KBDi Conference 2022

Shangri-La Hotel, Cambridge Room
Level 3, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Dress: Smart casual

Partner Product Expo

Our Partners have been invited to set up shop in an exclusive Partner Product Expo. Meet the industry’s best reps and learn what’s new and in the pipeline from our industry’s most trusted suppliers.

Expo is open during the Conference breaks.

9.15 am | Reconnecting with Resilience and Responsibility with Julie Cross

Proudly sponsored by KBDi Supplier Partner, CAV’ART Designer Stone.

Personal responsibility and resilience are back! It is time to reconnect and remember we have the power to live an inspired life, no matter the circumstances. It is time to own our space, let our light shine, show strong leadership and light the way. It’s time for laughter, fun and fearlessness. As we plan for the future, let us take responsibility and focus on what we can control, and that is the power of now.

11.15 am |  Practical Application of Colour in Interiors with Andrea Lucena-Orr

Proudly sponsored by KBDi Premier Partner, Lincoln Sentry.

With the interaction of science and art, colour can significantly impact the ‘feel’ of a space and play a significant role in human behaviour. In this one-hour session, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr, will guide you through the successful navigation of colour in interiors, from design decisions to the practical application.

1.30 pm  |  The good, the bad and the ugly of online media with Kate Toon

Proudly sponsored by KBDi Corporate Plus Partner, Blum.

A presence on the web and social channels is an essential part of business today, but what do you do when things get ugly online? In this session, members will learn how to handle (or avoid) an online attack and arm themselves with some valuable strategies for tactfully handling reviews and social media commentary.

3.20 pm  |  The Great Bathroom Design Debate

Proudly sponsored by KBDi Corporate Plus Partner, Victoria + Albert.

We’ve gathered a group of the best designers for an energetic debate about our most difficult bathroom design decisions. We’ll pitch some frequently encountered challenges to the panel to see which way they swing. From showerheads to tap positions, from toilets to bidets and everything in between, we’ll enjoy a lively debate and robust discussion about all things bathrooms.

6.00 – 9.30 pm  |  Conference Welcome Harbour Cruise 

Commissioner Steps, 1A Circular Quay Wharf, The Rocks
Dress: Warm, smart casual with comfortable shoes

We’ll be wrapping up your big day of learning with a luxurious cruise on the world’s finest harbour. You’ll be wined and dined as we announce who has made their way to the next round of the KBDi Designer Awards 2022 when we announce the nation’s category winners.

8.45 am | Registration: Day 2
Shangri-La Hotel, Main Lobby (Meet in the Foyer at 8.45 am if you’d like to walk with the group to the Sydney Opera House)

9.30 am  |  Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour

Meet at 9.30am at the Box Office Foyer, off the main stairs
Dress: Smart casual, comfortable shoes, and no big bags

In the mid-1950s, a sculpture on Sydney Harbour changed the course of twentieth-century architecture. In this tour, delegates will discover how visionaries, idealists, architects, engineers, pragmatists and artists came together to create the architectural and engineering masterpiece that is the Sydney Opera House. 

11.00 am  |  Lunch at the Sydney Opera House

Yallamundi Rooms
Visit www.tinyurl.com/kbdilunch for video directions
Dress: Smart casual

Following the Opera House tour, delegates will be treated to a delicious lunch in the stunning Opera House Yallamundi Rooms. We’ll wrap up a weekend of inspiration and celebration in one of the world’s most iconic locations, enjoying a light lunch prepared by Australia’s leading chefs.

7.00 pm – 11.00 pm |  KBDi Designer Awards Cocktail Gala

Museum of Contemporary Art
Harbourside Room, West Circular Quay, The Rocks
(Use MCA entrance 1, take the Admin lifts to Level 6)
Dress: Cocktail / Lounge suit

We’ll wrap up the two-day Conference with a Gala Cocktail evening on Saturday. This spectacular event will be hosted by Sydney based Interior Designer, TV Presenter and writer, James Treble. It is KBDi’s ‘night of nights’ and a wonderful celebration of Australia’s finest kitchen and bathroom designers.

The Awards Cocktail Gala will be held in the stunning Harbourside Room, located on the rooftop of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. With an uninterrupted view across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the city skyline, the venue will set the scene for a night to remember.

Please note this is a cocktail style event, no table seating is allocated.