Trade Shows: Why They're Important Events You Don't Want to Miss
From networking to insights into new and emerging trends, here's why trade shows should be a firm 'yes' in your calendar
When you’re in the business of creating beautiful homes, it’s wise to make the right industry contacts and have your finger on the pulse so you know where trends are heading. This is where events such as the Decor+Design show come in. This annual event for design professionals, which receives an average 10,000 trade visitors per year, is the place to network, learn about upcoming design shifts and see the newest and best in homewares before they hit the retail market.
This year, Decor+Design will take place from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 July 2023 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. We spoke to several design professionals taking part in this year’s show to learn how trade shows help their businesses.
This year, Decor+Design will take place from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 July 2023 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. We spoke to several design professionals taking part in this year’s show to learn how trade shows help their businesses.
And it’s not just interior designers and decorators who can benefit from a visit, says Hodgson. “There’s a wide range of products to discover at the show, including architectural hardware, flooring and new surface types, all of which would be of interest to architects, builders and building designers.
“And with growing numbers of professionals taking on projects outside of their industry scope – a trend we’ve seen more of recently - it’s the perfect opportunity to see what is new and upcoming in a space outside your own,” she says.
“And with growing numbers of professionals taking on projects outside of their industry scope – a trend we’ve seen more of recently - it’s the perfect opportunity to see what is new and upcoming in a space outside your own,” she says.
If your business is construction- rather than decorative-focused, another highly informative annual event to attend is the two-day Sydney Build Expo, where you’ll see over 500 exhibitions and have the opportunity to watch more than 300 professionally led presentations on all things relating to architecture, engineering, construction and infrastructure.
Networking opportunities
The beauty of attending a trade show is that you can tick off several tasks in a single visit, says Bree Leech, stylist and Dulux colour forecaster. “Staying connected is so important within the design community, and so is learning about new products and being inspired by other design professionals. Trade shows provide all of this in one location, so can really fill your cup both creatively and professionally,” she says.
The beauty of attending a trade show is that you can tick off several tasks in a single visit, says Bree Leech, stylist and Dulux colour forecaster. “Staying connected is so important within the design community, and so is learning about new products and being inspired by other design professionals. Trade shows provide all of this in one location, so can really fill your cup both creatively and professionally,” she says.
“[Decor + Design] being the premier trade show for the interiors world, is not only important for us designers to catch up with our existing brands and suppliers, and see what’s new, but also to find new brands, products and materials to add to our designer libraries,” says James Treble, interior designer, TV personality and a Decor+Design ambassador.
“On top of this, for me, Decor+Design is about catching up with colleagues during the show, and sometimes later for a drink in beautiful Melbourne. Work and play – how perfect!”
Network online with other designers, trades and builders here
“On top of this, for me, Decor+Design is about catching up with colleagues during the show, and sometimes later for a drink in beautiful Melbourne. Work and play – how perfect!”
Network online with other designers, trades and builders here
Get inspired
Seeing a raft of new products and other designers all under one roof can also encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
“Getting out of the office and into a space curated by other professionals is so important to keeping our creative energy high and picking up new ideas for future projects,” says Adele Locke, architectural lighting designer and founder of MINT Lighting Design. “I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen a clever design [at a trade show] that has inspired a unique solution in a project I’m working on.”
Seeing a raft of new products and other designers all under one roof can also encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
“Getting out of the office and into a space curated by other professionals is so important to keeping our creative energy high and picking up new ideas for future projects,” says Adele Locke, architectural lighting designer and founder of MINT Lighting Design. “I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen a clever design [at a trade show] that has inspired a unique solution in a project I’m working on.”
“By seeing what people are creating, we can find new collaborations or simply discover that there is a local solution to our project needs.
“But I think talking with other people who ‘get it’ is the biggest benefit of these events. People outside design don’t always understand the intricacies of what we do day in and day out. But talking with each other, we can all be seen and supported by our local design community,” says Locke.
“But I think talking with other people who ‘get it’ is the biggest benefit of these events. People outside design don’t always understand the intricacies of what we do day in and day out. But talking with each other, we can all be seen and supported by our local design community,” says Locke.
“A lot of us work alone or in small teams, so this is a chance to connect with others and bounce around our thoughts, ideas and inspirations with contemporaries in the industry,” says Heather Nette King, interiors writer and photo stylist. “Aside from hearing about recent innovations, trends and products, it’s a great way to focus on big-picture developments in the industry at large.”
“I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the first Atelier Avenue at Decor+Design, where small and emerging designers will exhibit. The Green Design Hub always has incredible takeaways in terms of the latest in sustainable design. The industry is pretty big these days, and constantly growing, so it’s a great way to take in a load of information in a couple of days,” says Nette King.
Get up close and personal with new products
The opportunity to see, touch and try out new products at the show is invaluable for interior designer Jasmine McClelland, principal at Jasmine McClelland Design. “It’s a great opportunity for interior designers to see all the exciting options together and discuss what we like, how and where we could use them, touch and feel and, of course, always do the comfort test. This is particularly important when specifying seating for our clients,” she says.
The opportunity to see, touch and try out new products at the show is invaluable for interior designer Jasmine McClelland, principal at Jasmine McClelland Design. “It’s a great opportunity for interior designers to see all the exciting options together and discuss what we like, how and where we could use them, touch and feel and, of course, always do the comfort test. This is particularly important when specifying seating for our clients,” she says.
Hear from the experts
One of the highlights of Decor+Design is the informative seminar series, which is attended by around 1,200 design pros each year. If you’re heading to Melbourne for the 2023 fair, here are some talks you won’t want to miss:
One of the highlights of Decor+Design is the informative seminar series, which is attended by around 1,200 design pros each year. If you’re heading to Melbourne for the 2023 fair, here are some talks you won’t want to miss:
- Trend forecast: Bree Leech is giving a trend forecast presentation at 12pm on Friday 14 July. It will cover trends in colour, materials, furniture and styling for 2024. “These trends will take into consideration what’s happening around us and the ‘why’ behind a trend, which can be useful to know when you’re pitching concepts to clients,” says Leech.
- Lighting design workshop: Adele Locke will be running a lighting design workshop at 3pm on Thursday 13 July. “You’ll learn about light and lighting design, how to choose the right fittings, how to add intrigue to a space with light, and have the chance to ask questions about light and how to use it in homes,” says Locke.
- Improve your photo shoots: Heather Nette King will be giving a practical talk at 3:45pm on Friday 14 July on how to make the most of your photo shoots and campaigns. “Visual imagery can make or break a brand, so in this talk I’ll get into the nitty gritty of how to give a good brief for a photo shoot. [I’ll cover] what information you need to give the styling and photography team, as well as how to establish a visual concept and choose final images to ensure you get the best results for your brand,” says Nette King.
- Show tour: James Treble will be hosting a design tour at 3.30pm on Thursday 13, 11am on Friday 14, 1.10pm on Saturday 15, and 11.30 on Sunday 16 July for a group of designers. “I will be taking groups of designers around the stands, highlighting products I see that hit the mark in terms of finish, colour or design.
- “I will also be part of the Future Ready session at 2pm on Saturday 15 July, where I’ll be interviewing Karie Soehardi from Circular Design Thinking on all things green design and sustainability,” he says.
How to get the most from your visit
McClelland says:
McClelland says:
- Wear comfortable shoes: I know when you’re a designer this can sometimes be hard, but it’s my top tip, as chances are there will be a lot of walking around on the day.
- Attend with at least one other person: It’s great to discuss things together and vital to have a second pair of eyes scanning all the wonderful things on display. Plus, it gives you someone to share a glass of bubbles with halfway through the day.
- Start early: If you have only one day, definitely begin early, fully caffeinated, and enjoy catching up with colleagues and being part of the design buzz. We love it [at the studio] – it’s a great day out and about.
Hodgson says:
- Book ahead: Look into the seminar series or information sessions ahead of time and book into the ones you want to attend.
- Don’t rush: Leave yourself enough time to walk throughout the entire venue to scope out all the exhibitions.
- Build your network: When you find ones that interest you, it’s important to introduce yourself and make new connections with the intent to follow up afterwards.
Your turn
Do you make a point of attending trend shows – and what’s your top tip for getting the most from your visit? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Here’s your next read: 6 Surface Materials Your Clients Will Crave in 2023 and Beyond
Do you make a point of attending trend shows – and what’s your top tip for getting the most from your visit? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Here’s your next read: 6 Surface Materials Your Clients Will Crave in 2023 and Beyond
Sponsored
If you’re looking to grow your design business, attending specialist trade events such as Decor+Design is a key part of the process, says Alexa Hodgson, client success sales manager at Houzz.
“Being the biggest annual event for designers, it’s the place to go to be inspired by all the latest fashions in design furnishings, textiles and art. It gives you a front-row seat to new collections, reinforces old and new business relationships, and provides a space to hear from some of the most sought-after design professionals in the industry,” she says.