Designing beautiful spaces is only part of the equation when it comes to running a successful design firm. This fall, ADAC is putting the business side of the industry front and center with Get Down to Business: The Business of Design—Building Stronger, More Profitable Firms, taking place Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read the full press release here.
Now in its annual lineup of signature programming, this year’s event is going deeper—and getting more practical—with a full day focused on the real-world challenges and opportunities facing today’s design businesses. From profitability and operations to visibility, leadership, scaling and diversification, the program is designed to give design professionals actionable strategies they can take back to their firms.
With attendance capped at just 75 participants, the 2026 experience will take a more intimate, hands-on approach. In addition to expert-led presentations, attendees will have opportunities for interactive roundtables, facilitated discussions, small-group conversations and one-on-one access to speakers.
The day kicks off with “The Business of Being Seen: Positioning Your Firm for the Market Ahead,” led by brand strategist Ericka Saurit of Saurit Creative. The session will explore how firms can sharpen their positioning, communicate their value and stay relevant in an increasingly crowded and AI-driven marketplace.
Next, Gail Doby and Erin Weir of Pearl Collective will break down “The Business Framework,” sharing the operational, financial and leadership systems that can help design firms move from simply staying busy to building sustainable, profitable businesses.
After lunch, attendees will get an inside look at growth in action during “Case Study in Growth: From Established to Exponential.” Margaret Donaldson of MDI Luxury Design will join Doby and Weir for a candid conversation about the strategic and operational changes that helped double her firm’s growth after more than three decades in business.
The afternoon continues with “Scaling a Design Business: Growth, Diversification, and Building a Multi-Faceted Brand,” featuring Dwayne Bergmann, followed by Sherwin-Williams’ Colormix® Forecast 2027 with Kamilah Morgan. The CEU presentation will explore the cultural, technological and environmental forces influencing color, materials and finishes for 2027, offering a forward-looking look at where design is headed next.
The day will wrap with a networking reception in the ADAC Designer Lounge, giving attendees an opportunity to continue conversations with speakers and fellow design professionals.
Get Down to Business takes place at ADAC, 351 Peachtree Hills Avenue NE, Atlanta, on Oct. 28. Early bird tickets are $125 through Sept. 30, with standard admission at $150 beginning Oct. 1.
For design professionals looking to strengthen their firms, navigate what’s next and connect with peers facing many of the same business realities, this is one day that goes beyond the business of design—it gets down to it.
Purchase tickets here.
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