Trip to Dallas This Week

I will be heading to Dallas tomorrow evening to attend Metrocon 09 at Dallas Market Center. The conference can be described as a regional Neocon, featuring many of the same exhibitors on a much smaller scale. I'm pretty excited about it after having worked on the Steelcase open office system project last semester.

The main reason I decided to attend, though, was because, as an ASID and IIDA member, I could take as many continuing education courses as I wanted to for a flat $35 fee. I signed up for six courses and plan on attending the keynote address as well. I'm not required to take these classes until after I graduate, but I think they will be extremely beneficial. "Hard Facts about Soft Surfaces" will allow me to apply "real world" textile facts and understand they impact the selection and application of surface material life cycles in the residential or commercial environment. "Socially Responsible Design....When LEED Isn't An Option" focuses on conserving energy, water, waste and natural resources even if the project does not pursue LEED certification. "The Influence of Design" conveys the idea of experience and the importance of designing toward an end experience that lifts client emotions and remains in the memory of those who experience it. "Bright Ideas: Office Lighting 101" will build on my lighting expertise and focus it more towards the office setting as opposed to residential. "Case Study: Using Client Feedback to Enhance Project Success" will help me to create an effective feedback system for my own company. "Revolve 2009" is an inspirational look at color trends drawing on parallels with the Maison d'Objet housewares show.

I also plan on checking out some of the permanent designer showrooms while I'm there. I've never been to DMC during non-market times so I'm curious to see how things operate on a regular day. I didn't realize that the Apparel and Accessories Market was going on this week so I'm not sure how normal it will be, but it will be different than what I've experienced to date. It might be kind of fun to check out the fashion stuff too while I'm there if I have the time!

So, in summary, it will be a very busy couple of days, but I'm really looking forward to it. I'll try to post some pictures while I'm there so stay tuned!

Guess who will appear in the March issue of Residential Lighting magazine? Me!

During my visit to Dallas Market Center last month, I happened to visit the CBK showroom while Cristina Saralegui was signing autographs. I understand that many of you may not know who that is so I'll enlighten you. Often labeled the "Oprah of Mexico" (although she is Cuban), Cristina is a 30-year veteran journalist and host of "The Cristina Show" on Univision, the nation's leading Spanish-language television network. She was named one of the "25 Most Influential Hispanics in America" and was the first Latina to be inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. Now you might wonder why she was signing autographs at the Total Home & Gift Market at DMC. She has designed a number of "Spanish inspired" products for the home with the label "Casa Cristina". She has a line of bedding, bathroom accessories and kitchen textiles that are sold through Kohl's. Her furniture designs are manufactured by Pulaski Furniture. CBK, of course, hosted the event to promote her home accents collection. The Minka Group features some of her designs for lighting fixtures and fans. And that is why the Executive Editor of Residential Lighting and Hospitality Lighting magazines was waiting for a the perfect photo opportunity when I got in line for an autograph. She approached me and asked if I was a designer and if she could take my picture with Cristina for Residential Lighting magazine. I told her that I had already asked the lady behind me to snap a picture with my camera phone, but that I was sure her picture would turn out much better. She assured me that she would email me the picture and let me know when it would appear in the magazine. I just got her email and was informed that the picture had been submitted for the March issue. Hopefully my new subscription will kick in by then!