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On April 10, IDC hosted DesignEx Halifax, a full-day event featuring professional development seminars, networking and a tabletop show. During the event, IDC members connected with manufacturers, suppliers, architects and fellow interior designers.

This year’s event, held at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, featured four seminars and presentations, including Textile Application Issues and Solutions presented by Louise Coté of Architex, who discussed choosing the right textiles and products for commercial interiors, and Flexible Space Design Trends, where Bob Villeneuve of Skyfold explained how acoustical control and space flexibility impacts design.

Ted Katsoris, a principal and department manager at Morrison Hershfield, led two presentations. During Forms of Contract, Contract Documents, Site Meetings and Walk-Throughs, Katsoris explained the different types of contract documents and their role in the construction process, while in Shop Drawings, attendees learned the importance of correctly incorporating the procedural and contractual requirements in shop drawings and what common errors to avoid.

“I appreciated that the CEU offering was highly relevant and provided diverse and practical information that could be applied to the business of design,” Lori Arnold of MAC Interior Design.

Following an east coast seafood buffet lunch, 20 exhibitors from across Atlantic Canada showcased new and popular products during the tabletop show, which functions as a more casual alternative to tradeshows.

Over canapés and wine, 37 attendees from various design studios were able to discuss new product lines and network in the intimate setting.

The tabletop show allows both manufactures and designers to connect and expand their network, dicussing innovative products, new technology and materials. “As a new entrepreneur, I was looking to make inroads to the interior design market,” says Donald LeBlanc of Wall Decor by Reggie. “My attendance at DesignEx Halifax enabled me to network and share my product. I had a great time and look forward to participating at future events.”

While many of Canada’s design tradeshows and events are located in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, Halifax DesignEx shined a spotlight on the immense talents within the east coast design community.

“It’s always a privilege and delight to support our Halifax designers and see their wonderful faces,” says Simon Daoust from Schluter Systems Canada, which was one of the event’s sponsors. “It was a nice, cozy environment and the organization was spot-on.”

Future events are already being planned for the Halifax design community, we can’t wait to come back and build on the success of this DesignEx!

IDC’s upcoming DesignEx events are taking place in Okanagan, B.C, on May 22 and the Niagara region on May 31, 2019.

For more information, please contact info@idcanada.org.