Contemporary Design Group Annual Conference Set for December in Newport Beach

September 1, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

“Our attendees can expect even more opportunities to collaborate and network this year,” says Alicia Stevens, executive director, CDG. “We want to keep driving the industry forward. The best way to meet those goals is to do it together with our vendor partners.”

The CDG Annual Conference provides a forum for independent contemporary retailers to interact with vendors in a collaborative atmosphere. “This event is absolutely not a tradeshow,” says Stevens. “We’re looking to the bigger picture—building sustainable business relationships. Instead of focusing on a single product placement, our goal is to lay groundwork for mutual long-term success.”

“The conference is the best collaborative event that I attend,” says Ed Cheikh of Houseworks in Indianapolis, Ind. “It allows retailers and manufacturers to share knowledge, ideas, and concerns while having fun in an informal setting." Andy Thornton of LaDiff in Richmond, Va. considers the event to be one of the highlights of his business year, “We come to conference every year thinking that that by now we should know pretty much all there is to know…and within the first day we invariably pick up a host of new tips, suggestions, and great ideas.”

The 2019 Conference starts Dec. 6 with a Welcome Reception and concludes the morning of Dec. 8. The group will also be announcing the winner of the 6^th Annual Edward Haimsohn Design Award, recognizing outstanding and original design. Those interested in attending through Vendor Partnership, applying for Retailer Membership, or submitting a design for the 2019 Edward Haimsohn Design Award should contact Contemporary Design Group online at www.contemporarydesign.com