More than 300 attendees, including leading and emerging design talent and 30 leading brands, came together in Cancun for four days of immersive programming and partnership.

Cosentino, a global leader in the production of sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, celebrated its fifth annual C.Next Designers Summit back where it all began at the Nizuc Resort & Spa from January 26–29, 2026. This milestone event brought together more than 300 influential designers, brand partners, and media outlets from across North America to engage the senses through thought-provoking panels, immersive experiences, and unforgettable celebrations.

“Cancun provides an incredible backdrop for creativity, but it’s the people and partnerships that truly bring C.Next Designers to life,” said Patty Dominguez, Vice President of Business Development, Cosentino North America. “In this monumental fifth year, returning to Nizuc allowed us to celebrate how far the industry has come while continuing to foster meaningful, lasting connections.”

At this one-of-a-kind event, Carisha Swanson, Director of Editorial Special Projects at House Beautiful, served as Master of Ceremonies, bringing together industry leaders — including both established and emerging designers and brands — across four days of engaging programming and more than a dozen sessions. In addition, Cosentino strengthened relationships with media partners, collaborating with Hearst, Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Luxe Interiors + Design, Business of Home, and Modern Luxury.

These best-in-class media partners also hosted five dynamic panels featuring sponsor brands — Four Hands, Fabuwood, JennAir, Sunbrella, and Hestan — exploring a range of topics across the design industry, including:

• “The Long Game: Building Legacy with Authenticity” with Matthew Briggs, President & CEO, Four Hands; Adam Dunn, SVP of Design, Four Hands; and Amber Lewis, Principal Designer, Amber Interior Design, moderated by Carisha Swanson, Director of Editorial Special Projects, House Beautiful. 
• “Why That Hue Feels Right: The Psychology of Colour in Design” with Alexa Hampton, President & Owner, Mark Hampton LLC; Karen Haller, Colour and Design Psychology expert and author of The Little Book of Colour, moderated by Steele Marcoux, Editor in Chief, Veranda. 
• “Comfort Is the New Luxury” with Colin King, Founder, Colin King Studio; Corey Damen Jenkins, Principal and CEO, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, moderated by Sam Cochran, Global Features Director, Architectural Digest. 
• “In Good Company: The Power of Partnership” with Mikel Welch, Founder, Mikel Welch Designs and TV host; Jason Weingarten, CEO and Co-Owner, The Alinea Group, moderated by Kaitlin Petersen, Editor in Chief, Business of Home. 
• “The Wellness Effect: Crafting Homes That Enhance Mind, Body, and Spirit” with Dr. Ben Hoffman, Corporate Medical Director, Whirlpool Corporation; Ray Booth, Partner, McALPINE; and Stephanie Larsen, Founder and Creative Director, Stephanie Larsen Interior Design, moderated by Jill Cohen, Editor in Chief, LUXE Interiors + Design. 
• The summit also featured A Conversation with Cindy Allen, Editor in Chief of Interior Design, and Héctor Esrawe, Founder of Esrawe Studio, presented by Cosentino.

For the first time, Cosentino partnered with brands including Architectural Grille, Feeney, James Martin Vanities, Kohler, Lutron, and Urban Bonfire to create immersive, uniquely branded villa experiences. At the heart of the celebration, presenting sponsor NKBA | KBIS hosted a vibrant fiesta, bringing the spirit of design to life in Cancun. Another first for the summit was a pickleball session presented by New Moon Rugs.

Key designers in attendance included Richard Anuszkiewicz, Kerrie Kelly, Claudia Afshar, Kelly Collier-Clark, Michel Smith Boyd, Thom Filicia, and Arianne Bellizaire. The summit featured more than 25 brand partners, including Azzurro Living, Bauteam, Benjamin Moore, Danver, FreePower, Invisacook, Material Bank x DesignShop, Miele, Monogram, Perlick, PITT Cooking, Studio M, Supply Showroom, Planika, The Galley, and CEU Events.

A strong Canadian presence

This year’s Summit was also marked by a meaningful Canadian presence. Designers and industry professionals from across Canada joined the experience, contributing their perspectives, creativity, and voices to the conversations that shaped the week. Their participation reflects the strength and diversity of Canada’s design community and its growing role within the North American industry.

Canadian attendees included : Amar Powar, Benoit Gerard, Charlene Threatful, Eugene Ishchak, Gillian Gillies, Jack Creasy, Jennifer Worts, Kindree Chescoe, Kirk Van Ludwig, Laura Lofaro, LeAnne Bunnell, Magali Tocco, Maria De Cotiis, Melissa Hepperle, Nina Bazian, Nyla Free, Paule Bourbonnais, Ruri Koizumi, Stephanie Charest & Thy Nguyen