IDC + Architecture Canada|RAIC = big news for both the design and architectural communities in this country. Joining forces for the first time, the IDC (Interior Designers of Canada) and Architecture Canada|RAIC are now co-presenters of IIDEX/NeoCon Canada, Canada’s National Design + Architecture Exposition & Conference. This historic collaboration promises to foster knowledge sharing, innovation and growth within the Canadian design and architectural landscape.
IIDEX/NeoCon Canada is the country’s most comprehensive expo and conference for the design, construction and management of the built environment; for the past 27 years, it has offered trade professions – working in all areas of design, including office, hospitality, healthcare, retail, residential and institutional -– the latest products, education and networking opportunities. As the RAIC joins IDC as co-presenter of IIDEX/NeoCon Canada, the show’s multidisciplinary focus will expand to include a significant new section, the Architecture Canada Expo. This expo will focus on interior architectural and technology products, offering architects and interior designers a broader array of products with an enhanced educational and networking program to match.
“This collaboration is a historic move for both organizations, but it also represents a natural evolution in the relationship between the architecture and interior design professions whose practitioners collaborate on a daily basis,” says IDC president Donna Assaly. “IDC is thrilled to be building a closer relationship with the RAIC and fostering a positive environment for the future of our professions.”
“This move builds on the positive working relationship that the RAIC and IDC have developed over the years as two national advocacy bodies with similar missions and mandates,” says David Craddock, president of the RAIC. “IIDEX/NeoCon Canada offers a perfect arena for the sharing of ideas between the architecture and interior design professions as well as the development of a closer relationship between their respective associations. Best of all, it will provide the RAIC with a platform to engage members and suppliers while delivering services such as continuing education, awards programs and networking events within the framework of a national exposition.”
IDC and the RAIC’s co-presentation of IIDEX/NeoCon Canada will coincide with the launch of the Architecture Canada Expo at this year’s exposition, and build on the sector-based diversification strategy launched by IIDEX last year with Hospitality Canada.
“The new focus of the show aims not only to encourage a closer relationship between the interior design and architecture communities, but also to multiply opportunities for suppliers to reach both professions in an effective and strategic manner,” says Tracy Bowie, VP of IIDEX/NeoCon Canada. “This is really a win-win for the show,
attendees and suppliers.”
Architecture Canada will continue to hold its annual Festival of Architecture; this year’s Festival runs from June 12 to 16 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with the Newfoundland & Labrador Association of Architects. Dates for IIDEX/NeoCon Canada, held at Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, are Sept. 20 and 21.