membership Archives

August 7, 2025

Event Recap

The Screening Room: A Cult Classic Night Out for IIDA NorCal Members

Alamo Drafthouse, San Francisco

On August 6, 2025, IIDA Northern California members traded design boards for popcorn buckets at The Screening Room — a one-night-only movie experience at San Francisco’s iconic Alamo Drafthouse. Hosted by the Membership Committee, this exclusive event was part cinema, part celebration, and entirely about community.

Inside the private theater, the atmosphere was pure joy — laughter, shared snacks, and the buzz of designers enjoying a well-earned night off. Guests settled in for table-side dinner and drinks, Alamo-style, as the campy cult classic Death Becomes Her lit up the screen. With Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis delivering all the drama and glamour, the energy in the room matched the film’s technicolor flair.

Before the feature began, IIDA NorCal President Corinda Wong, along with Membership VP Cat Peterson and Assistant VP Kim Clauss, welcomed attendees and shared a heartfelt thank-you to members for their continued engagement and support. The event, inspired by a simple idea — to gather our community for something casual, creative, and just plain fun — absolutely delivered.

In the weeks leading up to the event, members voted on the movie theme and final selection, creating a sense of anticipation and ownership. The result? A full house of designers laughing, gasping, and quoting iconic lines in unison — proof that great design and great drama share a few things in common: timing, creativity, and style.

“The IIDA Members Only event at Alamo Drafthouse was the perfect mix of design inspiration, community, and fun — a great reminder of the value of our IIDA network,” shared Cat Peterson, reflecting on the night’s success. Her sentiments were echoed by Kim Clauss, who added that “seeing our design community come together at a one-of-a-kind venue to connect and simply enjoy each other’s company was a beautiful reminder of why these gatherings matter so much.”

From the opening scene to the final credits, the mood remained light and lively. Between bites of popcorn and bursts of laughter, attendees reconnected with familiar faces and met new ones. Even after the lights came up, conversations carried on — a testament to the warmth and camaraderie of the IIDA NorCal community.

The Alamo Drafthouse — a restored Mission District gem — proved to be the perfect setting for the evening. Its vintage charm, cinematic ambiance, and attention to detail created an environment that design enthusiasts could truly appreciate. And while attendance was more intimate than expected, that only meant more food, more drinks, and more laughs for everyone.

The Membership Committee is already looking ahead, with plans to make The Screening Room a recurring member event — perhaps even biannual. After all, every great classic deserves a sequel.

Stay tuned for the next IIDA NorCal members-only experience — and if you’re not yet a member, now’s the perfect time to join the cast!

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Celebrating CCB: A Remarkable Industry Steward and Honoree

On March 23, at the Honor Awards for IIDA Northern California, Carolyn Clark Beetle (CCB) was recognized as the Chapter Honoree for 2023. CCB, who has dedicated 12 years of volunteer service to the board, received accolades from her colleagues and peers for her inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community.

During the ceremony, Paul Mabe took the stage to express his admiration for CCB’s innovative and forward-thinking nature. He recounted how, when considering his current role, CCB was one of the first people he reached out to for advice. Her belief in him and recognition of his talent meant a great deal, showcasing her authenticity and generosity. CCB’s kindness extends not only financially but also in her willingness to guide and mentor others, making her an invaluable presence in the community.

Rashanda Udekwu joined Paul in honoring CCB and shared her own experiences of CCB’s remarkable qualities. She emphasized CCB’s genuine interest in others and her ability to build authentic connections. CCB’s reputation for knowing almost everyone in the industry stems from her deep personal connections and her commitment to listening and engaging with others. Rashanda also acknowledged CCB’s insatiable curiosity, evident in her drive to explore new ideas and advocate for equity and inclusivity, even before diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) became prominent in the industry.

CCB’s recognition as the 2023 Chapter Honoree by IIDA Northern California highlights her remarkable contributions and exceptional leadership within the industry. Her dedication to fostering genuine connections, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusivity has left an indelible mark on the community. Stepping down from the board after 12 years of volunteer service signifies a transition for CCB, but her influence and legacy will continue to inspire future industry thought leaders. We congratulate CCB on this well-deserved honor and express our deepest gratitude for her invaluable contributions.

Thank you so much for your powerhouse service, commitment & love!

Carolyn Clark Beedle, Industry IIDA
Director of Audience Engagement | One Workplace

Inspirational people don’t just discuss what is important to them; they act upon it. CCB is not just innovative and forward-thinking but is always thinking about the betterment of everyone.
Paul Mabe, VP of Philanthropy

Listening is not a technique but a way of being; it’s about attention, awareness, and genuinely wanting to hear someone else’s story – to be fully present. (Which is not easy for many of us today). It’s the threat that creates real human connections. CCB’s interest and care for others is how she built the reputation of knowing almost everyone in our industry, not from a surface level but on a bona fide deep personal level.
Rashanda Udekwu, VP of EDI