From very humble beginnings, Dwell on Design has now shattered attendance records, with more than 32,000 attendees on hand checking out 326,000 square feet of exhibit space. 

In its 10^th year, the show was held at May 29-31 the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“We knew when we started this show that this was not going to be a traditional event,” said Michela O’Connor Abrams, president and CEO of Dwell. “We really wanted to introduce something in the venue space that could bring together builders, architects, designers, and clients. This show is a true conduit between the professions and the client with the goal of building a great space.”

And with this growth, new exhibitors were seen on the show floor, including Airbnb. “Having this prefabricated home on the showfloor helps demonstrate that a home can be functioning and welcoming at the same time,” said Steve Gomez, general manager of Southern California Airbnb. “As a first time exhibitor, we knew this was a clear fit - to show what a house can be, with great ideas from our Airbnb hosts on how they make a guest feel welcome.”

Ideas were sought after by attendees on designs, new innovations and new techniques for construction. Attendee Renee Tiscarero, engineering student at Fresno State University, was on the showfloor to learn about industry trends.

“I wanted to attend this show to see new ideas that will be affecting the industry, so I am more prepared when I graduate,” she added.

Attendee Benjamin Tiscarero, Principal Designer of Tisc Design, agreed. “There is something about coming to Dwell and touching the material and seeing first-hand the processes that you have been hearing about,” he said.

Industry trends on hand included green building, new aesthetics and modularity in design.  Attendee and designer Kristine Gustafson from Savvy Studios said, “It is great to come to the show and see products and ideas we can then take right back to our clients. And the exhibits on the show floor have done a great job showcasing those products.” 

It was apparent many designers and architects were taking advantage of the show, since several booths were designed specifically to show at Dwell, versus other events. 

Bradley Carlson, communications manager for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, said, “This set up was like none I have done before, and the show management made the process incredibly smooth. We set up two full outdoor kitchens in this booth, and that is no small feat. But we knew we had to create an experience for the attendees that demonstrated our products in their homes.”

This type of engagement that brings attendees into the space paid off. “Normal floor time for an attendee ranges from 90 minutes to 4 hours,” Abrams said. “Our attendees are on the showfloor for an average of 8.5 hours over two days, which means the exhibits at Dwell are doing exactly what they should be doing: sharing ideas and starting conversations.”

Dwell also announced on Day 1 of the show the global expansion of Dwell on Design with its sale to Informa Exhibitions U.S.

“We knew we needed to grow and have a partner that understood and could handle the infrastructure and logistics, but allow us to stay true to the Dwell brand.  Informa Exhibitions was a logical choice, as they will bring us the scale and international exposure we are ready to pursue,” Abrams said. “This will be a very exciting time for the show and all those involved.”

The 2nd annual Dwell on Design New York will be in at the Skylight Clarkson Square Oct. 2-4, and Dwell on Design Los Angeles will be back at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 24-26, 2016.