The Midwest’s largest residential design conference, Design Chicago, kicks off tomorrow at the Design Center at the Merchandise Mart (theMART), including boutique design showroom floor LuxeHome, in downtown Chicago. The two-day conference will feature 175 presentations, CEU programs, open houses and product debuts, wrapping up with the VIP Luxury Gala, which will induct four industry icons into the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame. Headed to the Windy City? Read on for a list of the events not to be missed.

Surya is among the 10 new showrooms celebrating their first Design Chicago.Courtesy Design Chicago

Showroom Debuts
Be sure to check out some of the newest showrooms at this year’s conference. Standouts include ribbon cutting ceremonies for Pindler (Suite 618) and Schumacher (Suite 6-133). Others celebrating grand openings include high-end kitchen appliance giant Viking (Suite 137), New York’s Wired Custom Lighting (Suite 14-132) and contemporary-crafted kitchen and bath accessories by House of Rohl (Suite 135). Forward Space (Suite 614), La Cornue (Suite 137), Middleby Residential (Suite 137), Moen (Suite 135) and Surya (Suite 619) will also be making their debut at this year’s market.

Now Presenting
Architects and interior designers often work in tandem on projects, and finding that balance is key for success. In this symposium, Emmy Award–winning writer Geoffrey Bear will moderate the seminar “Room Enough: Successful Collaborations in Architecture and Design.” Bear will be joined by designers Nate Lielasus, Julia Hacker, Stuart Cohen and designers James Dolenc, Thomas Riker and others.

Galerie magazine editor in chief Jacqueline Terrebonne will join Kara Mann, founder and creative director of the eponymous design firm for “Re-Defining Luxury: A Q&A Panel Discussion with Milling Road Guest Designer Kara Mann,” which will be held in the Baker Furniture showroom (Suite 6-187).

A who’s who of the design industry comes together at the 10^th-annual Chicago VIP Luxury Gala where four residential design icons will be inducted into the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame. Cary Kravet, president and CEO of Kravet, will receive the Lifetime Achievement award for his company’s dedication and longevity in the design world. Architect Laurence Booth, designer Suzanne Lovell, and Power Luxury Residence Group will also be honored at the event.

Cary Kravet, president and CEO of Kravet, fourth from the left, will receive the Lifetime Achievement award at the annual Chicago VIP Luxury Gala.Courtesy of Kravet

On Display
For the first time, a collection of fine art from various showrooms in the theMART will be featured at the Design Center Art Gallery (Suite 14-131). There will be a wide selection on display, and the gallery will be open for the duration of Design Chicago.

Registration for Design Chicago is now open and is complimentary for trade-only professionals.