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IIDA ANNOUNCES 2021 LEADERS VIRTUAL EVENT<\/strong> CHICAGO<\/strong> \u2014 IIDA is pleased to announce a new ideation of the annual Leaders Breakfast<\/strong>: the 2021 Leaders Virtual<\/a><\/strong>. More inclusive due to its virtual nature, the IIDA Leaders Virtual event, supported by International Benefactor Herman Miller, will celebrate the importance of design in the global marketplace and honor seasoned and emerging industry professionals who are influencing the legacy of design at large.<\/p>\n Launched in New York in 1989 by Jeannie Bochette<\/strong> of Steelcase, the IIDA Leaders Breakfast series began as a single event. The goal was to introduce IIDA to the business world as a leading association of commercial interior design and to inform IIDA members about the major issues affecting them and the industry. The event established a forum where members and their clients could participate and network with their peers.<\/p>\n Due to the past year\u2019s changing landscape, the Leaders Virtual event will take place in eight cities simultaneously, further expanding its reach and impact, with the in-person Leaders Breakfast formally returning in 2022. Elaine Welteroth<\/strong>, co-host of CBS\u2019s \u201cThe Talk,\u201d will serve as this year\u2019s marquee keynote speaker, joined in conversation with IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO,<\/strong> Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA<\/strong>, to discuss leadership, the wherewithal of women, and equity, diversity and inclusion.<\/p>\n \u00ab\u00a0Hosting our Leaders Virtual in a public, digital capacity represents everything we are working toward\u2014a global connectedness and increased accessibility to interested participants across varying geographies and capacities,\u201d said Durst. \u00ab\u00a0We\u2019re honored to have Elaine join us as this year\u2019s keynote. Her leadership in the diversity and equity space is an example for all and will showcase how the power of design transcends beyond our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n Aside from co-hosting \u201cThe Talk,\u201d Welteroth is also a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue. She is known for her groundbreaking work at the helm of Teen Vogue where she used her position to prioritize diversity and social justice coverage. In 2020, Welteroth was appointed Cultural Ambassador for Michelle Obama\u2019s \u201cWhen We All Vote\u201d initiative and helped launch the \u201c15 Percent Pledge,\u201d a non-profit advocacy organization that recruits major retailers including Sephora and Macy\u2019s to commit at least 15% of their purchasing power to Black-owned businesses.<\/p>\n The event will take place on Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. Central via the Socio platform and feature regional programming from eight cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, as well as the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). Open to IIDA and non-members, including those outside of the design industry, participants will have the opportunity to virtually network with other guests in breakout rooms, attend the keynote, as well as participate in the Leadership of Excellence award presentation.<\/p>\n Tickets for the event will go on sale in late July and will be $50 for non-members, $30 for members, and $10 for student members. Sign up here<\/a> for updates on the event and to receive notification when tickets go on sale.<\/p>\n About Herman Miller<\/strong> ABOUT IIDA<\/strong> # # #<\/p>\n
\nGathering to feature renowned speaker addressing the power of global design<\/em><\/p>\n
\nHerman Miller is a globally recognized leader in design. Since its inception in 1905, the company\u2019s innovative, problem-solving designs and furnishings have inspired the best in people wherever they live, work, learn, heal, and play. In 2018, Herman Miller created Herman Miller Group, a purposefully selected, complementary family of brands that includes Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Design Within Reach, Geiger, HAY, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, naughtone, and Nemschoff. Guided by a shared purpose\u2014design for the good of humankind\u2014Herman Miller Group shapes places that matter for customers while contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. For more information visit www.hermanmiller.com\/about-us<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThe International Interior Design Association, known as IIDA, is the commercial interior design association with a global reach. We support design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients through our network of 15,000+ members across 58 countries. We advocate for advancements in education, design excellence, legislation, leadership, accreditation, and community outreach to increase the value and understanding of interior design as a profession that enhances business value and positively impacts the health and well-being of people\u2019s lives every day. www.iida.org<\/a><\/p>\n