Dwell on Design Marks Its 10-year Anniversary with 32,000 Attendees

June 4, 2015

From very humble beginnings, Dwell on Design has now shattered attendance records, with more than 32,000 attendees on hand checking out 326,000 square feet of exhibit space. 

In its 10th year, the show was held at May 29-31 the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“We knew when we started this show that this was not going to be a traditional event,” said Michela O’Connor Abrams, president and CEO of Dwell. “We really wanted to introduce something in the venue space that could bring together builders, architects, designers, and clients. This show is a true conduit between the professions and the client with the goal of building a great space.”

And with this growth, new exhibitors were seen on the show floor, including Airbnb. “Having this prefabricated home on the showfloor helps demonstrate that a home can be functioning and welcoming at the same time,” said Steve Gomez, general manager of Southern California Airbnb. “As a first time exhibitor, we knew this was a clear fit - to show what a house can be, with great ideas from our Airbnb hosts on how they make a guest feel welcome.”

Ideas were sought after by attendees on designs, new innovations and new techniques for construction. Attendee Renee Tiscarero, engineering student at Fresno State University, was on the showfloor to learn about industry trends.

“I wanted to attend this show to see new ideas that will be affecting the industry, so I am more prepared when I graduate,” she added.

Attendee Benjamin Tiscarero, Principal Designer of Tisc Design, agreed. “There is something about coming to Dwell and touching the material and seeing first-hand the processes that you have been hearing about,” he said.

Industry trends on hand included green building, new aesthetics and modularity in design.  Attendee and designer Kristine Gustafson from Savvy Studios said, “It is great to come to the show and see products and ideas we can then take right back to our clients. And the exhibits on the show floor have done a great job showcasing those products.” 

It was apparent many designers and architects were taking advantage of the show, since several booths were designed specifically to show at Dwell, versus other events. 

Bradley Carlson, communications manager for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, said, “This set up was like none I have done before, and the show management made the process incredibly smooth. We set up two full outdoor kitchens in this booth, and that is no small feat. But we knew we had to create an experience for the attendees that demonstrated our products in their homes.”

This type of engagement that brings attendees into the space paid off. “Normal floor time for an attendee ranges from 90 minutes to 4 hours,” Abrams said. “Our attendees are on the showfloor for an average of 8.5 hours over two days, which means the exhibits at Dwell are doing exactly what they should be doing: sharing ideas and starting conversations.”

Dwell also announced on Day 1 of the show the global expansion of Dwell on Design with its sale to Informa Exhibitions U.S.

“We knew we needed to grow and have a partner that understood and could handle the infrastructure and logistics, but allow us to stay true to the Dwell brand.  Informa Exhibitions was a logical choice, as they will bring us the scale and international exposure we are ready to pursue,” Abrams said. “This will be a very exciting time for the show and all those involved.”

The 2nd annual Dwell on Design New York will be in at the Skylight Clarkson Square Oct. 2-4, and Dwell on Design Los Angeles will be back at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 24-26, 2016.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates. Water Stewardship Efforts MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship. In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step. MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas. MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030. From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts. Caring for One Another MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include: Unserved perishable prepared foods from events Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community. Fostering Diversity and Inclusion To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all. MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.