Spring 2010

Student Energy Welcomed at IMS

By LuAnne Zilka, IIDA Student Expo Committee

There was an abundance of student energy at International Market Square on February 5, 2010.  Some 400 interior design students from 22 schools in 7 states spent an action packed day listening to speakers, exploring the IMS showrooms with designers, having breakfast in showrooms, lunching with designers and industry professionals, participating in the career and vendor fair, and winning some cool door prizes.

That’s what the Student Interior Design Expo is all about.  The event is organized and sponsored by the Minnesota chapters of ASID, IFDA, IIDA, and International Market Square.  All of the speakers, showroom and design tours, lunch volunteers, committee members, vendor and career representatives, and membership table representatives volunteered their time and talents for this student event.

The events of the day included keynote speaker, Letitia Little, President of Letitia Little Interior Design, who enthusiastically spoke to the students about the importance of “Back to the Basics”.  She emphasized looking professional at your interview and on the job.  Letitia also spoke about the importance if remembering the core elements and principles of design in your work.

The students participated in break out sessions which included topic discussions relating to residential and commercial design and  job search preparations.

Students also had the opportunity to visit with 37 career, vendor and membership booths and participated in designer led tours to many of the showrooms at IMS. 

A special Thank-You to the many sponsors, showrooms, vendors, donors and design professionals who made this event possible.  This event couldn’t have been a success without your support.