September 26, 2024
Event Recap
2024 Design Expo
Silicon Valley City Center
The Silicon Valley City Center IIDA Design Expo, held on September 26, 2024, at Urban Blanco in downtown San Jose, was a memorable gathering that brought the design industry’s finest under one roof. This annual event, hosted by the Silicon Valley City Center IIDA Chapter, has grown year after year in both attendance and impact. With approximately 250-300 attendees, this year’s expo was the most well-attended since before 2020, showcasing an impressive range of vendors, products, and a refreshed focus on sustainable design.
Urban Blanco’s unique three-floor layout was the perfect backdrop for the event. Each floor buzzed with excitement as attendees mingled with exhibitors and explored the booths. Every 10×10 booth featured a commercial vendor showcasing cutting-edge products in areas spanning from textiles to lighting to ergonomic furniture. The expo’s setup encouraged movement and engagement, with each floor offering a unique experience—including a bar on every level and a catered food table on the second floor, ensuring that guests were well taken care of as they explored the space.
Attendees expressed how much they valued the ability to see so many new products at once, making this expo a must-attend on their annual calendar. The event’s flow allowed them to move freely, enjoying all three levels and seamlessly transitioning between booths. Vendors and guests enjoyed an open environment that was ideal for networking, making new connections, and staying updated on the latest trends in commercial design. The level of engagement this year was unmatched, with attendees spending time at each booth, connecting with manufacturers, and exploring what’s next in the industry.
One of the most notable aspects of the 2024 Design Expo was its emphasis on sustainability. The committee’s decision to focus on sustainable practices reflected an industry-wide shift toward eco-conscious design, which was highly relevant to both exhibitors and attendees. This year, each vendor completed a sustainability questionnaire, qualifying them for badges indicating their commitment to environmentally friendly practices. These badges were highlighted in an electronic guide available to attendees, serving as a resource for anyone interested in sustainable design and providing a takeaway for future reference. This commitment to sustainability sparked conversations throughout the event, as attendees and vendors alike discussed the role of the design industry in driving eco-friendly practices.
A key highlight of the event was the opportunity to support a meaningful cause. In addition to showcasing new products, the Design Expo raised funds for Project Build, a program dedicated to promoting design education and innovation. The support for this initiative underscored the industry’s commitment not only to design excellence but also to giving back to the community. Attendees were enthusiastic about contributing to a program that inspires and equips the next generation of designers, creating a ripple effect that will be felt well beyond this one event.
For those who have been attending for years, the Silicon Valley City Center IIDA Design Expo is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community. This year was a resounding success, from the number of attendees to the quality of products displayed and the focus on impactful, sustainable practices. With each passing year, the expo continues to be a premier gathering for the design industry, and the 2024 event proved once again why it’s a highlight for so many professionals in the Silicon Valley design community.
