Seven sensational leaders in design confirmed

Back, bigger and better than ever, the International Industry Seminar Series (sponsored by Australian House & Garden magazine) will return over two days to FURNITEX and DECORATION + DESIGN 2012. Offering valuable insights on topics and trends influencing the design industry, the six highly anticipated seminars will be held over the 19th and 20th July 2012 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
 

World renowned lighting designer, Beau McClellan (Portugal), whose contemporary light sculptures and product designs are amongst the world’s most respected will headline the series with his Designing on an Epic Scale seminar. Beau’s seminar will draw on his experience of developing the world’s largest chandelier ‘Reflective Glow’, taking his audience on an interesting journey through its design process. Beau’s lighting seminar will also unearth the latest advances in LED technology and how it is majorly impacting the boundaries of lighting design.

As materials continue to evolve and become more influential on contemporary design, Chris Lefteri (United Kingdom) joins the series with The Importance of New Materials seminar. His seminar will capture how materials have evolved to become such an important part of design, culture and business over the last decade. Author of seven successful books on the subject of materials and interior design, Chris will discuss the importance of considering materials right from the beginning of a project when developing innovative solutions.

Returning to the seminar series this year will be internationally acclaimed trend forecaster, Milou Ket (Netherlands) whose Trend Forecast seminar will offer an inspiring presentation on the emerging design themes for the 2013/14 home. Not to be missed, Milou will share her visions on the future design materials influencing product development as well as the emerging themes for bedding, bath and ceramics.

Joining our international speakers will be award-winning international interior designer, Thomas Hamel (Australia). Self-professed master of the art of cross-cultural design, Thomas' Current Design & Global Cross Pollination seminar will explore how to seamlessly integrate cultures within an interior. Thomas' seminar will address a current challenge for most designers as they are increasingly offered unprecedented access to suppliers from all corners of the globe.  

Also representing Australia will be the Editor of The Interiors Addict, Jen Bishop and well-known designer and writer, Darren Palmer. Jen, one of the 20 bloggers to watch in 2012[1] and Darren,an established member of the design community who recently featured as guest judge on the popular television series, The Block will lead the Harnessing the Power of PR & Social Media to Grow Your Business seminar. As the name suggests, Jen and Darren’s seminar will offer insights into building a successful business profile though publicity and online media.

Lastly, industry favourite and DECORATION + DESIGN's very own trend forecaster Genty Marshall will head up the Design Futures Presents; Colour Visions seminar. Genty's seminar will reveal how designers are embracing science, technology and nature in a renewed fascination with colour and perception. Genty will provide an inspired look at the future of colour and how this will affect the way we live, interact, socialise and work. 

  

FURNITEX and the co-located DECORATION + DESIGN returns from 19 - 22 July 2012 to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre

What:                           INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY SEMINAR SERIES

Where:                  Melbourne Exhibition Centre

When:                          Thursday 19 July

Designing on an epic scale,

9.30 – 10.30am

Beau McClellan, Beau McClellan Design

(Portugal)

Current Design & Global Cross Pollination

11:30 – 12:30pm

Thomas Hamel, Thomas Hamel & Associates

(Australia)

Trend Forecast

2:45 – 3:45pm

Milou Ket, Milou Ket Styling & Design

(Netherlands)

Friday 20 July                    

The Importance of New Materials

9:30 - 10:30am

Chris Lefteri, Chris Lefteri Design Ltd

(United Kingdom)

Harnessing the Power of PR & Social Media to Grow Your Business

11:30 - 12:30pm

Jen Bishop, Interiors Addict Australia and;

Darren Palmer, Darren Palmer Interiors

(Australia)

Design Futures Presents; Colour Visions

2:00 - 3:00pm

Genty Marshall, New Black Global Trends

(Australia)

Tickets:                        The International Industry Seminar Series tickets cost $49.50 (inc GST) and are available at www.furnitex.com.au or www.decorationdesign.com.au. Pre-booking is essential.

Event organiser:         Australian Exhibitions & Conferences

Web:                           www.furnitex.com.au or www.decorationdesign.com.au

Official sponsor:         Australian House & Garden

For media information and images contact:

Simone Larmer
T: 02 9957 1352
E: simone@doubleedge.com.au

Nelia Cruz
T: 02 9957 1352 
E: nelia@doubleedge.com.au