About METROCON
SUMMARY
METROCON is a ground-breaking collaboration: a regional expo and conference organized through an innovative volunteer alliance between the Texas / Oklahoma Chapter of IIDA [International Interior Design Association], the Dallas / Fort Worth Chapter of IFMA [International Facility Management Association], and the Texas Chapter of ASID [American Society of Interior Designers]. In a concentrated effort to strengthen the design and facility management communities, the three organizations have joined forces and pooled resources to offer the best in exhibitors, continuing education, and speakers.
This premier two-day event focuses on introducing the latest in products and innovative ideas to the Southwest region’s community of interior designers, facility managers, architects, design students and other industry members. Any income from the event goes back to the chapters to fund special educational and recognition programs, as well as scholarships and charities earmarked by the individual organizations.
METROCON07 took place at Dallas Market Hall on Thursday, August 16 and Friday, August 17, 2007. With over 3,500 participants, the event exceeded attendance expectations and firmly established itself as the largest regional design-related expo and conference in the USA. A diverse array of 233 vendors filled just at 403 booths, introducing the region’s booming design community to the latest and greatest in cutting-edge products and services. Exhibitors catered to the corporate, residential, hospitality, healthcare, institutional, and education design fields. Along with the outstanding tradeshow, METROCON offered attendees 39 continuing education classes. Rounding out the classes was a keynote address by James Weiner, AIA of Collaborative Project Consulting titled "Finding the Source." To access photos from the show, as well the list of 2007 exhibitors and the winners of the Pegasus Exhibitor Awards, visit the Press page.
METROCON08 promises sustained exponential growth in vendor participation and continuing education, as well as an overall improved attendee experience. All conference information – as well as exhibitor, tradeshow, continuing education, and special event registration – is available through this official website.
QUICK FACTS & HISTORY
- 2008 marks the sixth annual two-day expo and conference.
- METROCON03, the event’s inaugural year, debuted with just over 500 attendees and 140 tradeshow participants.
- METROCON04 saw just over 1,120 in total attendance; registered exhibitor members made up 427 of the headcount, and 339 visitors attended at least one continuing education class or keynote.
- METROCON05 attendance was double that of 2004’s event.
- ASID Texas Chapter joined IIDA Texas / Oklahoma Chapter and IFMA Dallas / Fort Worth Chapter for the first time for METROCON05.
- METROCON05 keynote speakers included: Ray Anderson (Chairman of the Board of Interface, Inc. and recognized environmentally progressive industrialist), engaging attendees in a conversation regarding industry sustainability and responsibility; David Oakey (David Oakey Designs), challenging the audience on the topic of “Respecting The Future”; Lloyd Princeton (Design Management Company), encouraging attendees on the subject of “Deciding What You Are Worth And Charging It”; and Dr. Deborah Bright (Bright Enterprises, Inc.), teaching industry members the art of "Prospering On The Edge."
- METROCON06 keynote event was sponsored by METROPOLIS magazine and moderated by their Editor in Chief, Susan S. Szenasy. The discussion topic was “Green Advocacy Vs. Green Literacy,” and panel members were Christopher Hodges, P.E., CFM, IFMA Fellow, LEED™ AP (Facility Engineering Associates); Annette Stelmack, ASID (Associates III Interior Design); James Weiner, AIA (Collaborative Project Consulting); and Kendall P. Wilson, AIA, IIDA, LEED™ AP (Envision).
- METROCON is organized and implemented by a committee. The METROCON Committee is led by an Executive Committee, which is made up of three Co-Chairs, one representing each of the sponsoring organizations. The Presiding Chair is one of these Co-Chairs, and the position rotates between the three organizations each year so that every third year each association will have a Presiding Co-Chair for METROCON.
- Each of the sponsor organizations also has three active, voting representatives on the METROCON Committee. These nine additional members each chair a specific sub-committee. METROCON Committee is rounded out by the Past Presiding Chair and Structure Chair, both of which are non-voting positions. Click here to see this year’s committee.
