

The relationship between the designer, builder, and the client is critical to the success of every design build project and communication is at the heart of every successful relationship. Join LuAnn Nigara as she moderates a rock star line up to discuss best practices between designers and builders.

Moderator: LuAnn Nigara, Keynote Speaker, Author + Podcast Host at The Well Designed Business

Panelists: Brad Leavitt, President AFT Construction, Susan + Paul Kadilak, Owners Kadilak Homes + Hosts Renovation Rekindle

Sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite

12:00 PM
Efficiency is Beautiful: Essential Automation for Design Firms – RSVP for Lunch

If you’re saying or doing anything repeatedly, there’s a potential opportunity for automation. Learn how to implement key automation – for marketing, sales, and operations – and sleep well knowing the work is getting done.
• 3 categories of automation that are useful to almost any design firm
• What can be automated… and what can’t? How to quickly tell the difference
• How to actually make it happen – from tech to internal process

Presenter: Nicole Heymer, Owner + Creative Director Glory and Brand

Sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite

1:30 PM
BrandTalks: Wellborn – Meet The Brand

Each 15 minute presentation is followed by an opportunity to ask your most pressing questions and meet company leadership face-to-face.

Sponsored + Presented by Wellborn Cabinet

2:00 PM
BrandTalks – Fisher & Paykel: Kitchen Perfection – RSVP HERE

Learn about Fisher & Paykel’s design philosophy and their latest initiatives around sustainability, the connected home, and Kitchen Perfection. Each 15 minute presentation is followed by an opportunity to ask your most pressing questions and meet company leadership face-to-face.

Sponsored + Presented by Fisher & Paykel

3:00 PM
Behind the Curtain with Claire Jefford: Pricing Projects: Disclosing Design Fees & Deliverables – RSVP HERE

Posting a pretty picture on Instagram is one thing, but the actual process and documentation created for implementing a client project is something no one really shows you. And whether designers are charging an hourly or a flat fee to their clients, how do they come up with these numbers? Here you’ll get a rare peek ‘Behind the Curtain’ of Kitchen and Bathroom projects by well-established designers. We’ll be reviewing three custom projects, sharing details of the scope of work, design proposals, presentation slides, and fee structure.

Moderator: Principal at Claire Jefford Inc. and Interior Design Business Coach

Panelists: Jennifer Stoner, Principal Jennifer Stoner Interiors, Sheri Bruneau, Principal Sheri Bruneau Interior Design

 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

9:15 AM
Influencer Breakfast: Top Tips For Maximizing New Ideal Client Acquisition While Avoiding Social Media Burnout – RSVP HERE

Do you find yourself feeling burnt out being on social media? Attend this one hour talk with Leslie Carothers, founder of Savour Partnership and the #designwealthcommunity on Facebook, and get her top tips on proven strategies for new ideal client acquisition – while minimizing the time you spend online.

Presenter: Leslie Carothers, Principal Savour Partnership

Sponsored by nobilia

12:00 PM
Creative Collaboration for Diversifying Your Design Business – RSVP for Lunch

Navigate today’s working challenges by creating collaborations to diversify your design business. We’ll discuss how aligning with kitchen and bath retailers and skilled tradespeople can build powerful relationships that could create significant revenue streams.

Presenter: Wendy Glaister, Principal Wendy Glaister Interiors

Sponsored by nobilia

1:30 PM
BOSS Academy Roundtable with Claire Jefford – Establishing Trust with Clients: Solid Relationships are Everything – RSVP HERE

When clients aren’t fully invested in you and your design ideas, it’s because there is a lack of trust. The best clients are the ones who fully trust you, don’t push back on your fees and design ideas, nor do they demand changes to your contract. The sooner you can successfully establish trust, the more enjoyable the design experience is for everybody – including your trades and staff. Here we’ll share actionable items, starting with a well-thought-out website and various touch points throughout the working relationship to ensure you only work with clients who value you as a respected Interior Design BOSS.

Moderator: Claire Jefford, Principal at Claire Jefford Inc. + Interior Design Business Coach

Panelists: Nicole Heymer, Owner + Creative Director Glory, Ariana Lovato, Owner + Principal Honeycomb Home Design

Sponsored by nobilia

3:00 PM
BrandTalks – Moen: Around the Globe to Your Kitchen – RSVP HERE

Go behind-the-scenes with Principal Industrial Designer Jessica Birchfield to explore how firsthand trendspotting and research informs the design of Moen products. Uncover the style inspiration that led to their latest kitchen faucets, including the use of unique materials and industrial-inspired elements.

Sponsored + Presented by Moen

3:30 PM
Happy Hour – The Rise of Multi-Generational Living – RSVP HERE

Between the pandemic and anxieties of inflation and an uncertain economy, many are making the practical choice to combine households. But what does this mean for home design? Join us to learn more about how flexibility, accessibility, and a balance of private and common spaces must be considered to support the well-being of all who occupy a home – and how to support these needs in a way that still allows for beautiful design.

Moderator: Pamela McNally, SVP Marketing + Digital NKBA

Panelists: Sydney Marshman, Occupational Therapist and CEO Happy At Home Consulting, Patti Carpenter, Trend Forecaster + Principal Carpenter + Company, Danielle DeBoe Harper, Senior Creative Style Manager Moen,
Jessica Birchfield, Principal Industrial Designer Fortune Brands

Sponsored by Moen

 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

9:15 AM
BrandTalks : NKBA Design Bites – Behind the Scenes

10:30 AM
Designhounds Influencer Meetup – RSVP HERE

You see them everywhere at KBIS, Modenus Media’s Designhounds have been scouring trade shows around the world in search of best in class design trends and innovations since 2011. Join us for Donuts + Coffee to learn what it takes to be a Designhound and what’s next for the network of over 700 design influencers that have joined the ranks of the most successful design influencer program in our industry.

If you’d like to attend the show, you can register here

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.