SHIFT 2024 Highlights

Mar 18, 2024 By Jessica Jones

Students, educators, and design professionals come together for a memorable and educational experience

By Jessica Jones Mar 18, 2024

Published in Articles

Making sure students have the opportunity to make valuable connections in the industry before graduation is vital to not only their futures, but to the future of the entire industry. IIDA Texas/Oklahoma’s SHIFT Student Conference is an enriching two-day experience where students meet with educators and industry professionals to learn more about the industry and gain exposure to the industry through education, networking, and programming. SHIFT helps students grow, lead and equips them with the tools they need to improve the next generation of design. It also provides design professionals an opportunity to guide students through their educational and professional careers. Over the years the conference has grown to have students, educators, and professionals attending from all across the country!

This year’s SHIFT was held in person at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Dallas. The conference featured project and firm tours, portfolio reviews and mock interviews conducted by working professionals, an industry expo, and a variety of networking opportunities. We asked students and educators to share with us why SHIFT is an impactful experience for them, and the importance of IIDA as a resource as they prepare to enter the real world.

Design Charette during SHIFT 2024 Student Conference

Photo by Lorenzo A. Jones

Design Charette during SHIFT 2024 Student Conference

Photo by Lorenzo A. Jones

“I value networking so much, IIDA has allowed me that opportunity so many times and it’s opened doors over and over again. Everyone involved is so friendly and so respectful and is always willing to go above and beyond to help. I’ve been an active member since I was a freshman and there’s no such thing as too early to join!”
Kayla Daninger, University of Wisconsin, Stout, Northland Advisory Board, Student IIDA

Educators also benefit from attending SHIFT.

“As a student, you come in with a very narrow vision of what an interior design career looks like, but as you attend sessions, it opens up your mind to what a broad field it really is, and how you can tap into different disciplines that best fit you. The networking opportunity you’re faced with here? Nothing can compare. Everyone is here to help you, SHIFT is beyond what I expected.”
Hina Pasha, Houston Community College, Professor

SHIFT 2024 Firm Tours

Photo by Lorenzo A. Jones

SHIFT 2024 Firm Tours

Photo by Lorenzo A. Jones

SHIFT 2024 Industry Expo Booths

Photo by Lorenzo A. Jones

SHIFT 2024 Industry Expo Booths

Photo by Lorenzo A. Jones

Experience, knowledge, community, and mentorship are just a few things SHIFT brings to design students.

“I wanted to attend SHIFT for the opportunity to learn more and be exposed to different parts of the industry that I might not know about, meet professionals, expand my horizons, and learn more about all design has to offer.”
Hallie Johnson, University of Minnesota, Student IIDA

“SHIFT is important because students get the opportunity to travel—outside of their comfort zones, to new places, and to new design areas. I think it’s important for students to put themselves out there, work on their skills—soft and hard—networking, portfolio building, and teamwork.”
Camryn Andre, Indiana University Bloomington, Student IIDA

“Because I’m a senior, SHIFT is a great opportunity to market myself for full time jobs and to grow my knowledge on vendors and product lines as I enter my career.”
Lexi Narvell, Ball State, Student IIDA