After nearly a full year of planning, I finally experienced all that is IRDC, VMSD’s International Retail Design Conference, held Sept. 13-15 in Montréal. For an editor, it’s an interesting challenge to program an event you’ve never actually attended, especially one in its 16th year that has set the bar extremely high in terms of value.
Now that I’ve fully experienced the IRDC juggernaut and enjoyed its success, I must confess that I am lucky on many counts. First and foremost, the entire VMSD team is straight-up hard to beat. From our events and marketing staff, to sales and editorial, each member is passionate about the community that joins us each fall to inspire and to be inspired, to share and to celebrate this incredible industry. There is something special about people who love their craft – bring them together, and the possibilities are endless.
Next, I am lucky that our Editorial Advisory Board and company leadership saw fit to consider a location like Montréal. I’ve yet to visit a city in North America with such a vibrant and diverse culture – the architecture, design and public art, the food, dual languages and resident population all combine to create a city that is mindful of its history, yet chic and modern. Montréal was a gracious host for our event, and left me eager to return to explore in the future.
Finally, I am lucky because of you, the reader. VMSD enjoys a level of support and engagement from its readership that I have honestly never encountered in my 20 years as an editor. As the magazine enters its 120th anniversary next year, I am humbled to be a small part of writing its continuing story. Trust that we are consistently hard at work, making sure that we bring you the quality content you demand.
To all who were able to join us at IRDC 2016 (and to those who hoped to be there but weren’t able to attend), thank you for your trust, your encouragement and your passion and excitement. I’ve learned just how quickly a year can pass, so I will see you again soon, in New Orleans, Sept. 6-8, for IRDC 2017!