Membership FAQ

How do I become a Best Practices (BPN) member?
Designing Profits's Best Practice Network is limited to 100 noncompeting interior design firms. Many major metropolitan areas are now closed to new members. If you are interested in joining our Best Practices Network, please contact Megan Dean at megan@designingprofits.com to see if a membership is available in your area. (Even if your area is closed, you may want to be placed on the waiting list should your area become available in the future.)

How much does membership cost?
Members pay a one time initiation fee of $3750 and monthly dues of $254 a month. This includes semi-annual conferences, audio newsletters, online library and forums and more.

I registered for an upcoming conference. Does that make me a member?
No. Enrollment in the Best Practices Network is not completed through conference registration. If you are interested in membership please contact Megan Dean at megan@designingprofits.com . Members submit an application and, if admitted, pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

I am trying to sign up but am not able to do so.
You are not able to sign up for BPN membership through the Web site.

Conferences FAQ

Do I have to pre-register for the Business of Design Conference in order to attend?
Probably. Because our conference is growing so fast and employs a unique facilitation format, the only way we can secure the proper meeting space is to limit attendance far in advance. (Our conference typically sells out two months in advance.) For 2008, we are inviting only 300 interior designers to register. By pre-registering as soon as possible, you will receive complete conference information as soon as it is available and be among the first invited to register until our 300 capacity is reached. There is no charge or commitment to pre-register.

How much do your conferences cost?
Our conference registration typical ranges between $1,495 to $1,795 for the first registrant and $995-$1,095 (each) for up to two additional attendees from your firm. These fees do not include any of your travel costs. We do not seek to be the cheapest conference you can attend, only the most valuable.

Do I have to become a BPN member to attend a conference?
No. Presently, the general sessions of our Business of Design Conference held each September in Las Vegas are open to all qualified interior designers. Our winter conference is for BPN members only.

Do I have to be an interior designer to attend a conference?
No, but our events do require active networking and sharing of best practices for interior design firms and topics are not always relevant or appropriate to other fields. Please review conference brochures to see if you believe the event topics are right for your firm. Service firms solely intending to market their services to interior design professionals should contact us about sponsorship opportunities as no direct solicitation of our attendees is allowed. For information on sponsorship or exhibiting, please contact Christine Nicholls at christine@designingprofits.com.

I think my firm is too small/too large for your conference. Who attends your events?
Attendees range from sole proprietors to firms with more than 50 employees. Regardless of size, our conferences are designed for experienced, decision making principals who are committed to building successful firms. We have regular groups of attendees who are committed to remaining small and successful as well as firms that have successfully (and significantly) grown their practices.

I'd like to bring another person to the conference, but don't know if I should.
About 50% of attendees bring a second person from their firm. If the person you are considering is someone with whom you would engage in strategic discussions about your business practices, then they will be a good fit. Our conferences would not be helpful for employees who are seeking education for administrative or support functions.

Other
Does David Shepherd offer consulting services?
David Shepherd does very little consulting, preferring to pour all of his research and energy into DPI's conferences. He sometimes offers a "Business School" and these, too, are typically reserved for conference attendees.

I have a product or service that I think would be helpful for interior designers.
Designing Profits, Inc. does not endorse products or services, but we are always interested in new and innovative ideas that might be helpful to our members. If you are interested in reaching our attendees with your products or services, please contact Christine Nicholls, Manager of Sponsorship Development at christine@designingprofits.com.

If you have any other questions, please contact Megan Dean at megan@designingprofits.com, or call her at 512-314-9200.