9TH ANNUAL POWERHOUSE SMART
Chicago
Luxury Conference
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
12:00pm- 7:30pm ET
Chicago Merchandise Mart
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654
The Edge of Open:
Where Visions Meets Opportunity
Shifting from Fixed to Fluid in a Changing Industry
Join 150+ leaders in architecture, design, development, real estate, and affiliated luxury lifestyle industries for an immersive experience of knowledge sharing, relationship building, and collaboration.
Tentative Schedule
2nd Annual Luxury Conference
Hosted at the Iconic International Market Square
November 5, 2025
Tentative Conference Schedule
Central Time Zone
10:00 am – 10:15 am
Check-In, Photo & Video Opportunity
Kick off the day with casual networking over coffee and light bites
while capturing the energy of PowerHouse with photo and video moments.
10:15 am – 11:00 am
Open Minds, Open Markets
Embracing an open mindset leads to transformative collaborations,
new opportunities, and market expansion.
Speaker: Wendy Cohen, CEO, PowerHouse Recruiting/PowerHouse SMART & Luxury Conferences
Recognizing Emerging Leaders
Honorees:
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Keynote Speaker
The Open Blueprint: Designing for Possibility, Not Constraint
Explore how openness fuels creativity, adaptability, and innovation
in the luxury design and development world.
Speaker: Jen Zella, Cofounding Principal + Chief Visionary Officer, CID Design Group
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Lunch Roundtable Breakout Groups
Open Your Mindset: What Are You Willing to Rethink?
Sponsored by Scott Byron & Co. Bringing together cross-disciplinary leaders for deep,
moderator-led dialogue over a catered lunch.
Lunch Leaders: TBD
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
SMART Talks
TEDx Style Presentations – 18 Minute Guideline
Open Market: Agents of Change, The Power Moves Shaping Luxury Living
Agents of Change brings top brokers to the table to reveal who’s moving,
why it matters, and how tech and lifestyle trends are reshaping luxury real estate.
Expect insights, bold predictions, and what’s next for high-end living.
Speaker Panel: Realtors & Financial Experts deliver a data-driven deep dive into economic
trends, real estate movements, and financial insights shaping the luxury market’s future.
Speakers: Carrie McCormick, Broker, @properties | Christie's Int. RE
Open Horizons: Expanding Your Brand into New Luxury Markets
A strategic discussion on breaking into new regions, navigating emerging opportunities, and scaling luxury design, architecture, and development businesses.
Speakers: TBA
Break
Open Lens: Capturing Design Excellence in Print
A behind-the-scenes look at the journey from concept topublication—how a photographer
and top design visionaries brought their work to life in a coffee table book.
Speakers:
Ryan Hainey, Founder & Owner, RH Photography
Amy Carman, Owner & Principal, Amy Carmen Design
Lauren Warnock, Principal Designer, Navy Black Studio
Kelly Brainerd, Founder/Creative Director, KMB Design/Consulting
Open Influence: The New Rules of Photography,
Social Media & Public Relations
An expert-led session on leveraging luxury industry marketing, photography,
public relations, influencer marketing, and social media to showcase your work,
connect with ideal clients, and stay relevant in a competitive industry.
Speakers:
Jennifer McGraw, Owner, Jennifer McGraw PR
Lynn Walsh, Owner, Walsh Communications
Eric Nelson, Owner, Core5Creativ Marketing
Darren Leonardi, Owner, Darren Joshua Photography
Leanne Reichhoff, Owner + CEO, Re3Creative
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
PowerConnection Break-Out Groups
The Power of Open: Shaping the Future Through Mindset & Collaboration
Learn how top leaders stay ahead by expanding their thinking, embracing fresh perspectives, and leveraging the power of openness for lasting impact.
Expert Moderators: More Coming
Jacob Rimatzki, Principal, JR Interior Design
Seth Romig, Principal, Seth Romig Architect
Marla Cloos, Founder, Construct My Future
Susan El-Naggar, CEO/Principal, Susan El-Naggar Interior Design
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Cocktail Party hosted by Calia Stone
A Final Toast Together, Networking & Luxury Raffle Giving Back
Raise a glass to new connections and ideas at the final networking event of the day.
Celebrate raffle winners while giving back to the PowerHouse philanthropic mission.
Raffle Winners Selected; winners must be present to win.
Toast Master:
Gordon Held, Co-President/Owner, Scott Byron & Co and
Ken Williams, Co-President, Owner & CFO, Scott Byron & Co
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Merchandise Mart
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL
Hotel Options
The Westin Chicago River North
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, IL, in the prestigious River North district, our Chicago hotel with river views is an ideal home base for work or rest. Connect with our historic and energetic Windy City using The Westin Chicago River North, which is within walking distance from Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Theatre District. Refreshed in early 2020, our flexible event spaces provide a perfect setting for executive retreats and conferences. Recharge in your choice of pet-friendly hotel accommodations ranging from traditional rooms to spacious suites with views of the Chicago River or downtown Chicago skyline. Maintain your health and exercise goals at our WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, offering classes with a personal trainer. Fuel your day with delicious and healthy on-site dining at 320 RiverBar. If you have to spend time away from home, do it effectively and fully rested.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/River North
Located just two blocks from the Grand/State L stop, Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/River North is close to the area's hotspots. The famed Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier is just 1 mile away, while Shedd Aquarium and the rest of the Museum Campus are a short 3-mile trip from our hotel. The offices and wholesale retailers at Merchandise Mart are within walking distance. Indulge in breakfast in bed with our room service offerings so you can relax and enjoy our premium movie channels. You can also store snacks and drinks in our mini-refrigerators for an anytime treat. Visit Ema & Beatrix for all day dining, adjacent from our hotel. If you want to spread out in style, we offer suite options that include a separate living area and microwave as well as a sofa bed with stunning city views. At Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/River North, you’re our #1 priority. Ask us about The Fairfield 100% Guarantee™, where we promise you'll be satisfied or we'll make it right.
Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/River North
Located amid the exciting energy of the River North entertainment district, Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/River North provides thoughtful amenities and comfortable accommodations that will enrich your stay. Attractions like Navy Pier, Willis Tower and the Magnificent Mile are just steps away from our pet-friendly hotel. Check-in to your spacious hotel suite featuring separate living, sleeping and dining areas. Discover a new recipe using our free high speed WiFi while our complimentary grocery shopping service stocks your fully equipped kitchen with all the ingredients you need. Kick-start your morning at our complimentary hot breakfast before settling in to one of our modern meeting rooms. Stop by Holloway's Bar for a night cap! Whether you're in town for a romantic getaway or an extended business trip, you'll delight in seamless travels at this downtown Chicago hotel.