Every design project runs on the same currency: trust. Business of Home and Dallas Market Center are back with the second installment of the Business Accelerator Series, a half-day of programming built for designers who want the client relationship to be as solid as the finished room.
The series returns Tuesday, September 15, during Dallas Design Week at Dallas Market Center. That first installment covered how to land the project, and this one covers what happens next: the work of building a client relationship strong enough to carry a design through to completion.
Across four sessions, designers will hear from business advisors, an attorney, and a panel of working designers on the contracts, boundaries, and communication habits that turn a signed project into a successful one.
Business of Home editor-in-chief Kaitlin Petersen
The Lineup
8–9 a.m. — Business of Home Breakfast
Hosted & sponsored by Market Hill on 6 by Paul Michael | WTC 615
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A come-and-go breakfast ahead of the program, with a chance to meet Business of Home editor-in-chief Kaitlin Petersen and the day's speakers before the sessions begin.
9–10 a.m. — Leading with Authority
WTC 6440
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Business advisor Sean Low sits down with Petersen to talk through how designers establish trust from the first meeting, communicate clearly, and build relationships where clients feel supported without second-guessing the designer's expertise.
10:20–11:10 a.m. — Contracts that Build Better Relationships
WTC 6440
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Attorney Wendy Estela, founder of Estela Law and Designed Counsel, breaks down the contract clauses and communication practices that set the terms for a project before it starts.
11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. — Inside the Client Presentation
WTC 6440
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Five designers walk through their own presentation process, from decks and samples to meeting structure. Petersen moderates a follow-up conversation on how each keeps clients engaged and moving toward a decision.
12:30–1:30 p.m. — Business of Home Lunch
Hosted & sponsored by Blue Ocean Traders | WTC 542 & 554
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A come-and-go lunch in the showroom following the program, with guests welcome to stay or take their plates elsewhere on campus.
1:30–3 p.m. — Meet the Speakers: Coffee & Dessert
Hosted & sponsored by Palecek, Ethan & Associates, MC Studio, and The Gallery
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The conversation continues off the stage. Attendees can visit four participating showrooms, each hosted by a featured speaker, for one-on-one time over coffee and dessert. Petersen will rotate among the showrooms throughout the afternoon.
Join us September 15–17 for Dallas Design Week, and see the complete event lineup at dallasmarketcenter.com.