Skip To Content
The Fair
Words by: Julie Taraska April 01, 2024

Lindsey Adelman, Lee Broom, Minjae Kim, and Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu (Neri&Hu) are the keynote speakers for ICFF Talks, the hallmark live programming on the Fair’s showfloor. More than 75 changemakers and emerging talents will take part in this year’s slate of presentations, panel sessions, and intimate conversations. Examining the business, artistry, and future of residential and commercial design, the Talks will occur on The Main Stage and The Oasis.

Lindsey Adelman

Lindsey Adelman

On Sunday, to celebrate the release of Designed for Life: The World’s Best Product Designers (Phaidon), Adelman—who is known for her inventive lighting and jewelry—and Minjae Kim—creator of poetic, sculptural furniture and objects—will discuss blurring the boundaries between design, art, and commercialization.

Lyndon Neri & Rossana Hu. Photo by Jiaxi Yang & Zhu Zhe

Lyndon Neri & Rossana Hu. Photo by Jiaxi Yang & Zhu Zhe

The following day, architects and educators Neri&Hu will speak about interdisciplinary design, how it has played out in their practice, and their belief in controlling the whole of built environments, from the overarching concept to the smallest details.

Lee Broom

Lee Broom

On Tuesday, Broom will make a rare trade-show appearance to share his unconventional background and how it helps him create the moments of drama and narrative that define his lighting and furniture. He’ll also detail how he, though based in the U.K., now counts the U.S. as his largest market.

The keynotes will take place at 1pm each day on The Main Stage.

Elsewhere on the program, sustainability, materials, design education, emerging technologies, and up-and-coming talent are the central themes. Storied architect and art director Giulio Cappellini will spearhead an international roundtable on The Role of Education in the Future of Design. Participants will represent Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), Mexico City’s Universidad Iberoamericana, and New York’s Pratt Institute, among others. The talk will be presented in partnership with Superstudio.

  • Hlynur Vagn Atlason

    Hlynur Vagn Atlason

  • Susan Lyons

    Susan Lyons

New York also will also take center stage in the programming, with panels underscoring how the City serves as both an accelerator for the design industry and entry point into the North American market. One highlight will be Demystifying the Business and Practice of Design. It will feature Hlynur Atlason, the 2023 recipient of the National Design Award for Product Design; Designtex designer and outgoing president Susan Lyons; and Gabellini Sheppard partner Colin Martin discussing their beginnings, their passions, and the lessons they’ve learned on the way to where they are today. The event will be presented in partnership with Be Original Americas.

Additional talks will cover such topics as The How and Why of Becoming B Corp Certified, Creating Sensory Spaces with Light, and Driving Commerce, Culture, and Community on Social Media. See the full list here.

The Talks are open to all who register and attend the Fair. The Main Stage is sponsored by Turf, while The Oasis sponsored by EQ3 and Greenmood. In addition, focused conversations will occur throughout the Fair in dedicated spaces, including the Bespoke Salon, The Crossroads, The Look Book Lounge x Canoa, and The Water Studio x Grohe.

You May Also Like

More Stories