POP into Excellence 2025;

PANEL DISCUSSION:

Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Collaboration Between Dealer Designers and A&D

Dealer designers and A&D designers share the same foundational education and often sit in the same project meetings—but despite these similarities, our roles are perceived as vastly different. Even within the industry, we sometimes see each other as separate entities rather than collaborators.

Together, Alexandra Tseffos (The Design POP + Silent T Consulting) and Wesley Edmonds (OFS) want to foster a deeper understanding of how we can work together—not only to improve project delivery and customer experience but also to build mutual respect across both sides. This session will explore the nuances of these roles, the challenges we face when working together, and the opportunities to create stronger, more collaborative relationships.

To shape this discussion, we’re turning to YOU to gather real questions from dealer designers about what they’ve always wanted to ask their A&D counterparts—and vice versa. Contact us if you have any questions that you would like asked during this webinar.

Join us for an open, honest discussion that aims to break down misconceptions, encourage dialogue, and find new ways to work better together.

HOSTS:
Alexandra Tseffos, Silent T Consulting + The Design POP

Wesley Edmonds, OFS

PANELISTS:
Alejandro Estrada, Sr. Interior Design Professional at HOK

Kate Bradley, FF&E Specialist, Associate at HKS

Rochelle Samawi, Senior Interior Designer, DGA

AUDIENCE: Designers & Design Leaders 

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

AI in Interior Design:
How to Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

In this session, we’ll explore how AI is transforming the industry and what it means for dealer designers. You'll gain practical insights into AI-powered tools, industry trends to watch, and ethical considerations to ensure responsible adoption.

What You’ll Learn:

• AI in Action: Discover real-world applications of AI in design.
• Tools You Can Use Now: Explore AI-powered solutions that can enhance efficiency and creativity.
• Industry Outlook: Get a glimpse of what’s ahead for AI in interior design and furniture dealerships.
• Ethical Considerations: Learn how to use AI responsibly.
• Staying Ahead: Walk away with actionable steps to future-proof your skills.
  This session is designed for dealer designers looking to embrace AI with confidence and stay competitive in an evolving industry.

SPEAKER: Stacy Thorwart, AI Strategy Lead at Steelcase

Stacy Thorwart is the AI Strategy Lead at Steelcase, where she drives the company’s AI vision and communication strategy. She plays a key role in shaping how AI can empower employees, enhance productivity, and deliver value to clients and partners. She leads internal initiatives to educate employees on AI adoption, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to integrate AI into their workflows. Stacy develops strategies to position Steelcase as a thought leader in AI, helping clients and partners understand the company’s AI capabilities and the future of AI-powered workplace solutions.

With expertise in AI strategy, digital transformation, and communication, Stacy is dedicated to making AI more accessible and impactful for both organizations and creative professionals.

AUDIENCE: This session is designed for dealer designers looking to embrace AI with confidence and stay competitive in an evolving industry.

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

PANEL DISCUSSION

Expanding Design Resources:
The Role of Independent Designers

Is your organization constantly short on design staff? You’re not alone. At The Design POP, we frequently hear the question: “Do you know a designer looking for work?” While we don’t facilitate direct hiring between dealerships, we’ve seen a surge in outsourced design options. That’s why we created a platform to connect independent designers with organizations based on their expertise in various design technologies and extensions.

In today’s global economy, many dealerships are realizing the advantages of working with outsourced design partners—whether local, across the country, or overseas. However, questions remain:

• What types of projects are best suited for independent designers?
• How do you justify the cost of outsourcing?
• How can you discuss outsourcing with internal designers without creating tension?
• What’s the best way to manage quality control with external resources?

Join our expert panel for a candid discussion on the evolving role of independent designers and outsourced solutions. Gain insights on balancing internal and external resources, optimizing your team’s workload, and making informed decisions that could transform your approach to design staffing.

Don’t miss this opportunity to rethink your design strategy!

HOST: Alexandra Tseffos, Silent T Consulting + The Design POP 

PANELISTS:

Charles Zulli, Unalome Consulting

Lisa Haugen, Kimiko Designs

Brandee Sheldrake, Environments

AUDIENCE: Design Leaders

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

How you Contribute to Organizational Success

We all lead. Whether you lead a team or a project, there are some key concepts you need to know and cultivate to deliver on your organization's success. In this session, we'll share what these concepts are and some steps you can take to start putting them into practice.

SPEAKER: Lani Basa is the Owner of The Business Women’s Circle

The Business Women’s Circle, an organization that connects, builds communities and creates experiences for women to grow and the nonprofit The Circle Community. Previously, Lani spent 22 years at the Target Corporation. Her tenure includes many roles, always with a focus on strategic development, leadership coaching, and professional development.

AUDIENCE: Designers & Design Leaders

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

Designing Your Own Path:
Exploring Careers in Interior Design

Interior design is a dynamic industry with opportunities that go far beyond what’s covered in school. Join Brittney Herrera, IIDA LEED AP, to learn about her journey from design student to firm owner, entrepreneur, and author of Inside the Design Industry.

Brittney has worked across multiple facets of interior design—facilities management, furniture dealership, commercial interiors, and residential studios—before launching her own firm and procurement company to better serve clients. She’ll share how testing different career paths helped her carve out a unique space in the industry and how you can do the same.

Learn how to explore different verticals, build a network, and find a career that excites you. Whether you're just starting out or wondering where to take your next step, this session will open your eyes to the many possibilities in interior design.

SPEAKER: Brittney Herrera, Author of Inside the Design Industry

Brittney Herrera is an interior designer, entrepreneur, and author of Inside the Design Industry. Her career spans commercial interiors, custom homes, retail, and wellness spaces, with a deep focus on creating environments that are both beautiful and functional. Early on, she explored multiple industry paths—working in facilities management, office furniture, commercial design, and residential studios—before carving out a career that blends design, business, and innovation.

As the founder of Thunder Egg, Brittney leads a firm known for its high-touch approach to interior design, working with clients across industries to create thoughtful, experience-driven spaces. She also launched a procurement company to bridge the gap between design vision and execution, ensuring seamless project delivery.

Passionate about mentorship and industry growth, Brittney speaks nationally, serves on the National Council for the School of Art and Design at RIT, and helps emerging designers navigate the evolving world of interiors.

We have 10 books to give away during the session!

AUDIENCE: Students and Designers with 1-3 years of experience

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

PANEL DISCUSSION

Designers + Business Leaders:
How Successful Business Leaders Support Their Design Teams

Designers and design leads – Join a diverse group of experienced leaders as we spend an hour exploring their career journeys and strategies for securing the mindshare, resources and processes that have empowered thousands of designers in our industry.

HOSTS:
Jason Lund - Aura Powered by CIT
Sara Genereaux - Aura Powered by CIT

PANELISTS: 
Jen Evans - VP of Design + Development, BKM

Wes Harper - Senior Director of Sales Operations - OFS

Jason Lambert - CFO at Insidesource

Laura Carlson - Director of Architectural Division, My Resource Library (MRL)

AUDIENCE: Designers & Design Leaders

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

Cyncly's Technology Session

Join our session and discover how Cyncly's latest innovations will boost your productivity and transform the way you work.

Introducing the NEW Report Tool:

• Generate stunning, insightful reports with just a few clicks.
• Export Report in multiple formats
• Convert existing reports to the Stimulsoft reports
• On-Demand File-Based Content: Access Everything You Need, Instantly!
• Access all your content directly within Cyncly, whenever you need it.
• Streamline your workflow and boost efficiency.
• Flex: Your All-in-One CRM and Project Tracker!
• Manage your clients and projects with unparalleled ease.
• Improve collaboration and communication across your team.

This webinar is your exclusive sneak peek into the future of Cyncly!

SPEAKER: Amy Edington, Product Manager - NA Commercial Furniture Market for Cyncly

AUDIENCE: Designers & Design Leaders

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

From Concept to Close:
Leveraging Smart Technology for a Better Client Experience

As the design industry evolves, so do the tools and processes that shape how designers work and collaborate with clients. This session explores how AI and smart technology can streamline workflows, improve client interactions, and enhance project outcomes.
Join us as we break down how embracing process change can boost productivity, refine design deliverables, and create more seamless client experiences. We’ll share insights on automation trends, practical AI applications, and real-world strategies to help designers work smarter, not harder—all without losing the creativity and personal touch that clients value.

What You’ll Gain:

• Actionable strategies to integrate AI and automation into your design and sales processes
• Insights into industry trends and statistics on how technology is reshaping client expectations
• Inspiration to rethink workflows and improve project efficiency without sacrificing creativity
• All attendees will receive a promo code to try Thumbprint Pro free!

SPEAKERS:

Katherine D'Zmura Friedman, Co-Founder, CEO of Thumbprint
Sasha Perebikovsky, Co-Founder, CTO of Thumbprint
Megan Smith, Director of Design of Thumbprint 

AUDIENCE: Designers & Design Leaders

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

Design Smarter: Introducing Aline +  What’s New in CET 16.0 & Spec 8.0

AUDIENCE: Designers & Design Leaders

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65

The Encore:

Techbox Collective Show & Tell with Kari Anderson

"How do other extensions do that?" The question returns! Join us for the highly anticipated 2025 Show and Tell, where CET Commercial Interiors extension owners will showcase their tools and technology. Following the incredible success over the past years, this year's Show and Tell offers an exclusive opportunity to witness live demonstrations of innovative CET Extensions, CPQ solutions, and other emerging technologies.

What Show & Tell 2025 Offers You:

• For Manufacturers: Discover how your peers are leveraging digital tools.
• For Designers: See these powerful tools in action, watch live design demonstrations, and provide valuable feedback to influence future development.
• For Developers: Connect with fellow developers, witness the application of your products, and support your manufacturer partners in showcasing their solutions. 

Show and Tell is a collaborative event designed to bring the community together and drive innovation within the Commercial Interiors digital space.

A special thank you to OFS, Stylex, and Source International, who were the first to step forward and volunteer to present. We are still seeking three more manufacturers to join our cast of presenters. If you'd like to showcase your tools and technology, please contact Kari at [email protected]

SPEAKER: Kari Anderson, Founder of Techbox Collective

AUDIENCE: Designers & Design Leaders

Want to attend multiple sessions? Click here to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for $65