PowerHouse SMART® CHICAGO LUXURY SUMMIT
20th Anniversary Experience
June 3, 2026 | The Chicago Merchandise Mart
Hosted in the SKS Chicago Showroom
Produced with Scott Byron & Co.
3:30 PM – 7:30 PM CT
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Powered by Community. Built on Connection.
Join 100+ leaders for a highly curated, intimate gathering, designed to deepen community.
Centered on roundtable PowerConnections, conscious leadership, and co-created growth.
The Power of Collaboration
Where Vision, Relationship & Innovation Converge
In celebration of PowerHouse SMART’s 20th Year, this intentionally intimate Summit experience is designed to elevate heart-centered leadership, deepen trusted relationships, and inspire meaningful collaboration across the luxury design-build-real-estate community.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The Chicago Luxury Summit is a thoughtfully created companion event experience to the annual Chicago Luxury Conference — shorter in duration yet richer in connection. This immersive gathering prioritizes authentic dialogue, strategic introductions, and the signature PowerHouse SMART® relationship-first energy that has shaped our community for two decades.
HOST VENUE — SKS CHICAGO SHOWROOM
The Signature Kitchen Suite showroom at The Mart is an iconic 9,000-square-foot, theater-inspired environment designed by Piero Lissoni. Blending refined Italian design with advanced culinary innovation, the space features bespoke Arclinea kitchens, dramatic 20-foot islands, and artfully composed interactive experiences for “technicureans,” setting the tone for inspiration and elevated hospitality.
PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH SCOTT BYRON & CO.
Headliner Sponsor for IL/WI, Scott Byron & Co. is celebrated for more than four decades of luxury landscape architecture, construction, and concierge-level outdoor environments that harmonize art, architecture, and nature.
2nd Annual Luxury Conference
Hosted at the Iconic International Market Square
Luxury Summit Schedule
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE & RED-CARPET CHECK-IN
Curated Showroom Exploration.
SKS Chicago Showroom
Guests step into an elevated welcome experience featuring curated music, showroom exploration, and professional photo/video moments at the step-and-repeat captured by Core5Creative and Darren Joshua Photography. A vibrant opening designed to spark connection from the very first moment.
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM
OPENING CEREMONY: THE HEART OF COLLABORATION
Welcome remarks celebrating 20 years of PowerHouse SMART and the evolution of heart-centered leadership within the luxury industry.
Speaker: Wendy Cohen, Founder & CEO, PowerHouse SMART®
Special Moment — Recognizing Emerging Leaders
Honoring rising voices shaping the future of luxury design, architecture, building, and development.
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
ART OF THE ENSEMBLE
We share the same stage, but we perform separate shows. Through the lens of improv and R.A.V.E. philosophy, this immersive keynote experience emphasizes how trust, boldness, and ensemble thinking unlock deeper collaboration and elevate what’s possible for teams and clients alike.
Keynote Speaker: Brett Byron, Scott Byron & Co.
An inspiring and immersive keynote exploring how collaboration across landscape, architecture, and lifestyle design is redefining the next era of luxury living — aligning vision with purpose and innovation with human connection.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
PowerHouse SMART® POWERCONNECTIONS™
Curated Relationship-Building Breakout Circles
Signature PowerHouse SMART® moderated conversations designed to foster authentic dialogue, shared insight, and new opportunities among designers, builders, architects, developers, and industry partners. These intentionally guided circles reflect the heart of the PowerHouse SMART® experience — meaningful connection over transactional networking.
Expert Moderators: Architects, Builders, Designers & Brokers
Tom Wynn, Studio Director, Wade Weissmann Architecture
Lauren Coburn, Founder | Principal Interior Designer, Lauren Coburn LLC
Ryan Hainey, Photographer, Ryan Hainey Photography
Jennifer McGinnis, Principal Designer, Redux Interior Design
Rae Muranski, Chief Operating Officer, Moderne Living
Teak Barton, President, Macnon Builders
Rebecca Pogonitz, Principal Designer, GOGO Design Group
Matt Lederer, President, Mahogany Builders
Randy Heller, Principal Interior Designer, Randy Heller Design
Keitha Brathwaite, Principal/Founder, Keitha Brathwaite Interior Design
Philip Sassano, Principal & Design Lead, The Design Coach, LLC
Carrie McCormick, @properties | Christie's Int. RE
Stephanie Litza, Project Manager, Power Construction
Diana Melichar, Architect and President , Melichar Architects
and more to come..
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
AFTERGLOW COCKTAIL PARTY & LUXURY RAFFLE
Benefitting Designs for Dignity
A celebratory closing experience featuring elevated cocktails, curated networking, and the beloved PowerHouse SMART® Luxury Raffle supporting philanthropic impact.
Toast Master: Gordon Held, Co-President/Owner, Scott Byron & Co.
“A Final Toast Together” — honoring new relationships, shared inspiration, and the collaborative spirit that continues to define the PowerHouse SMART® community.
SKS Chicago Showroom
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 107,
Chicago, IL 60654
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.