Designhounds Talks Chicago: Business Spark Conference Recap

Designhounds hosted its inaugural Business Spark Conference on May 7 and 8 at The Mart in Chicago, concurrent with the Wine + Design Event. The event was open not only to Designhounds Influencer Network members but also to the greater interior design community.

The Business Spark Conference was designed to help design business owners reconnect with their passion and purpose. In times of overwhelm and fatigue, it’s easy to lose sight of the excitement that once fueled our work. This conference aimed to rekindle that spark through storytelling, strategy, and community connection.

I love that we were able to organize this event. After listening to so many designers out there, we realized that there’s a lot of fatigue, anxiety and need for a reset so we invited our speakers to tackle the question of rekindling the spark for our businesses and after two days, filled to the brim with great presentations and conversations, we found that we can not only get through tough times but thrive in them.

Veronika Miller – Designhounds Founder

Featured Speakers

The conference featured a lineup of inspiring speakers who shared their expertise and personal journeys:

• LuAnn Nigara: A leading business expert and host of the top-rated podcasts A Well-Designed Business® and Window Treatments for Profit, LuAnn delivered no-nonsense business advice to help entrepreneurs stop playing small and take decisive action.
• Jenna Gaidusek: Founder of AI for Interior Designers™, Jenna empowered design professionals to embrace AI and emerging technologies to enhance their businesses, streamline workflows, and elevate creativity.
• Kyle Gott: A non-profit leader and retreat facilitator, Kyle shared insights on using fear as fuel and leading with purpose, drawing from his experiences in both the creative and non-profit sectors.
• Veronika Miller: Founder of Designhounds, Veronika moderated sessions and facilitated discussions, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among attendees.
• Jane Horan: Founder of The Horan Group, Jane blended practical tools with a reflective approach, encouraging individuals to see doubt not as an obstacle but as a companion on the path to fulfillment.

Business Spark Conference Highlights

Day 1: Reconnecting with Purpose

• Keynote by Kyle Gott: Kyle’s session, “Loving What Is – The Art of Using Fear as Fuel,” encouraged attendees to embrace fear as a catalyst for growth and creativity.
• Workshop by Jane Horan: Jane led a session on “8 Steps for Resilience,” providing practical tools to help attendees navigate challenges and build resilience in their personal and professional lives.
• Workshop by LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s session, “Excellence is a Decision: How to Take Back Control of Your Business (and Your Life),” challenged attendees to make bold, smart decisions to reclaim control and drive their businesses forward.
• Workshop by Jenna Gaidusek: Jenna facilitated a session on ChatGPT. She explored how AI can be leveraged to enhance creativity and productivity in the design process.
• Community Dinner: A private dinner for Designhounds Community Members provided an opportunity for networking and deeper connections.

Day 2: Embracing Innovation and Connection

• Workshop Kick-Off by Kyle Gott: Kyle opened the day with a session on “Grounding Yourself,” setting the tone for a day of reflection and connection.
• Workshop by Florence von Pelet and Jane Horan This session focused on grounding practices and rituals that encourage a life of play and creativity.
• Workshop by Jenna Gaidusek: Jenna’s session on AI For Interior Designers provided practical insights into integrating AI tools into design workflows.
• Session by LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s session, “Connecting the Dots,” helped attendees synthesize the insights and strategies shared throughout the conference.
• Monogram Showroom Luncheon: A luncheon at the Monogram Showroom offered attendees a chance to experience innovative design solutions and network with industry professionals.
• Christopher Peacock Designhounds VIP Event: An exclusive event for Designhounds members to connect with top-tier brands and fellow creatives.
• Wine + Design Event: The conference concluded with the Wine + Design event at The Mart. Attendees tasted wine from around the world and savory hors d’oeuvres while touring inspiring showrooms.

Beyond the sessions and workshops, the conference fostered a sense of community among our Designhounds. Our network provides a supportive environment for creatives to share experiences, challenges, and successes (yes, there were tears). The event underscored the importance of human connection in navigating the complexities of the design industry and the world today.

The Business Spark Conference reminds us of the power of community and the importance of staying connected to one’s passion and purpose. As the design industry continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in supporting professionals and fostering innovation.

For those who missed the conference, Designhounds will bring a series of Creative+Business Spark Conferences to LA, NYC and Miami later this year. Stay tuned or get in touch if you’d like more information or to apply as a speaker or workshop leader.