Industry Events Reimagining Themselves for the Remainder of 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed us to change the way we work, behave and do business. Our industry has, therefore, had to adapt and explore new avenues to fulfil its goals. We explore some of the upcoming industry events that will be taking place during the remainder of 2020, with many changing their formats to create something new and exciting.
Designscape 11-13 August 2020
Designscape will present its premier virtual show this August, an inspiring demonstration of unity in a time of uncertainty. The event, from the creators of kbb Birmingham, Decorex and Sleep & Eat, will reunite professionals across retail, hospitality and residential. With matchmaking and speed networking features – powered by AI technology – the platform provides a place to continue to make new business connections.
Their agenda of thought-provoking talks delve into the intricacies of design and its purpose in the retail sphere. Katelijn Quartier, Researcher from Retail Design Lab will lead the first headline discussion on the functions of the retail space, aside from selling, which will also assess the function of the showroom. Other talks will cover the storytelling abilities of the shop window, and its growing importance to drive great shopping experiences and how macro trends are shaping the retail landscape and forming a clearer image of the future consumer.
Ed Bakos, CEO of Champalimaud Design will be steering another Designscape headline symposium that discusses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hospitality in terms of operations, investment, conceptual design and much more. Meanwhile, the question will be posed on how brands can remain aligned with their purpose whilst considering new industry imperatives and learnings.
Sleep & Eat 17-19 November 2020
Sleep & Eat will take on a new form in 2020; the hospitality-focused event is also going virtual. While this year’s edition will involve much-loved elements from its physical show, there will be new additions to create a richer experience for those that ‘attend’. Showcasing innovative interior design products within an unrivalled directory, registrants can browse through a plethora of furniture, fabric, carpets and flooring, lighting and much more.
The event promises to be brimming with design inspiration for industry professionals, whilst involving a diverse line-up of speakers to captain the content programme. The details of the content schedule are yet to be announced, but we wait in anticipation to discover what they will have on offer in this respect.
While 2020 has proved a challenge for many interior brands, suppliers, designers and retailers, it appears that the industry is ready to meet this challenge head-on. Through resourcefulness and creativity, upcoming events will harness digital platforms and AI technology to allow the design community to continue connecting. We look forward to what this new chapter might bring.
This guest blog was provided by Informa Markets