Each year, IIDA chapter leadership works to ensure that members are receiving relevant programming, networking, and benefits to help advance their interior designers and the A+D industry at the local level. Chapters play an integral part in the membership experience—from providing networking and community-based programming, to offering leadership opportunities and ensuring members make the most out of their IIDA membership.

Three times per year, chapter leaders gather for a Chapter Leadership Council (CLC) to engage in curated professional development where they learn tips and tricks to elevate the member experience within their community. And each fall, HQ hosts regional CLCs across 5 different regions across the country for intimate networking and collaboration among regional members.

Central Region | Kansas City, Missouri

The IIDA Mid-America Chapter hosted the Central Regional CLC in Kansas City, Missouri. Participating Chapters included IIDA Great Plains, Texas/Oklahoma, Gateway, and Northland chapters. IIDA Director of Member Services, Cody Czmyr, and Mid-America Chapter President Laura Burkhalter, IIDA hosted the CLC covering the topics of advocacy and membership. The weekend kicked off with a reception hosted at the Creamery Building Rooftop in Kansas City with a presentation by Courtney Kounkel of Monarch Build, contractor for the Kansas City Current professional women's soccer stadium. Programming commenced on day two at the Center for Architecture & Design where Dawn Taylor, Executive Director of CFAD, gave welcoming remarks and kickstarted the day. Followed by presentations from Marci Merola, IIDA director of advocacy (HQ), and Czmyr, and participated in several roundtable discussions.

Midwest Region | Indianapolis, Indiana

The IIDA Indiana Chapter hosted the Midwest Regional CLC in Indianapolis. Participating chapters included IIDA Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio/Kentucky chapters. IIDA Chapter Relations Manager, Aleida Fuertes, and Sarah Savage, IIDA, Indiana Chapter Past President, hosted the CLC covering the topics of membership and empowering leadership. The weekend kicked off with the Indiana Chapter’s 2023 Design Expo and Professional Development & Student Networking Event at Central State Indianapolis. Following the Expo, chapter leaders gathered for a welcome reception and dinner at LouVino.

On day two, programming began at The HIVE Healthcare Interiors where chapters presented programs and initiatives that support membership engagement and/or recruitment. Later in the day, the conversation opened up to unpack membership, explore challenges, and ask questions. They ended the CLC by unveiling IIDA Indiana Chapter's new BOLD: Building Our Leaders in Design program by Savage, followed by a presentation on The value of belonging led by Fuertes.

(Image Below: IIDA Midwest Regional CLC 2023. Image courtesy of IIDA)

Southern Region | Birmingham, Alabama

The IIDA Alabama Chapter hosted the Southern Regional CLC in Birmingham, AL. Participating chapters included IIDA Carolinas, Delta Regional, Georgia, South Florida, Florida Central, and Tennessee chapters. IIDA Director of Member Services, Cody Czmyr, and Alabama Chapter President Sammi Woronoff, IIDA hosted the CLC covering the topics of communications and member engagement. Chapter leaders started the weekend with a reception and dinner in downtown Birmingham. Programming on day two was kickstarted at Business Interiors (BI) where BI Chief Marketing Officer Mark Griffo, Ind. IIDA, gave welcoming remarks. Programming started with Immediate Past-President of the Alabama Chapter Mary-Claire Brown, Assoc. IIDA, covering the management styles of the Enneagram test. Following, IIDA HQ Social Media Manager, Shallen Hadwiger, led a presentation on communications and social media. VP of Communications, South Florida Chapter Alejandro Estrada Assoc. IIDA, also led a communications presentation on the work being done for the chapter which was followed by breakouts and conversation on membership engagement. And with that, the Southern Regional CLC closed with remarks from Woronoff.

Eastern Region | Morristown, New Jersey

The IIDA Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware (PA/NJ/DE) Chapter hosted the Eastern Regional CLC in Morristown, NJ. Participating chapters included IIDA New York, Mid-Atlantic, and New England chapters. IIDA Chapter Relations Manager, Aleida Fuertes, and PA/NJ/DE President Matthew Negron, IIDA, hosted the CLC covering the topics of volunteerism and membership. The CLC started with a reception at The Laundromat speakeasy and Agricola Eatery. Chapter leaders then gathered on day two, welcomed by Negron and Fuertes at Officeworks. Programming commenced with Fuertes Presentation on the value of belonging. Followed by roundtable discussions, “Why Do You Choose to Volunteer and Lead,” And “How Are You Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders in Your Chapter?” The Eastern Regional CLC with closing remarks from both Negron and Fuertes.

Western Region | Salt Lake City, Utah

The IIDA Intermountain Chapter hosted the Western Regional CLC in Salt Lake City. Participating chapters included IIDA Oregon, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, Hawaii Pacific, Northern California, and Northern Pacific chapters. Intermountain President, Madeleine Helgren, IIDA; IIDA Director of Member Services, Cody Czmyr, and IIDA Chapter Relations Manager, Aleida Fuertes facilitated the Western Regional CLC throughout the weekend covering the topics of membership and student affairs. The CLC kicked off with a town hall hosted at 3Form by their Senior Vice President of Sales, Jennifer Ruckel, Ind. IIDA, International Board of Directors, where Helgren and Czmyr participated in a fireside chat on creating an environment of belonging.

Programming on day two commenced at MHTN Architects with membership presentations from each chapter followed by thoughtful and engaging discussions.Chapter leaders then convened for a tour of Primary Children's Hospital in Lehi, UT, then returning tot MHTN for some additional roundtable conversation closing out the day with networking and dinner. Day three once again saw presentations from each chapter, this time with the VPs of Student Affairs providing an overview of their student engagement efforts. Helgren and the Intermountain Chapter leaders closed out the Western Regional CLC with encouraging remarks.

Connect with your local Chapter leadership and City Centers to learn more about volunteering here