This February, interior designers in Florida are invited to take part in a conversation-driven industry gathering—one that prioritizes insight, dialogue, and real-world perspective over the scale and fatigue of traditional design markets.

International Design Source is hosting two late-afternoon events in Sarasota and Naples, each centered on a live panel discussion with respected voices from the Florida design community. These conversations will explore the business realities, relationships, and human dynamics shaping today’s design profession, while also offering a preview of what’s ahead with Design Edge.

Unlike a traditional market or showroom crawl, this event is intentionally panel-focused. The goal is to create space for thoughtful dialogue—examining how designers navigate business pressures, brand relationships, emotional intelligence, and professional growth in an evolving industry.

The Design Edge Preview provides context for a larger, to-the-trade connection event to come, but the emphasis here is on conversation rather than commerce.

Design Edge is an exclusive, regional event connecting interior designers with premium home furnishings manufacturers—designed to eliminate the need for cross-country travel and overwhelming show floors. This preview introduces that model through discussion and perspective, setting the stage for future engagement.

SARASOTA

Monday, February 23 from 4:00–6:00 PM
Panelists: Pam Durkin & Laurie Laizure

NAPLES

Tuesday, February 24 from 3:00–5:00 PM
Panelists: Tracee Murphy with Interior Design Community (IDC)

This event will be followed by the Home & Design Spring 2026 Launch Party, hosted by Spazio Marble located at 1958 Trade Center Way from 5-8pm. [RSVP]

Both events include drinks and light fare, offering an approachable setting to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and stay engaged with the conversations shaping the industry.

Pam Durkin

Pam Durkin is an interior designer, educator, and strategic voice in the design industry. In this panel conversation, she will explore brand engagement from both sides of the table—unpacking the sensitivities, expectations, and friction points between designers and brands, and what it takes to build partnerships that actually work.

Laurie Laizure

Laurie Laizure is an interior designer, podcaster, and business strategist known for helping creatives translate talent into thriving enterprises. Her work focuses on pricing, positioning, and systems—empowering designers to lead with confidence in a changing marketplace.

Tracee Murphy

Tracee Murphy is an interior designer and industry connector focused on leadership, collaboration, and professional growth. Her discussion will center on emotional intelligence in design—how self-awareness, communication, and relational skill shape client relationships, sourcing decisions, and long-term success.

Interior Design Community (IDC)

Interior Design Community (IDC) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the business, leadership, and collective voice of interior designers. Through education, conversation, and community-building, IDC supports designers navigating both creative and commercial realities.

For designers navigating shifting client expectations, sourcing complexity, and business pressures, this event offers:

• A panel-driven alternative to traditional design markets
• Insight into the human and relational side of design business
• Perspective on brand relationships, emotional intelligence, and strategy
• Connection with peers and industry leaders in a low-pressure setting

This is not a sales pitch or a market replacement—it’s a chance to step back, gain clarity, and engage in the conversations shaping what comes next.