Image number 32 of the current section of Cosentino’s Second Annual C.Next Designers Summit Inspires Interior Design Community of Cosentino USA

Cosentino’s Second Annual C.Next Designers Summit Inspires Interior Design Community

Top editors, brands, and industry tastemakers came together to connect, learn, and discuss the innovations shaping the future of global design

Cosentino Group, a global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, hosted its second edition C.Next Designers summit, themed “Inspiring Tomorrow Through Design.” The four-day experience took place February 26- March 1 at the Nizuc Resort in Cancun, Mexico, gathering nearly 120 designers and partners from across North America.

Image number 33 of the current section of Cosentino’s Second Annual C.Next Designers Summit Inspires Interior Design Community of Cosentino USA
Eduardo Cosentino, CEO Cosentino Americas & EVP Global Sales | Patty Dominguez, VP A&D, Cosentino

The first edition of this exclusive summit in 2022 made waves in the interior design industry, and this year’s again offered a one-of-a-kind experience, bringing together top and emerging designers along with best-in-class brands and editors from ELLE DECOR, House Beautiful, and VERANDA for an immersive experience. Dozens of insightful sessions occurred - spanning themes such as mindfulness in the built environment, sustainability, and the intersection of design and communities.

This year’s programming highlights included insights from: keynote speaker John Ruhlin, Author and Founder of Giftology, on building uncommon relationships; presenting brand partner Ryan Bloom, Founder and President of Urban Bonfire, who spoke about the past, present and future of outdoor living; and Valentin Tijeras, VP Global Product, R&D + Quality at Cosentino, who shared a look at the evolution of Cosentino’s business and product portfolio. Dynamic panel programming throughout included:

Image number 38 of the current section of Cosentino’s Second Annual C.Next Designers Summit Inspires Interior Design Community of Cosentino USA
John Ruhlin, Author & Founder, Giftology
  • Exploring the mind-home connection and creating intentional spaces with Edward Leaman, Chief Brand Officer, California Closets and Anita Yokota, Author, Interior Designer & Licensed Therapist, moderated by House Beautiful Executive Director Joanna Saltz
  • Learning how the role of open-air living in residential and hospitality arenas is stretching the boundaries of traditional design with Adam Dunn, Vice President of Design, Four Hands, Anna Hoffman, Principal Landscape Architect, Hoffman & Ospina, and Laura Hodges, Owner and Principal, Laura Hodges Studio, moderated by VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley
  • Exploring what it means to always be on a path to doing better with Jan Heck, President & CEO, Miele USA, Eduardo Cosentino, CEO Cosentino Americas & EVP Global Sales, and Claudia Afshar, Founder and Principal, Claudia Afshar Design, moderated by House Beautiful Director of Editorial Special Projects Carisha Swanson
  • A deeper look at the innovative ways the design community is creating a sustainable path for new generations of makers with Erika Kurtz, Chief Operating Officer, New Moon Rugs, Colette van den Thillart, Principle & Founder, CVDT Interior Design, and Laura Kirar, Founder & Creative Director of Laura Kirar Design, moderated by VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley
  • Uncovering the beauty in of new design possibilities by looking at things a little differently with Barry Dixon, President, Barry Dixon Inc. for Arteriors and Elizabeth Graziolo, Founder and Principal, Yellow House Architects, moderated by ELLE DECOR Style Director Parker Larson

Beyond panel discussions, the audience engaged in brand experiential breakout sessions with companies such as: Hestan, which provided a culinary experience while showcasing its cookware and grilling portfolio in partnership with designer Kerrie Kelly; Studio M Lighting, which demonstrated their use of materials through a leather craft; and Benjamin Moore, which together with Caleb Anderson and DeAndre DeVane of Well-Designed led a powerful wellness morning with a local Mayan ceremony. In the evening, C.Next Designers brand partners BauTeam and Perlick helped foster after-hours relationship building through stunning events, including a farewell dinner and cocktail reception with live music and dancing.

Image number 39 of the current section of Cosentino’s Second Annual C.Next Designers Summit Inspires Interior Design Community of Cosentino USA
Ryan Bloom, Co-Founder & President, Urban Bonfire | C.Next Designers Presenting Brand Partner

The C.Next Designers Summit was kicked off by Patty Dominguez, Cosentino’s Vice President of Architect and Design Sales, who said, “This event was designed to bring wellness, balance, and harmony together to further spark creative energy and ideas to bring new trends to the design industry.” Dominguez also spoke to the importance of finding new ways to bring the design community together to create deeper relationships and of working together to drive solutions for problems facing the industry, including designing more sustainably

Further key designers in attendance and featured in session programming included: Caleb Anderson, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, DeAndre DeVane, and Kerrie Kelly. Additional brand partners included: Hearst Design Collection, Kohler, National Kitchen & Bath Association, PITT Cooking, RoseHyll Studio, Takasami and Casa Dragones.