Leveraging Technology as an Extension of Your Brand
Leveraging Technology as an Extension of Your Brand. Consumers are now expecting some level of technology in their homes. As influencers and advisors, architects, builders and designers who possess a working knowledge of what’s available – from a simple structured wiring infrastructure to advanced whole-home automation and control – have an advantage in the marketplace. But how do you keep up with technology as it continues to evolve? And how do you partner with a qualified technology design firm to act as advisor, educator and technology guru? Most importantly, how do you leverage technology to advance your own design goals and win more projects? These are just the starting points in this deep dive into transforming your company into becoming well-versed and comfortable discussing modern smart home technologies with your clients.
For technology design firms, how do you leverage your technology knowledge to partner with more design-build professionals? What are your responsibilities regarding ongoing continuing education, free consultation during the discovery process, and most importantly, what do you need to know and understand about the various trades to bring technology into any project to enhance any design scenario? It’s a two-way street and the technology designer who wants to partner with design-build professionals has to understand their own responsibilities as collaborators and business partners.
Our Keynote Conversation Presenters
Sarah Dresher
Sarah has focused on the residential new construction and renovation market for over seven years. Sarah’s experience and degree in electrical engineering allow her to fully grasp the importance of concealing tomorrow’s technology in the home of today. She is certified as a presenter for both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC).
In 2022, Sarah discovered a void in the lack of education for implementing technologies during the design phase. Luxury Integrated Technologies brings design services along with their best-in-class solutions. Through partnerships with technology dealers, and innovative manufacturers, her company helps architects, designers and builders maintain their design intent, create an easy-to-use experience, and allow technology to disappear into the hardscapes of the everyday home.
Katye (McGregor) Bennett
Hard-working, seasoned, and extremely well-connected executive with 25+ years experience in the audio-visual industry, serving the Custom Installation (CEDIA), AVIXA, and Consumer Technology (CE/CT) markets and reaching audiences and influencers in the residential, commercial, and pro AV tech integration and design-build communities. On a mission to connect the worlds of tech + design.
Specializing in strategic communications, PR, media relations, content development, social media, podcasting, and visual communications. Ninja-level skills include cultivating opportunities while maximizing available resources and fostering success for others with a personalized, passionate, hands-on approach.
Founder of KMB Communications and #AVyoga, Co-founder of #AVfoodies, host of AV Trade Talk and Connecting Tech+Design podcasts, Co-host of Design UnCut ‘cast and conversations.
Elizabeth P. Lord-Levitt
Specializing in residential design and construction, Elizabeth’s youthful and energetic approach to her projects has resulted in award winning kitchen and bath designs, including nine “Best of Houzz” Design Awards and Customer Service Awards, from Houzz.com, and a regional Kitchen Remodeling award through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). From first time homeowners to high-profile clientele, Elizabeth strives to exceed customer expectations, no matter the size of the project or the cost of the job.
Elizabeth has an extensive background in the remodeling industry, as the lead designer for a highly regarded Design-Build firm, she achieved numerous certifications from national remodeling associations. Having graduated with a masters degree in real estate and construction management from the University of Denver, she applies her construction knowledge to her designs, resulting in completed projects that are not only inspiring and impactful, but practicable and obtainable.