(Above image: Students connect at the 2022 Ohio/Kentucky Chapter's Career Fair in Ohio. Image courtesy of Ohio/Kentucky Chapter)

Creating a reliable network for your career starts with fostering connections—it’s all about who you know. Your network is a powerful tool, as is exposure to the possible paths you can take. For members of IIDA’s Ohio/Kentucky Chapter that have benefitted or seen others benefit from student conferences, have witnessed firsthand how these experiences are transformational.. Students learn what they’re design future can look like and connect with students and design professionals who share similar passions.

Inspired by the stories students shared, Samantha Bonner, Assoc. IIDA, Ohio/Kentucky President Elect, Tyler Hatton, Assoc. IIDA, Ohio/Kentucky VP of Student Relations, and Bethany Williams, IIDA, Ohio/Kentucky VP had a vision of what their own conference would look like and decided to host their first very own student conference for students in the Midwest.

The IIDA Ohio/Kentucky Chapter Student Conference was created with the goal to equip students with the insights, relationships, and inspiration that will propel them forward in their design careers. It’s all about building those long-lasting connections the students can use to set themselves up for a successful future in this industry. Taking place over two days, the conference offers students a unique chance to network with 90 other students from 19 regional universities, and connect directly with local design firms, manufacturers, and dealerships.

What to Expect?

Students will experience expert-led sessions and an exclusive industry expo, gaining practical knowledge and exposure to leaders in the field. Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to engage with IIDA’s visionary Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl Durst, as she shares HQ’s mission and the ways that IIDA supports emerging designers.

This conference will bring students together from Ohio and Kentucky as well as students from neighboring chapters like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Gateway (St. Louis). Bonner, Hatton, and Williams hope this special event will spark ideas, foster connections, and energize the design community across the Midwest.

Launching a conference like this takes passion and dedication. With the support of over 20 dedicated volunteers, the Ohio/Kentucky Chapter was able to make their vision become a reality. The commitment to creating an environment for students to learn, grow and network has truly been a rewarding experience for the chapter.

Learn more about your chapter and how you can impact the design community at large