“We are thrilled to produce Design Chicago as it draws a talented group of design icons, industry leaders and trade professionals to see what’s new at the Design Center and LuxeHome,” said Katherine Flaherty, vice president, Vornado | Merchandise Mart. “The Design Center is a world-renowned resource for interior design and inspiration, and LuxeHome is the world’s largest collection of premier boutiques for home building and renovation. Through the featured presentations, CEU-accredited seminars, new product introductions, and networking events, we intend to provide attendees with the business know-how to keep up with the constantly-evolving marketplace.”

The conference will feature notable members of the design industry including kitchen and design icons, Christopher Peacock (Christopher Peacock, Suite 148) and Mick De Giulio (Suite 121), design experts and TV personalities, Robert and Cortney Novogratz (The Shade Store, Suite 105), interior and furniture designer, Alexa Hampton (Hickory Chair, Pearson, Henredon, Suite 1477), and the creative genius behind the world famous Wynn hotels in Las Vegas and Macau, Roger Thomas (Fabricut, Suite 6-117), among others.

Attendees can register to experience compelling and educational CEU-accredited seminars presented by celebrated designers, media executives, editors, manufacturers and associations. Highlights include Dwell President Michela O’Connor Abrams’ exploration of the “New Face of Affluence,” hosted in the Monogram Design Center (Suite 124); Houzz’s Lindsey Thudin’s presentation on “Using Social Media to Promote Your Business,” hosted in Artistic Tile (Suite 105A); designer Lori Weitzner’s “The Preservation of Passion,” hosted in Donghia (Suite 631); and Jana Plantina Phipps’ “A Tour of Trimmings,” hosted in Robert Allen (Suite 633).

During Design Chicago, a who’s who of the design industry will come together to celebrate on the evening of Tuesday, October 6 at the Chicago VIP Luxury Gala. Tickets are now on sale to attend this year’s Gala, which will feature the inaugural induction of four residential design industry icons into the Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame. Sponsored by Luxe Interiors + Design, attendees will toast the best in residential interior furnishings, architecture, interior design and custom home building. Once again, Design Chicago will honor three of Chicago’s rising stars in the interior design industry at the Ones To Watch celebration on October 7. Sponsored by Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago, the prestigious recognition program, Ones To Watch 2015 winners were nominated and voted on exclusively by Design Center showrooms. For a full schedule of events, please visit designchicagoevent.com.

About LuxeHome
LuxeHome is the world’s largest collection of premier boutiques for home building and renovation located on the first floor of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. With more than 125,000 square feet of showroom space featured in over 35 boutiques, LuxeHome is host to the finest products for home building and renovation from the most recognized and respected manufacturers worldwide.

LuxeHome offers discerning homeowners and trade professionals one-stop shopping convenience with access to the finest kitchen, bath, tile, lighting, cabinetry, appliances, countertops and much more. LuxeHome displays the widest selection of products to suit all upscale design styles, from modern European to classic American to traditional English. In addition to the extensive lineup of premier brands, each boutique offers knowledgeable designers who are available to assist with all phases of each design project. LuxeHome’s boutiques are open for shopping Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit luxehome.com. Follow LuxeHome on Facebook, Houzz, Instagram and Twitter.

Vornado Realty Trust, owner of the Merchandise Mart, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO. www.vno.com

About the Design Center™ at the Merchandise Mart
The Design Center at The Merchandise Mart, located in Chicago’s historic Merchandise Mart, is home to four floors constituting the world’s largest and finest design center. As a leader in the $65 billion residential home furnishings market, The Design Center offers the largest presentation of high-end, couture, home furnishings worldwide, all under one roof. Encompassing 650,000 square feet, boasting 115 showrooms and featuring more than 2,500 product lines, it is the design professional’s ultimate resource for luxury furniture, fabrics, floor coverings, wall coverings, lighting, antiques and much more. For more information visit, www.designcenter.com.