IRDC 2017: Through the Eyes of an Attendee

By Nancy Jackson, President, Architectural Systems Inc.

As an inaugural and Emerald Sponsor, ASI was once again proud to support this outstanding industry conference!

Our Highlights and Takeaways: 

Starting with the irreverent keynote speaker, Peter Kim, Founder and Chairman of Hudson Jeans we heard how retail must radically transform to appeal to today's consumer.

The world is changing, and retailers that deliver a community engaged brand will evolve and cultivate loyalty. First Hudson Jeans retail location is slated for 2018, let's see how successful his performance and service community product delivery is!

Cadillac lost their mojo and made a bold move to transcend the boundaries of the industry by setting up “shop” in NYC from Detroit and creating a highly programmable experiential space that invites the creative class in the Soho neighborhood to connect in their new headquarters. False Familiarity was a phrase they used, referring to what you think you know about the brand.

This was true for me, I couldn't get the picture of my Dad's yellow (really big) caddy out of my head, until the end of the session when they discussed the halo effect of brand partnerships, mind-boggling social media impressions and the refined culture of the Cadillac House.

Four local independent retailers discussed how they sell goods with a purpose! Each shop owner shared their unique offering of different and expressive merchandise and the community-based in-store experiences that happen regularly reinforcing an authentic lifestyle of doing what matters. I personally thanked the panel for being the “real deal “and perpetuating the joy of discovery that makes you want to shop not search!

A favorite session was the interactive, “If you don't succeed you are on the right path.” Andrew Cooper, SVP of National Accounts participated in the Family Feud portion, guessing correctly, which retailers dived (there are three major dives I learned!) and didn't recover, and which ones innovated and survived. We should talk more about failure; it is the gateway to creation. No risk, no reward!

Of course, all the sessions offered poignant takeaways as did the lunch round table which I moderated. And, New Orleans was certainly vibrant, colorful and fun!

It was great to see everyone and connect, especially at our #dininganddesign ASI dinners!

Andrew and I welcome the opportunity to be your “strategic material partner” and provide you with product solutions that translate your brand into impactful, engaging and compelling environments!

See you next year in Seattle for IRDC 2018, if not before…