IMPACT 2024: The ASID Alabama Interior Design Conference

On September 12th and 13th , we hosted the most successful IMPACT: the ASID Alabama Interior Design Conference yet at Rosewood Hall in Homewood, AL. With record breaking attendance, the conference provided professionals with 5 unparalleled CEU’s on Building Codes & Standards, as well as opportunities to network with other professionals from around the state. This year we tried something new and it seemed to be a hit.  Instead of holding the conference on Friday and Saturday as usual, we switched it up and held it on Thursday and Friday, giving everyone their weekend off.  Attendance ranged from students to professional members, allied members, educators and numerous non-members. In all, we had a total of 75 attendees.

Thursday began at noon with the Annual Member Meeting luncheon where members were provided a “state of the chapter” address with each board member explaining what had been accomplished this year as well as goals for the 2025 fiscal year. The floor was opened for questions and answers and members did not disappoint in giving wonderful insight, comments and suggestions. Following the meeting, two CEUs were offered to finish the day of learning for the attendees. However, the day was not over for all. The last event was the annual Past President’s Meeting where the current president, April Wade, ASID, presented the past presidents with some of the challenges she saw during her term and asked for ideas. The past presidents came through offering insight into every aspect of the chapter. You’ll be happy to know that because of the meeting you’ll be seeing expanded member benefits and events.

On Friday, we welcomed students from Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Samford University and vendors from various facets of the industry to join the activities. The student tract was just as successful, hosting a panel of professional interior designers where the students were able to ask questions about what to expect in the real world. Students were also treated to an enjoyable and informative presentation by widely known interior designer Annie Elliott, MA, ASID, author of the book, “My Neighbor Saw Me Naked and Other Reasons You Need Drapes.”   We’ve heard from many students in attendance that they appreciated the opportunities given to meet practicing interior designers and hear their stories, receive advice and increase their network.

At lunch the Keynote Speaker, Ashley Gilbreath, interior designer from Montgomery, Alabama gave a brilliant and entertaining presentation on owning your own business, client expectations, the value of your knowledge and what to expect of yourself. Everyone left learning something new. Following the keynote address the winners were announced for the Daisy Bond Student Design Awards. For a list of winners and to see their work go to https://aldesign.online/db-winners-2024/.

The success of the conference could not have happened if not for the generosity of the conference sponsors:

  • AMA Lighting
  • GHT Group
  • Ferguson
  • SubZero
  • Alabama Appliance
  • AllSouth
  • Cottage Supply Company Downtown
  • Alabama Stone Works

Planning is underway for IMPACT 2025. If you would like to be a part of the planning, please contact Bryant Williams at administrator@al.asid.org.

Exhibitors were in abundance at this year’s conference, providing updates on their newest products.

Ashley Gilbreath, renowned interior designer and author, was the Keynote Speaker.

Annie Elliott, of Washington DC, art historian, interior designer, and author was the guest student speaker.

Jim Griffo, AIA, Emeritus IIDA, LEED AP, introduced the audience to the very important organization AIDC.

Students were treated to a discussion with a panel of some of the most outstanding interior designers in the Birmingham area.

Conference attendees enjoyed those moments of networking, eating and seeing old friends.

Thank you to our Conference Sponsors