We love interior design trade shows. Possibly due to the copious cocktail parties, even the things that normally annoy ” such as noisy chatter, pushy crowds, and bland food courts ” instead charm and energize us. In our virtual-heavy, cyberspace-loving world, expos are still an irreplaceable method of exploring new offerings through touching and testing, as well as forging unexpected connections by engaging industry colleagues eye-to-eye and exchanging business cards. Now that we are at year”s end, we want to share a few of our favorite things that we stumbled (did we mention the cocktail parties”) upon at this past year”s HD Expo, NeoCon, Dwell on Design, and METROCON Expo & Conference. Here”s hoping that you will be inspired to put at least one of these shows on your to-do list in the coming year.

HD Expo | Las Vegas ” May 15-17, 2013 | next show: May 14-16, 2014
Martin Pierce | This Los Angeles-based company”s organic creations stand out in the crowded hardware market. Using a significant amount of recycled metal, their cabinet pull, door handle and decorative hardware designs take inspiration from both flora and fauna, resulting in exquisite solutions for either commercial or residential applications.	Seascape Lamps | Lighting is crucial to a space”s success, and Seascape enhances any hospitality or residential interior with their remarkable array of fixtures. From off-the-shelf offerings of shades, chandeliers, rail systems and pendants, to custom options comprised of printed fabrics, metal, veneers and acrylics, the California-based manufacturer goes well beyond lamps.
NeoCon | Chicago ” June 10-12, 2013 | next show: June 9-11, 2014
Focal Upright Furniture | Research shows that sitting on our behinds for hours on end is slowly killing us, which has unleashed a tidal wave of stand-up desks over the last few years. With their Locus Workstation, Focal Upright Furniture has evolved the concept further, figuring out how to give desk jockeys a more joint-friendly, neutral posture in between standing and sitting. Check out their video to get the full picture.	Markant Oxidesk | The first step was to get us out of our sedentary seats into a standing position, but the next step is to get us moving. Several manufacturers are offering low-speed treadmills paired with desks, but Markant has developed Oxidesk, an easy-going stationary bicycle fully integrated with a wrap-around work surface. Type, write, read and chat, all while burning calories. Give their video a look-see for the complete story.
Dwell on Design | Los Angeles ” June 21-23, 2013 | next show: June 20-22, 2014
Devine Color | How designers choose paint color has not changed a great deal in the last few decades, but Gretchen Schauffler, an artist and the creator of Devine Color, is rocking the interior coatings boat. With new terminology, selection process, formulas, and ordering, she”s upending the market. This video explains it all.	LivingPlug | Electrical outlets ” and, now, USB charging outlets ” are a necessary evil that designers struggle to work with and around everyday. The standard plug on a well-finished wall is synonymous to a pimple on a model”s face. Enter LivingPlug, a company that has figured out how to be the concealer of all that electrical acne.
METROCON Expo & Conference | Dallas – August 15-16, 2013 | next show: August 14-15, 2014
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