September 30, 2024
Architects and Manufacturers Gather in Arizona for Metropolis Connect
This year marked the debut of Metropolis Connect, hosted alongside INTERIOR DESIGN’s bi-annual re:Source event, bringing an expanded group of creatives, including architects and architectural product manufacturers, into the conversation. Designed to foster valuable connections between brands and top architects, Metropolis Connect will return in conjunction with re:Source in fall 2025.
“The quality of the architect attendees was exceptional,” noted John Bergstrom, director of business development for Accurate Lock & Hardware. “This group truly consisted of key specifiers who were highly engaged in learning about our products.” The sentiment was echoed by attendees from across the industry, all of whom gathered in Arizona for three days packed with opportunities to deepen connections and refine their craft.
The event kicked off with a presentation by ThinkLab’s Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content development, who shared pivotal insights into the factors influencing design decision-making. “Decisions around the built environment are taking longer. We wanted to understand why,” Waayenberg explained. She explored the shift in benchmarks, competing stakeholder priorities, and other data-driven pain points, sparking an interactive discussion. Attendees contributed their own perspectives, sharing solutions for increased transparency in pricing data and strategies to simplify the decision-making process.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged in informative meetings, exchanging ideas, and discovering innovative products, all while enjoying Arizona’s picturesque setting. Activities ranged from desk yoga and a mala bead-making session to an apothecary workshop. As the day wound down, participants were treated to cocktails on the lawn, with a special stargazing session using a powerful telescope as the night sky emerged.
A special thanks to our Metropolis Connect partners: Accurate Lock & Hardware, Aktura, Cambio, Qwel, Turf, and Urban Evolutions, for their support in making this event a success.
The carbon footprint for the event was generously offset by Material Bank.
Would you like to comment on this article? Send your thoughts to: [email protected]
Latest
Viewpoints
ThinkLab Shares Insights on the Dynamics of Sustainability in Decision-Making
ThinkLab helps us understand how the realities of product selection can maximize designers’ influence and impact.
Profiles
Students Imagine New Ways to Deepen Our Connection to Our Environment
Students from University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan and Imagine New Ways to Deepen Our Connection to Our Environment