IDC recently held two successful events, a tabletop collaboration and an artist-driven social mixer, that helped create connections between IDC members and Industry Partners in engaging settings.
On Feb. 28, IDC collaborated with the CSC Building Expo in Toronto, the longest-running technical trade show which attracts over 300 architects, designers, developers, and engineers, for the IDC Finishes Pavilion. This was IDC’s first partnership with the Expo as part of the association’s efforts to expand interior design brands and members’ presence at the show.
The Pavilion provided interior designers with an opportunity to hear seminars on the latest trends in the construction industry, network with industry experts and potential collaborators, and explore cutting-edge products at a dedicated tabletop space for IDC Industry Partners and at the rest of the show.
« Participating in the IDC Pavilion at the CSC Building Expo in the inaugural collaboration was a privilege, » says Joanna Tiffin, Vice President of Commercial Sales for Biyork Floors. « The event provided an opportunity to connect with key decision-makers in the A+D community. »
Participating exhibitors included 3M, Alendel Fabrics, Benjamin Moore, Bezdan Railing Solutions, Biyork Floors, Caesarstone, Ciot, Fisher and Paykel Appliances, Hardwoods Specialty Products, LEVEY, Marble and Marble/AVANDAD, Marble Trend, Philadelphia Commercial/Shaw Industries, Taymor, UNIQ Dimensions Inc., and ROCKGLASS.
On April 11, IDC partnered with Ciot, Crown Surface Solutions, ShawContract, and Sherwin-Williams for The Artist is in the Building: Spring Mixer at the Port of Montreal Tower (Artiste sur place : Activité de réseautage printanière au Port de Montréal), a social mixer event featuring art activations developed by the event partners.
Over 120 members of Montreal’s design and architecture community gathered to mix and mingle at IDC’s unique social event featuring art pieces created live at partners’ interactive activations. There were also door prize draws and outstanding hors d’ouvres and cocktails, complimented by beautiful views of the city.
Attendees included members of Metaphore Design, Camdi Design, NEUF architect(e)s, Atelier Monarque Architecture, Talo Studios, RÉGIS Architecture, and more.
“Our mosaic Maestro, Igor Marziali, was on hand demonstrating the traditional method of creating artistic mosaics,” says Farah Alayan, Marketing Coordinator for Ciot. “It was a wonderful experience to interact with some of the most notable designers in Montreal.”
She adds that Ciot is proud of the collaboration with IDC in creating a unique and interactive design experience and that the event was an opportunity to showcase Ciot Studio’s custom tile and mosaic workshop.
Crown Surface Solutions invited Karen Darling to create original artwork that are offered as custom wall murals. For Jackie Biber, Crown Surface Solutions Sales Account Manager, the format and content of the event presented a new concept in IDC events for the Quebec market.
“The event was a great success thanks to our friends at IDC as well as our industry partners!” says Biber. “Looking forward to the next.”
Luciano Bonini, Marketing Director for ShawContract Canada notes that IDC’s Port of Montreal event was an enriching experience for ShawContract.
“As event partners, we witnessed firsthand the power of community in fostering creativity and innovation within the design industry,” says Bonini.“Together, we celebrate the synergy of talent, ideas, and passion that drives us forward.”
Emily Grundy, Division Manager of Design at Sherwin-Williams displayed custom chairs painted by artist Laura Foster with Sherwin-Williams’ colour palettes. She says that partnering with IDC underscores the importance of bringing our community together to explore the endless possibilities of design, fostering innovation and connection.
“Collaborating with talented artists who showcased the power of colour and creativity in design set an inspiring tone for the event,” says Grundy. “Colour is not just a visual element but a language that communicates and we were able to celebrate colour’s transformative role in shaping environments and experiences.”
IDC is grateful for the collaboration efforts of all partners in helping put these events together.
Contact communicatons@idcanada.org with any questions.