Technology Design Collective Brings Design-First Technology Talks, Interactive Demonstrations, and Industry Connections to Design Edge Midwest
Featuring CEDIA, Leon Speakers, Mills Technologies, and Sonos, Booth #235 will help interior designers discover new possibilities for their projects—without needing to become technology experts.
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., October 26, 2026 — Great design doesn’t stop at what you see. And technology shouldn’t get in the way of what you’ve envisioned. That’s the thinking behind the Technology Design Collective, a collaborative experience making its appearance at Design Edge Midwest, November 4–5, 2026, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Located in Booth #235, the Technology Design Collective brings together CEDIA, KMB Communications, Leon Speakers, Mills Technologies, and Sonos to help interior designers better understand how integrated technology can enhance their projects, protect their creative vision, and create exceptional experiences for their clients.
Through approachable education, hands-on product demonstrations, and opportunities to connect directly with technology professionals, the Collective aims to bridge the gap between the interior design and residential technology communities.
“Interior designers shouldn’t have to become technology experts to confidently incorporate technology into their projects,” said Katye McGregor Bennett, founder and CEO of KMB Communications, who is leading the Collective’s programming and activation. “They do, however, benefit tremendously from understanding what’s possible, knowing when to bring technology into the conversation, and having the right partners at the table. We’re creating an environment where designers can ask questions, explore ideas, and build relationships that make their projects and their businesses even stronger.”
Technology Design Collective Talks: Real Conversations, Practical Takeaways. A centerpiece of the experience is a series of five short, engaging Technology Design Collective Talks, offered throughout both show days.
Designed specifically for interior designers, these informal 10–15-minute sessions address familiar challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and provide practical insights that can be applied to real projects. Each Talk will be followed by opportunities for more personalized conversations with participating experts.
The Talk lineup includes:
- Technology Without the Tech Talk
What every designer should know about integrated home technology—and the people who make it work. Led by Andrea Harvey, CEDIA Dir. Of Design-Build Outreach
Demystifying integrated home technology, exploring where it intersects with interior design, and helping designers understand when and how to engage qualified technology partners.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 @ 11:30 a.m.
- “We Don’t Want Tech.” (But the Wi-Fi Better Work!)
Finding the balance between what clients say they want and the technology they can’t live without. Led by Katye McGregor Bennett, KMB Communications
Clients may insist they don’t want a “smart home,” but take away their Wi-Fi, streaming services, or favorite conveniences, and it’s an entirely different conversation. So, what do they really mean when they say they don’t want technology? We’ll explore how to uncover their actual needs, navigate expectations, and create environments where connectivity, convenience, and comfort work beautifully together—without technology taking center stage.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 @ 1:30 p.m.
- Design Stars Reunited – The cameras stopped. The stories didn’t.
The auditions. The drama. The doors that opened. Led by Lee Hershberg
HGTV Design Star contestants Tiffany Brooks, Tylor Devereaux, and Boris Von Hagen, are together again, sharing how they got there, what you didn’t see and where the experience took them.
Location: Technology Design Collective
When: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 @ 3:30 p.m.
- 5 Practical Tips for Incorporating Tech into Your Designs.
Learn how integrating tech can elevate your offering and delight clients. Led by Bryan Mills, Mills Technologies
Practical solutions for integrating displays, speakers, and connected devices while minimizing visual clutter, managing glare, and preserving the designer’s vision.
When: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2026 @ 11:30 a.m.
- Don’t Let the TV Ruin the Aesthetic of the Room!
Clever ways to conceal technology, eliminate distractions, and protect your design aesthetic. Led by Bryan Mills, Mills Technologies
Practical solutions for integrating displays, speakers, and connected devices while minimizing visual clutter, managing glare, and preserving the designer’s vision.
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 @ 1:30 p.m.
All Talks will take place in the Technology Design Collective, Booth #235. Attendance is open to registered Design Edge Midwest attendees.
Seeing—and Hearing—What’s Possible
Beyond the Talks, designers will find tangible examples of how technology can complement an interior rather than compete with it.
An integrated demonstration wall featuring a Sony BRAVIA television, concealed backbox, articulating mount, and Leon Mera Sound Sconces will illustrate practical ways to reduce visible technology and create a more intentional installation.
Leon Speakers will also showcase design-focused solutions, including a TV frame for a 65-inch Sony BRAVIA display, a Tonecase solution for concealing the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, Loom acoustic textile panels, Mera Sound Sconces, and an Ente SoundTile.
Sonos will feature Sonos27 and its range of sound solutions spanning whole-home listening, personal audio, portable speakers, and professionally installed systems. Together, the Leon and Sonos demonstrations will give designers an opportunity to explore the relationship between technology, materials, placement, sound, acoustics, and the overall aesthetic and experience of a space.
CEDIA will bring its perspective as the professional association for the smart home technology industry, while Chicagoland-based integration specialist Mills Technologies will provide practical insight into planning, installation, and collaboration with design professionals.
Bryan Mills, president of Mills Technologies and a frequent educator and speaker for the interior design community, is supporting the Collective’s demonstrations and will be on hand to meet designers, answer questions, and connect with those interested in continued learning or potential collaboration on future projects.
KMB Communications is coordinating and managing the Collective’s educational programming, partner participation, event experience, and supporting communications.
A Special HGTV Design Star Reunion
The Technology Design Collective will also host “Design Stars Reunited — The Cameras Stopped. The Stories Didn’t,” a special gathering and Q&A sessions featuring HGTV Design Star alumni Tiffany Brooks, Tylor Devereaux, and Boris Von Hagen.
Taking place Wednesday, November 4, from 3:30–3:50 p.m., the conversation will revisit their experiences on the show, the opportunities that followed, and the paths their design careers have taken since. The reunion adds another opportunity for designers to connect, share experiences, and be part of the broader design community gathering at Design Edge Midwest.
A Place for Designers to Discover, Connect, and Collaborate
The Technology Design Collective is intended to be more than a product showcase. It’s a place to have the conversations that don’t always happen early enough in a project—and to connect designers with the people, knowledge, and resources that can help them deliver on their vision.
Designers attending Design Edge Midwest are encouraged to stop by Booth #235, attend one or more Talks, experience the demonstrations, and meet the participating organizations.
Event Details
What: Technology Design Collective at Design Edge Midwest
When: November 4–5, 2026
Where: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, Illinois
Booth: #235
Technology Design Collective: technologydesigncollective.com
Design Edge Midwest: www.designedgeco.com/midwest2026
Attendee Registration: www.prereg.net/2026/designedgemw/index.cfm
About the Technology Design Collective
The Technology Design Collective is a collaborative education and demonstration experience connecting interior designers with the professionals, products, and resources that make integrated home technology more approachable and accessible. Through lively conversations, hands-on experiences, and meaningful industry connections, the Collective helps designers gain confidence, expand creative possibilities, and deliver spaces that are as functional and intuitive as they are beautiful. Learn more at www.technologydesigncollective.com.
Technology Design Collective Media Contact
KMB Communications
Katye McGregor Bennett
Email: kmb@kmbcommunications.com
Phone: 406-446-1283
Media Resources: Event Graphics and Assets