Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/25/19

Read this Q&A with ADAC’s General Manager, Katie Miner, to Find out How to
Unlock Potential and Break Boundaries at This Year’s Fall Design Event

ATLANTA: ADAC is thrilled to invite the design community and enthusiasts from the Southeast and beyond to DISCOVER ADAC this September 24-26 for nearly 30 events featuring keynote presentations, salon-style talks, product launches, book signings, cocktail sip and strolls, and pop-up shops. Once a year, this fall design event connects a national audience of design authorities, allied professionals, and members of the media to explore new perspectives and the future of the creative world.

In the following Q&A, ADAC’s General Manager, Katie Miner, shares inspiration behind the 2019 theme, which of the industry’s biggest names will be in attendance, and more about what to expect at this year’s design celebration.

What was the inspiration behind the theme of this year’s market?
This year’s DISCOVER ADAC is built around the idea of unlocking your potential: to break through boundaries, explore new sources of inspiration, reveal unseen possibilities, and create a vision and style that is authentic to you. We want to create a space where designers and design enthusiasts of all levels can mingle with the industry’s biggest and brightest names while discovering new perspectives on design.

Who can we expect to see in this year’s lineup?
We are bringing together some of the industry’s most beloved names! Attendees can look forward to hearing from design tastemaker Timothy Corrigan, who has design firms in Los Angeles and Paris; Los Angeles-based designer and self-proclaimed style icon Madeline Stuart; Michigan-based designer Jean Stoffer; New York-based design duo Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller; James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Hastings from North Carolina; Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer of WRJ Design in Wyoming; and many more.

What kind of topics will be covered during the panels and discussions?
Our team is thrilled with the lineup that has been curated for DISCOVER ADAC. Events will span a variety of themes including several female-led panel discussions, inspiration for creating an inviting home, international influence, and one of the best representations of the Southeast’s talent we have had at market.

Hear from female entrepreneurs in design at “Female, Fierce, and Fabulous Design” with Fawn Galli, Laura Kirar, Janie Molster, and moderator Katy Olson about lessons learned and their best advice for building a successful business. As MILIEU recognizes its first annual list of Seekers this fall, “The Seekers of New Design—Near and Far” brings together Lisa Fine, Carolina Irving, Penny Morrison and moderator Leslie Newsom Rascoe to discuss their passions, their secrets, and their visions for what they design and make. Take in the essential elements of Southern hospitality at “Hospitality at Home: The Inviting House” with Susan Sully, Susan Bozeman, Norman Askins, and moderator Kaitlin Petersen. Then find inspiration from across the pond at “Modern English” with Beata Heuman, Aldous Bertram, Stewart Manger, and moderator Ellen McGauley.
Aside from keynotes and panel discussions, what other fun events will attendees be able to enjoy?
DISCOVER ADAC is a fantastic time to explore the Center and see what all of our showrooms have to offer. Multiple showrooms at ADAC and ADAC West will welcome guests with beautiful tablescapes designed to inspire ideas for stylish entertaining. In the past, themes have ranged from lavish spreads to quiet tables for two, and even recreations of a favorite movie set, making this a crowd favorite.

Then, in celebration of ADAC and AmericasMart’s fall market collaboration, interior designer Steve McKenzie of McKenzie Design LLC will curate luxuriously livable vignettes at both venues. Steve will utilize trending products from a variety of showrooms at both locations to highlight how both venues are a one-stop shopping destination. A free shuttle will be provided on September 24-25 for easy transportation between both venues on days with concurrent programming.

The fun is then carried into the evening on Tuesday, September 24, with ADAC West Sip and Stroll, where you can connect with the people and products that make up one of the Southeast’s most unique design resources. Celebrate the finale of the first day of DISCOVER ADAC as you sip delicious cocktails and stroll with friends and colleagues, new and old. On Wednesday, September 25, ADAC’s fourth floor showrooms are throwing open their doors for ADAC: After Hours for a fun-filled floor party featuring music in the hallways and signature beverages and bites at every stop along the way. It’s the ideal way to visit your favorite showrooms or familiarize yourself with new resources in a relaxed setting where you can’t help but have fun. There will be fabulous giveaways too, so get ready to meet, to mingle, and to be inspired.

Are there any other unique aspects you would like to highlight?
This market is the perfect time to do some shopping at pop-up shops throughout the Center. On Tuesday, September 24, head to Schumacher to peruse a selection of Garland Bags by Lindsay Thomas, handmade clutch purses made from Schumacher fabrics and unique, often vintage, decorative pieces. Then, on Tuesday, September 24 through Thursday, September 26, shop bespoke dinnerware, tablecloths, placemats, napkins, and candlesticks at Travis & Company. Designed by Carolina Irving and her daughters, Ariadne and Olympia, and inspired by their travels and love for color and culture, each item is handmade and curated in Portugal and Spain.

When does registration open?
Registration opens Tuesday, August 13. The market is free to attend, but registration is required for all events.

Where can attendees find more information on this free event?
For more information on ADAC and this free event, visit our website and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #DISCOVERADAC. For help with travel recommendations, view the Plan Your Visit page here. To see the full DISCOVER ADAC lineup, flip through the event guide here.

Here are 11 of over 20 events to expect at this fall’s market:

Tuesday, September 24
10:00 AM – THE NEW ELEGANCE | Timothy Corrigan with Jill Waage
Throughout his illustrious career, Timothy Corrigan has established a look that is layered and detailed, while being suitable for the way people live today. Join Timothy in conversation with Jill Waage, Editor in Chief of Traditional Home, as they take an insider’s tour of Timothy’s new book, The New Elegance: Stylish, Comfortable Rooms for Today, which features eleven of his projects from around the world. Discover the building blocks of Timothy’s successful decoration, including scale and proportion, symmetry, architectural details, the power of color, drama lessons, art and mirrors, layering, comfort, and details. Following the presentation, Sutherland Perennials Studio and Traditional Home invite you to a book signing reception celebrating Timothy Corrigan’s stunning new tome, The New Elegance: Designing Stylish, Comfortable Rooms for Today.

1:00 PM – KEEP IT CHIC! FABULOUSLY STYLISH SPACES | Jesse Carrier, Mara Miller, Rush Jenkins, and Klaus Baer with Pamela Jaccarino
Join Luxe Interiors + Design Editor in Chief, Pamela Jaccarino, and designers Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier and Company Interiors, and Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer of WRJ Design, for a lively discussion about designing refreshing homes with panache, style, and oomph! Discover the influences, ideas, and artistry that these design duos bring as they continue to beautify high-end interiors. Following the presentation, join Pamela Jaccarino, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller for a champagne toast to celebrate the Carriers’ new furniture collection for Century.  In addition, Jesse, Mara, Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer will be signing copies of their respective books, Carrier and Company: Positively Chic Interiors and Natural Elegance: Luxurious Mountain Living.

3:00 PM – FEMALE, FIERCE, AND FABULOUS DESIGN | Fawn Galli, Laura Kirar, and Janie Molster with Katy Olson
AD PRO editor Katy Olson hosts an engaging discussion with women entrepreneurs Fawn Galli, Laura Kirar, and Janie Molster as they share lessons learned and their best advice for building a successful business in the largely male-dominated design world. Mix and mingle with these powerhouses of the design industry during a reception following the panel, as Fawn signs her debut book, Magical Rooms: Elements of Interior Design.

4:30 PM – CREATING HOMES WITH ENDURING IDENTITY | Eric Ross and Emily McCarthy with Lauren Finney
Lauren Finney, Editor in Chief of Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta and The Atlantan, sits down for a conversation with author and designer Eric Ross of Eric Ross Interiors in Nashville, Tennessee, and lifestyle expert Emily McCarthy from Savannah, Georgia, to explore how designers are creating the legacy homes of tomorrow through their personal branding. Using his own home, Boxwood Hill, as an example, discover how Eric, with Emily’s input, developed the story of his family’s home in an authentic way that is now an enduring symbol of Southern hospitality. After the presentation, Fabricut invites you to a reception as Eric Ross signs copies of his new book, Enduring Southern Homes.

Wednesday, September 25
10:00 AM – THE SEEKERS OF NEW DESIGN—NEAR AND FAR | Lisa Fine, Carolina Irving, Penny Morrison with Leslie Newsom Rascoe
The most creative designers today are what might best be referred to as Seekers—independent thinkers, who have the ability to make changes in the world of design. Three inspiring and noted design Seekers working now are Lisa Fine, author of the new book, Near & Far: Interiors I Love, Carolina Irving, and Penny Morrison. Like all true Seekers, they travel the world constantly, observe it, and incorporate what they see into their work and products. As MILIEU recognizes its first annual list of Seekers this fall, Leslie Newsom Rascoe, MILIEU’s Design Director, will host these visionary designers, exploring in Lisa’s new book, their passions, their secrets, and their visions for what they design and make. MILIEU and Travis & Company invite you to a reception following the presentation. While in the showroom, view the latest fabric collections from Penny Morrison, Lisa Fine, and Carolina Irving; and shop Carolina’s tabletop Pop-up Shop, as Lisa signs copies of her new book, Near & Far: Interiors I Love.

1:00 PM – RENOVATING MY KITCHEN | Joanna Saltz and Jean Stoffer
How long will it take? How much will it cost? And can you paint your cabinets a playful color or will that go out of style in five seconds? When House Beautiful Editorial Director Joanna Saltz decided to renovate her family kitchen, she had a LOT of questions—and found all the answers in Michigan-based designer Jean Stoffer. Join the two of them to learn all the things Joanna wished she knew before they embarked on this labor of love together. Following the afternoon panel discussion, please join Jean Stoffer and House Beautiful’s Joanna Saltz at the Made Goods showroom. While in the showroom, be sure to check out the latest Made Goods and Pigeon & Poodle collections.

3:00 PM – HOSPITALITY AT HOME: THE INVITING HOUSE | Susan Sully, Susan Bozeman, and Norman Askins with Kaitlin Petersen
Kaitlin Petersen, Editor in Chief of Business of Home, joins Susan Sully, author of Southern Hospitality at Home: The Art of Gracious Living and two of the remarkable talents featured in the book, designer Susan Bozeman of Susan B. Bozeman Design and architect, Norman Askins of Norman Davenport Askins Architect, to discuss what makes a house inviting. Inspired by Southern hospitality, the conversation delves into how to imbue each space in a home, from porch to powder room, with essential elements designed to pamper guests. Enjoy refreshments during a book signing with Susan Sully immediately following the presentation.

4:00 PM – SOUTHERN WOMEN TALK SIGNATURE STYLE | Betsy Berry, Phoebe Howard, and Fran Keenan with Haskell Harris and Andrea Moattar
Join Garden & Gun for an intimate discussion with three visionaries of Southern design, each known for their distinctive design point of view: Betsy Berry of Charleston’s B. Berry Interiors, Jacksonville’s Phoebe Howard, and Birmingham’s Fran Keenan of Fran Keenan Design. Moderated by Garden & Gun Style Director, Haskell Harris, and Andrea Moattar of Moattar, the panel will discuss the importance of personality, layers, history, and storytelling to create inviting rooms with style, substance, and soul.

Thursday, September 26
10:00 AM – MODERN ENGLISH | Beata Heuman, Aldous Bertram, and Stewart Manger with Ellen McGauley
Fresh, fearless, and wildly innovative: the UK’s design scene is heating up, and from the looks of it, the creative powerhouses across the pond are just getting started. The illuminating panel covers the rising influence of British design and explores its growing impact on everything from textiles to furniture. Join London-based designer Beata Heuman; artist, designer, and English expat Aldous Bertram; American designer Stewart Manger; and VERANDA deputy editor Ellen McGauley as they discuss modern interpretations of classic English decorating, and how they’re shaping the global design community. Please join Beata Heuman, Aldous Bertram, Stewart Manger, and VERANDA’s Ellen McGauley at the Cowtan & Tout showroom following the morning panel discussion. While in the showroom, be sure to check out their newest collections.

1:00 PM – SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND | Madeline Stewart with Elizabeth Ralls
Los Angeles-based designer and self-proclaimed style icon Madeline Stuart joins Elizabeth Ralls, Editor in Chief of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, to discuss the time-honored tradition of Hunting and Gathering. With her trademark humor and passion, Madeline will present imagery from her forthcoming book, No Place Like Home, and discuss the fine art—and highly rewarding challenge—of going hither and yon to ferret out unusual items, quirky elements, and extraordinary, one-of-a-kind pieces that can completely transform a space. Jerry Pair invites you to a reception following the presentation as Madeline Stuart signs copies of her book, No Place Like Home. While in the showroom, preview furniture from the Madeline Stuart Collection.

3:00 PM – ENTERTAINING: THE TOTAL PACKAGE | Chris Hastings, Tara Guérard, and Matthew Quinn with Margot Shaw
Explore every aspect of entertaining, including the most attractive and exciting new kitchen elements, easy and exotic dishes and techniques, do’s and don’ts for a successful soirée, and simple and impactful flowers. Margot Shaw, Editor in Chief of FLOWER magazine and author of Living Floral, is joined in conversation by James Beard Award-winning chef, Chris Hastings; tastemaker and event designer extraordinaire, Tara Guerard; and nationally renowned kitchen designer, Matthew Quinn for a 360 view of entertaining in inimitable Southern style. Following the discussion, celebrate the close of DISCOVER ADAC with a reception and book signing in Matthew Quinn’s showroom, Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio. Stock your library as Margot Shaw signs copies of Living Floral: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers; Chris Hastings signs Hot and Hot Fish Club Cookbook: A Celebration of Food, Family, and Traditions; and Tara Guérard signs Weddings by Tara Guérard.