What to Expect

IDEC’s Biggest Event of the Year!

IDEC’s annual conference always brings us together to discuss research and creative work, share how we teach and learn, and celebrate with the community that defines our organization. In 2026, the conference will also feature a series of consequential conversations on increasingly important topics. 

Beyond the vibrant presentations and posters, the conference will feature workshops, round tables, and other engagements focused on the future of

• CIDA’s accreditation process

• Sustainability

• Social impact

• Generative AI

• Data-driven practice

• Creative scholarship, and

• The state of higher education

In addition, career mentoring and leadership development will occur in formal and informal conversations. We invite graduate students, full-time and part-time faculty, administrators, practitioners, and any interior design industry professional to join us. We will be preparing ourselves to Make Good Design Decisions and create a better world.

ALIS DESIGN+ is a premier two-day conference and trade fair focused on hotel architecture, construction, and design. It serves as a brand extension of the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) and is produced by Northstar Travel Group in association with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). 

Event Overview: 2026

The 3rd annual ALIS DESIGN+ is currently taking place or about to commence: 

• Dates: Wednesday–Thursday, January 28–29, 2026.

• Location: JW Marriott/Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.

• Scale: The 2026 event features over 20 conference sessions, more than 110 industry speakers, and approximately 120 exhibitors. 

Core Objectives

The event is designed to bridge the gap between hotel investment and the physical development of hospitality properties. Key areas of focus include: 

• Networking: Connecting hotel owners, investors, and developers with architects, designers, and manufacturers.

• Innovation: Showcasing groundbreaking products and architectural materials through an exclusive trade fair component.

• Business Growth: Exploring strategies to transform design from a cost center into a profit driver for hotel assets.

• Industry Trends: Discussing emerging trends in renovations, repositioning, and the future of hospitality design. 

Registration and further details can be found on the official ALIS DESIGN+ website. 

DesignTO is a charitable arts organization that believes design can create a sustainable, just, and joyful world. DesignTO organizes the annual DesignTO Festival, January 23—February 1, 2026. It is Canada’s largest celebration of design, forming Toronto’s design week.

The Interior Design Show celebrates and promotes the best in global and Canadian design, from emerging designers to legacy brands. IDS is not just a fair – it’s a total design experience.

Celebrate the design industry with beautiful exhibitions, a full seminar and keynote program, networking opportunities and Canada's largest design party of the year.