International Design Guild Strengthens Industry St

Milwaukee, WI, August 5--The International Design Guild has launched several major initiatives to strengthen its members’ relationships with customers, designers, contractors, and suppliers. In late June, members of the International Design Guild met for a 3-day convention at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This year, industry suppliers including Nourison, Godfrey Hirst, Prestige, Stanton, Kane, Mohawk, Soho, Bentley Prince Street, and Unique presented a number of exclusive, luxury products in an array of colors and styles that Guild members could choose from. Final decisions on the exclusive products will be made by the membership this fall. Also at convention, the Guild expressed its desire to further cultivate relationships with interior designers. Earlier this month, the Guild introduced its first annual Designer Showcase Awards, where designers have the opportunity to win up to $5,000 by submitting their most well crafted interior designs. Additionally, the Guild now offers designers the opportunity to utilize its smart quarterly publication, Design Matters, to distribute to their key clients. Design Matters informs readers of hot products, upcoming trends, and design tips and is already utilized by the Guild’s own member showrooms. At convention, the Guild revealed the results of the designer interviews it conducted across the country to better understand the changes and needs in the interior design community. The interviews led to the development of a sophisticated designer loyalty program known as the Premier Professional Program, which focuses on creating new partnerships by implementing a reward structure for designers who work with member showrooms. Designers who partner with the Guild through the program receive a great deal of design resources, access to exclusive online communities and cash rewards for the purchases they make. By participating in the Premier Professional Program, designers will also be able to take advantage of inside industry information on the latest color and design trends and obtain new product pricing and updates. In addition, program affiliates will have access to exclusive product promotions and business programs. Interior designers aren’t the only key clients tapping into the program’s benefits; contractors and showroom employees are also reaping its rewards. For members, this program stands to be one of the key revenue drivers for the 2005-2006 fiscal year and will only strengthen the partnerships that already exist within the design community. Krista Eliason, vice president of the International Design Guild explains, "The Guild knows partnering with key clients and industry movers, in both the business to business and retail sectors, is essential to staying ahead of the market. We’ve always been forward in our business designs and strategic alliances. I don’t believe that will ever change." Other key topics discussed were a major branding initiative for the Guild’s Dabbieri luxury product line, a wide range of direct mail and marketing programs, and new research on the Guild’s exclusive stain removal program Carpet Care Concierge. All in all, the Guild was pleased with member and supplier turnout and has received large amounts of positive feedback, making the 2005 convention one of its best to date. The International Design Guild, a division of CCA Global Partners, was formed in 1992 and is primarily focused on the luxury segment of the floor covering industry. With 100 showrooms throughout the United States and Canada, membership to the Guild is gained by invitation only. Each Guild Showroom specializes in serving the needs of interior designers and discriminating consumers who appreciate the importance of beautiful home décor.