From January 23 to 26, Cosentino celebrated design excellence at its fourth annual C.Next Designers Summit. To elevate the design industry, the event focused on fostering meaningful connections, sparking new relationships and showcasing exclusive brand partnerships. At this year’s gathering, held in the stunning Riviera Maya region of Mexico, more than 250 attendees participated in four days of inspirational programming and enjoyed countless opportunities to collaborate.
Patty Dominguez, vice president of business development for Cosentino Americas, kicked off the summit by thanking attendees: “Every year we are challenged to raise the bar even higher for the next C.Next experience. This year, we curated an event with each of you in mind—filled with insightful programming by diverse luminaries and opportunities to learn how to make your business more profitable. Most importantly, with so many new faces along with familiar ones, we are excited for you to network and create new friendships.”
The one-of-a-kind event brought together exemplars of the industry, from top and emerging designers to best-in-class brands like presenting partner NKBA|KBIS. With more than a dozen sessions over the course of the four days, attendees had their pick of informative panels. Sponsored by Kohler, the keynote session with Jonathan Leary, founder and CEO of Remedy Place, explored the powerful connection between design and physiology. Four dynamic Hearst panels—sponsored by Arteriors, Feeney Inc., New Moon Rugs and Sunbrella—addressed various topics across the sector: Tony Award–wining scenic designer Scott Pask spoke with designer Young Huh and John Hart of Arteriors Home in a panel on the power of lighting moderated by Elle Decor’s Stellene Volandes. Designers Heather French and Mikel Welch spoke with New Moon’s Erika Kurtz and Veranda’s Victor Maze about finding “riches in the niches.” A conversation on “driving innovation” with Ford Motor Company’s Jennifer Kolstad, Iron House Design’s Tanya Ryno and Feeney’s Katrina Ralston was moderated by House Beautiful’s Carisha Swanson. And editorial director Joanna Saltz sat down with designers Kathy Kuo and Gensler’s Siobhan Barry to discuss enduring style.
Notable designers in attendance included Ahmad AbouZanat, Caleb Anderson, Alena Capra, Thom Filicia, César Giraldo, Kerrie Kelly, Celerie Kemble, Amanda Lindroth, Allison Paladino, Lauren Rottet and Fernando Wong. Architectural Grille, Baldwin, BauTeam, Benjamin Moore, Danver, Fabuwood, Four Hands, FreePower, Hestan, Invisacook, James Martin Vanities, Lutron, Miele, Ortal, Perlick, Pitt Cooking, Studio M, Sutherland, The Galley and Urban Bonfire were among the more than 25 brand partners that participated in the summit.
In response to the devastating wildfires in California, Cosentino was proud to announce a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles to support the ReBuild L.A. initiative. To amplify this effort, Cosentino will match donations dollar for dollar up to $20,000 to help affected families and communities recover from the disaster.