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AUSTIN, Texas, Mar. 25, 2008/Designing For Profits,
Inc./ -- DPI, producers of The Business of Design
Conference, announce today that it will present a major
national Web award at its 5th Annual Conference
September 3-5, 2008 at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort. Based
on criteria set by, and judged by, a panel of industry
experts, a "Top 10" list will be announced both for
interior design firms, and for industry partners such as
manufacturers, dealers, and showrooms. A crystal globe
award will be presented to the winner in each category
during a special opening ceremonies event on Wednesday
evening, September 3, 2008. This opening session and
award ceremony will be hosted by Conference co-sponsor,
World Market Center at their spectacular new "Building
C."The Business
of Design Conference is focused on the financial success
of interior designers. Thus, along with standard
criteria such as attractiveness and user friendliness,
judges in the Web Excellence competition will also be
looking at how a Web site (whether a designer's or
industry partner's) helps to facilitate the design
process so that there is a demonstrated increase in
sales, or a corresponding decrease in time or money
invested in a given job. Relevant features are expected
to extend beyond mere "electronic brochures," and
include back-office functions such as client log-ins,
project management links, partner sharing, and
direct-to-source ordering and proposal generation.
"Given the rapid
changes the industry has undergone over the past five
years, Web sites are all over the board today," said DPI
president, David Shepherd. "But having said that, we are
definitely starting to see a trend toward certain "must
have" features. This awards contest will enable us to
compare and contrast those at the leading edge, and
provide our attendees with a road map for their own
futures."
Shepherd also announced
that Lance Haeberle, founder and president of the
popular Studio I.T. suite of software for the design
industry, has been added to the panel of judges. "We
feel like we're on the leading edge of reaching that day
when designers and suppliers are truly integrated, and
I'm anxious to see how far others have come along that
inevitable path," said Haeberle. "At this early stage,
we can only benefit from sharing ideas with each other."
To enter the Web
Excellence Awards contest, either as a designer or
industry partner, simply visit www.designingprofits.com
and click on the relevant link from the home page.
Winners need not be present to win, but as these
conferences sell out months in advance, those who are
interested in attending should pre-register immediately.
Registration opens for the general public on April 21,
2008 (if seats are still available after
pre-registration) and is expected to close on June 1,
2008. Pre-register at www.desingingprofits.com.
About the Business of Design Conference
The Business of Design Conference, held annually in Las
Vegas, is the nation's fastest-growing conference for
interior designers and the only one dedicated to their
financial success. Begun by Designing Profits, Inc.
(DPI) in 2004, the Conference offers the unique format
of limited attendance and numerous breakout groups so
that, in addition to industry experts, designers
themselves are expected to share their "best practices"
in a professional and non-competitive environment.
Beginning in 2008, the Conference will also serve as the
host for the annual Web Excellence Awards presented to
design firms and industry partners who have Web sites
leading to strategic and financial advantage, and the
annual "What Designers Earn" national survey. DPI also
manages the Best Practices Network (BPN) a group of some
100 non-competing interior designers who come together
regularly to share best practices via workshops and
online forums.
Source:
Designing For Profits, Inc., 4700 W Guadalupe Ste A-308,
Austin TX 78757
CONTACT:
David Sheppard, President T: 512-314-9200 E:
david@designingprofits.com
Website:
info@designingprofits.com
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