The New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)’s annual trade show, now titled designXPO, broke recent records for attendance (almost 240) and exhibitors (79), which encompassed the breadth of the design trade. Held on Sept. 30 at historic Bell Works, the XPO featured a CEU titled “To Scale or Not to Scale” – a two-part panel discussion weighing the pros and cons of scaling a business rather than keeping it small.
The CEU was developed by the event co-chair Julie China, ASID, and was moderated by LuAnn Nigara of A Well-Designed Business. Panelists included Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, CID; Jenny Madden; Miriam Silver Verga, ASID Associate; and Hillary Kaplan. Paul Sarrubbo of Janus et Cie and Cynthia Peralta-Brito, ASID, CID, also served as event co-chairs.
A key part of the design expo was the “passing of the gavel” of the ASID NJ Board where Marilyn LaVergne, ASID associate and president from 2024 to 2025, officially transferred responsibilities to incoming ASID NJ president Susan Farcy, ASID Associate and the outgoing Board of Directors welcomed the new. In a special presentation, Kimberly Slater, ASID Allied, WELL AP and the commercial consultant for Fessenden Hall Inc, the area Wilsonart distributor, spoke about Design Connection by ASID, a professional social platform that provides an inclusive, engaging and safe space exclusively for ASID Members. Slater serves as chair of the National Committee.
“The ASID NJ designXPO was an exceptional opportunity to experience the latest in today’s products and be inspired,” said Farcy. “The CEU offered valuable insights into running a business and, of course, the day was ideal for networking.”
The Platinum XPO Sponsor was Capitol Lighting. Silver Sponsors included Atlas Marble & Granite, California Closets, Custom Closets and More and Metropolitan Window Fashions. Duravit and Graff were Bronze Sponsors.
The setting, the ballroom at Bell Works, formerly Bell Labs, by acclaimed architect Eero Saarinen added to the appeal with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a small lake and verdant landscape.
“Months of thought and planning culminated in this very successful designXPO,” said LaVergne. “I commend the volunteers who devoted their time and efforts to make this happen and our terrific sponsors as well.”
