CHICAGO PHS LUXURY CONFERENCE 2023
7th Annual Luxury Conference
Hosted at the Iconic Chicago Merchandise Mart
7th Annual PowerHouse SMART Luxury
Conference | Chicago
2023 the Year of Empowered Ideas
Harnessing creativity to empower innovation.
Wednesday, March 1st, 2022
Chicago’s Merchandise Mart
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654
10:30 am – 11:30 am | Opening & Keynote
11:30 am – 12:30 pm | PHS PowerConnection™ Lunches
12:45 pm – 4:45 pm | Education Sessions, SMART Talks, Break-Out Groups, Architects’ Roundtable
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Live Cocktail Party, Book Signings, and Why It MATTERS
EVENT
SCHEDULE
7th Annual PowerHouse SMART® Luxury Conference
Hosted at the iconic Chicago Merchandise Mart
March 1st, 2023 | 10:30 am – 7:00 pm CT
9:30-10:15 AM
Coat-Check & Coffee Stop
Host Showroom, Divine Flooring
10:30-10:45 AM
Opening + Recognizing Emerging Leaders
The Mart Staircase
10:45-11:00 AM
State of the Economy: Building Industry Report Michael Freiburger, NewLook Development
The Mart Staircase
11:00-11:15 AM
State of the Real Estate Market: Urban to Suburban Melinda Jakovich-Lagrange, Compass Real Estate
The Mart Staircase
11:00-11:15 am
Meet me at the Blue Coyote! An interview with John Robert Wiltgen
The Mart Staircase
11:30-12:30 PM
PowerConnections™ Lunch Groups
Meet Builders, Architects, Designers, Brokers, Landscapers and affiliate industry professionals Marshall's Landing
12:45-1:00 PM
Opening: Why it MATTERS
Meet benefitting non-profits
6th Floor Conference Center
1:00-1:15 pm
SMART Talk, Words of Wisdom Thomas Roszak, Thomas Roszak Architecture
6th Floor Conference Center
1:15-1:45 PM
Education Session: Leadership, Culture & Recruiting Top Talent in 2023
6th Floor Conference Center
1:45-2:45 PM
The Architect’s Roundtable
6th Floor Conference Center
2:45-3:45 PM
Break-Out Groups
6th Floor Conference Center
3:45-4:00 PM
Intermission
Break
4:00 – 4:45 pm
Education Segments
Salon A “EOS a deeper dive”, Presented by Mel Towey Salon B “Harness the power of social media for your business”, Presented by Shannon Vogel
5:00-7:00 PM
Live Cocktail Party
Sponsored by Bosch, Gaggenau, Thermador
7:00 PM
Coat-Check & Farewell
Host Showroom, Divine Flooring
The Hotel
The Westin Chicago River
North
In partnership with our official hotel provider, The Westin Chicago River North Hotel, we have secured the lowest hotel rates for PHS Luxury Conference attendees and sponsors.
Book by Feb 3, 2023 PowerHouse Smart Room Block
Prestigious River North neighborhood of the city
Walking distance of Millennium Park
On-site Valet Parking Available
Two on-site restaurants, 320 RiverBar and Rise
PHS Luxury Conference 2023
Speakers
Meet the 2023 Speakers
Thomas Roszak
Principal, TRA | Thomas Roszak Architecture
Thomas Roszak has developed, designed, and built commercial properties, hotels, condominiums, and private residences in Illinois and Arizona. He is the founder and Principal for four companies involved in architecture, construction, and real estate development.
Angela Spadoni
Principal | bKL Architecture
Angela Spadoni leads client engagement, with an emphasis on the seamless delivery of the firm’s services. Angela has established a reputation for her commitment to serving clients. She combines expert management skills with an ability to generate and articulate design ideas and a dedication to collaboration.
She brings specific expertise in mid-rise and high-rise multifamily projects, and has led the design of more than 10,000 units since joining the firm.
​Expert Panelist on The Architect's Roundtable
Richard Sherer
Founder & CEO | Deep River Partners, Ltd.
Richard’s Residential Architecture and Interior Design experience spans 40 years and includes expertise in Custom Homes, Remodeling, and Condominium Design-Build. He has been recognized by local and national media for excellence in all areas of residential design, including features on Discovery Channel and HGTV.
​Expert Panelist on The Architect's Roundtable
Melanie Towey
Owner | Melanie Anne, Professional EOS Implementer® | Business & Mindset Coach
Mel is a trusted leader and consulting resource within the building materials, architecture, design, real estate and construction space. She helps professionals in personal growth and career development, as well as strategically guiding entrepreneurs and business leaders at a deeper level, overcoming challenges hindering them from results.
Education Segment: "EOS a deeper dive"
Principal | Studio K Creative
In 2014, Karen founded Studio K Creative to develop a diverse team of imaginative and forward-thinking brand strategists and technical designers.
The firm has delivered many of Chicago’s most popular restaurants, hotels, and luxury multifamily residences. Karen has fostered long-standing relationships with legendary firms including BOKA Restaurant Group, Sterling Bay, The Chicago Cubs, Magellan Development, and Core Spaces.
​Expert Panelist on The Architect's Roundtable
Melinda Jakovich Lagrange
A Top Luxury Real Estate Luxury Agent In Chicagoland for over 25 years. “My clients always come first". To reach her. Call. 312 953-3425
Melinda has been in Real Estate for the past 25 years. She has just recently been awarded with the Chicago Association of Realtors top 1% Sales Award for 2018 During her time she has enjoyed steadily increasing success, working primarily in the residential marketplace. Recently honored by CHICAGO Crain’s as one of the City s top notable Residential Realtors in 2019. She has established herself as one of the city's TopAgents, having sold over $625 Million .
​
​Expert Panelist on The Architect's Roundtable
Matthew Wilke
Chief Operations Officer & Partner | LG Group
Matt has nearly 20 years of experience working in the development and construction industry. As COO, Matt is constantly pushing and challenging his teams. His oversight of all company operations, including all phases of the development process, ensures exceptional output while maintaining unparalleled culture and opportunity. Externally, Matt connects with clients, partners, architects, and investors to ensure LG delivers for all involved.
​Expert Panelist on The Architect's Roundtable
Luxury Real Estate Broker | @properties
Carrie McCormick is a leader in the luxury and development market. She has more than 22 years of real estate sales expertise with over $1 Billion in Career Sales.
​Expert Panelist on The Architect's Roundtable
Founder and Owner | Reach Social
Shannon Vogel is a certified Social Media Strategist, and 25-year veteran of the construction, flooring and interior design industry.
After more than 10 years in flooring sales, interior design and working for home builders, Shannon changed her focus to the marketing opportunities unfolding online.
Education Segment: "Harness the power of social media for your business"
John Robert Wiltgen
Author, Principal Interior Designer(retired) | JRWD John Robert Wiltgen Design
Award-Winning, Published Interior Designer, Principal, John Robert Wiltgen Design, and the Author of the recent publication, The Candy in My Pocket.
John has 40 years of experience in residential design/build, completing projects across the United States, in Canada, Mexico - even on the Ivory Coast of Africa.
Meet me at the Blue Coyote! An interview with John Robert Wiltgen
Rob Almeida
People and Culture Manager I LG Group
With over 8+ years as a People Operations Professional, Rob has experience building strong, inclusive company cultures across various industries. He is passionate about creating a top tier employee experience, career development, and creating more diverse workforces. He believes that a strong company culture is key for sustainable success.
Education Session: Leadership, Culture & Recruiting Top Talent in 2023
VP of Business Partnerships | MATTER.
Vicki is Owner of our MATTERhouse Team. She also works to develop relationships with business owners and corporations to contribute to MATTER’s projects and help achieve MATTER’s vision of self-sustainability.
Why it MATTERs
CEO | PowerHouse SMART® & PowerHouse SMART Luxury Conference, PowerHouse Advisors & PowerHouse Recruiting.
The PowerHouse Group of Companies is dedicated to HELPING OTHERS. Wendy has over 30 years of luxury industry experience, often referred to as a power-connector. PowerHouse Recruiting is a national retained recruiting firm, connecting the right total talent candidates to the right career opportunities helping employers grow their teams. PHR believes there is as a perfect fit.
Education Segment: "Harness the power of social media for your business"
Darrell Katz
Professor of Business Leadership | Loyola University Chicago
Darrell has worked with management teams for more than 30 years to create and deliver leadership development and business communications courses. Impact Training Solutions is a full-service provider of business training courses. wide range of custom-designed courseware focused on helping the manager master the most significant part of their role – how to manage. Darrell serves as a special consultant to support PowerHouse SMART and sits on the Advisory Council for the Harvard Business Review.
Moderator on Education Session: Leadership, Culture & Recruiting Top Talent in 2023
Michael Freiburger
Owner, Director of Design and Construction | NewLook Development
Michael brings both an Engineering Degree (Ohio University) and an Architecture Degree (Illinois Institute of Technology) to lead Newlook’s team.
He started his career as a youngster working in trades, moving up quickly into construction management and architectural design. He brings 25 year’s hand’s on experience to NewLook Development in development and construction.
Education Session: Leadership, Culture & Recruiting Top Talent in 2023
Meet the 2023 Moderators and Experts
George Markoutsas
Owner, ABLAZE
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Mark Benner
Principal, Mark Eric Benner Architects
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
James Dash
Principal Partner, Carlson Dash
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Colette Rodon Hornof
President/Principal Interior Designer Interior Designer, Vesta of Hearth and Home
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Larry Santello
Manager, Experience And Design Center, Gaggenau Thermador Bosch
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Rebecca Pogonitz
Principal, Mark Eric Benner Architects
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Igor Jokanovic
Principal Partner, Carlson Dash
Builder Expert
Neil Peck
President/Principal Interior Designer Interior Designer, Vesta of Hearth and Home
Builder Expert
Matt Lederer
Owner, Mahogany Builders
Builder Expert
Dan Baigleman
Principal, Full Circle Architects
Architect Expert
Adrienne Russ
Executive VP of Operations, Frazier
Homes
Builder Expert
Jarmila Singer
Owner, Sound Living
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Seth Romig
Principal, Seth Romig Architect
Architect Expert - Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Kimberly Nigro
Principal Architect, Studio Nigro
Architect Expert
Richard Becker
Principal Architect, Becker Architects Limited
Architect Expert
Yael Rajstein
Principal Architect, YR Studio LLC
Architect Expert - Moderator -
PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Manuel Hernandez
Principal Architect, Design Seed, Inc.
Architect Expert
Mario Cordova
Real Estate Agent, EXP Realty
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Duane Draughon
Outdoor Living Designer, VizX Design Studio
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Darin Daniels
Home Mortgage Consultant, Wells Fargo
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Toni Callahan
General Manager, Schmechtig Landscapes
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Justin Greenberg
Lead Real Estate Broker, JG Group, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Chicago
Moderator - PowerConnections and Break-out Groups
Emerging Leaders 2023
Kelly Ipjian
Real Estate Agent | Exit Strategy Realty
Recognized by NSBAR, North Shore Barrington
Ashley Schwarz
General Manager | Crafted Countertops, Inc.
Recognized by LBA, Lakeland Builders Association, WI
Alex Carlson
Owner | Peace of Mind Remodeling
Recognized by Building Industry Association of Greater Chicago
Sponsors @ Chicago PHS Luxury
Conference 2023
Meet our Sponsors
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