Why I’m Heading to GATHER 2025 with ASID—And Why You Should Too

This summer has been absolutely non-stop, and I’m loving every minute of it.
I’ve been coast to coast and even made it across the pond to London for the Business of Interiors Summit. But I’ve saved a very special trip for August: I’m heading to Atlanta, Georgia for GATHER 2025, ASID’s national conference, and I’d love for you to join me.
If you’ve been in the interior design world for a while, you probably know ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). But if you’ve never really engaged with them, let me tell you: ASID is more than just a membership organization. It’s a community. A resource. A platform. A voice for our industry.
I’ve been fortunate to work with ASID on both local and national levels, and every time, it’s a first-class experience. They get it. They know what we need as designers, business owners, creatives, and leaders—and they deliver. From policy and advocacy to education and networking, ASID is here to elevate the design profession and support every step of your journey.
This year is particularly exciting because ASID is celebrating 50 years of advancing design. That’s 50 years of advocacy, education, leadership, and innovation, and GATHER is the official party. But don’t worry, it’s not just speeches and CEUs (though there are plenty of those too!). We’re talking morning yoga, evening cocktails and dancing, and everything in between—from business-building insights to creative inspiration. Who can beat that?
Over 50 Speakers, Two Keynotes, and Incredible Value
GATHER brings together over 50 expert speakers across all disciplines of design. Whether you’re in residential or commercial, just launching your firm or scaling up, there’s a seat at the table for you. You’ll get hands-on workshops, product showcases, business strategy sessions, and the chance to learn from some of the sharpest minds in the industry.
One session I’m especially excited about? Designers as Problem-Solvers: Sustainable Solutions for Environmental & Social Challenges with Mona Nahm, who has been my guest on the podcast. She’s also someone who’s grown with this community, attending my very first LuAnn Live as a student to now taking the stage at GATHER. It’s incredible to see that journey.
I’ll Be Speaking Too—Come Say Hi!
I’m honored to be leading two sessions at GATHER 2025, and I’d love to see you there.
The Trade Talk: Smart Strategies for Working with GCs & All Your Trade Partners, taking place on August 18 from 4 :45PM to 5 :15PM, is a fast-paced session where we’ll dive into how to lead, manage, and truly collaborate with your trade team.
I’ll walk you through three proven principles that help foster clear communication, mutual respect, and streamlined execution so your projects stay on time, on budget, and drama-free. Whether you’re managing a full remodel or a one-day install, you’ll leave feeling empowered to step fully into your role as CEO of your business.
Then, on August 19 from 1 :30PM to 3 :00PM, I’m leading Profit Isn’t an Accident: Build a Business That Creates Wealth. This session is about moving beyond the busy. We’ll dig into the systems, numbers, and leadership strategies that support real, sustainable growth.
If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing profitability without gaining true freedom, this is your chance to reframe your goals and start building a business that works for you—not the other way around.
Both sessions are IDCEC CEU-approved, so you’ll earn while you learn.
Why You Should Be There
This is more than a conference. It’s the only national event that brings together residential and commercial designers, students, educators, and industry partners from all corners of the profession. Whether you’re brand new or decades in, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, new relationships, and tools to push your business forward.
It’s also a chance to reflect and celebrate. Fifty years of ASID means we’re honoring the trailblazers who paved the way, while also stepping boldly into what’s next—AI in design, sustainable innovation, leadership development, and more.
If you’ve been waiting for the “right” moment to plug into this community, this is it. I’ll be there (with my green on, of course), ready to connect, learn, celebrate, and GATHER with the best of the best.