The Art Of Power: A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Convention

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The Dwell on Design 2014 event was held at the LA Convention Center last weekend and The Art Of Power Co-Founder Gwen Beldock and I couldn’t wait to go. Our product design combines quality, style and function so this event held promise to be a perfect match for us in the future. After making a game plan of the vendors we definitely wanted to visit and attending the KBTribeChat for some inside tips – we thought we were prepared for our first encounter. Coming from different directions, we decided to meet there. Gwen chose to drive while I opted to take the train. I’ve always enjoyed the train and had only taken the Metro Expo Line a couple times before – I highly recommend it. Picked it up at Robertson and Venice, dropped me off 2 blocks from LA Convention Center, plus free parking and only a $1.50 per trip fare. Once aboard, I looked over my list of designers and companies that had piqued our interest the most; Miele, GE Monogram, Design Collective, FLOR and Brown Jordan. Since we are a company launching in the next few weeks, these are the design pros that we look up to…AND we had new brochures. Almost felt like a “first-date”; exhilarating, genuinely curious about meeting, and of course, a little nervous! Gwen and I talked on the phone as I rode the train and we both sounded like teenagers going to the prom. Brrrrrnnng, “Where are you?” “We are right in front at Big Ass Fans – you should SEE these fans. They are gorgeous.” “Oh my God, I just saw Miele!” “No!!!” “I SEE YOU” As we began the maze that is DOD2014, Gwen (who is also Chief Creative Officer) looked like the quarterback just asked her on a date in front of the team. Our cheeks hurt from smiling at the brilliant lighting design from Koncepts, ergonomic Multi-Table products and stylish Dutch Urban Cycling bicycles. Most people weave their way up and down each aisle until they have seen all of the booths. We were more like highly caffeinated children at a birthday party, trying to take in all of the amazing elements of Dwell On Design at once. Now we needed to find the talk hosted by GEMonogram with Michael A. Thomas from the Design Alliance for Accessible Sustainable Environments who wrote the book on “designing homes that last a lifetime.” This we couldn’t miss. After only a couple of attempts, we happened upon a very knowledgeable man with an iPad who told us where to go. Kind of like knowing that the music to your special dance is just about to be played…and you have to be there. We were on a mission. Around one last corner and BINGO – we found it. Our favorite phrase from the discussion was “making accessibility sexy”. Maybe Americans are used to a 4” curb at the bottom of their shower, but when was the last time your shower overflowed? This was the question Michael posed to the crowd. Aging in place and the discussion of designing for quality of life over the

long term…now we were blushing. This was exactly what we came here for. Mr. Thomas asked us for not one, but TWO brochures and we had arrived. As I boarded the train home, perusing my business cards, brochures, QRs and t-shirts, all I could do was smile and think about how much The Art Of Power team looks forward to the next connection. Thank you Dwell on Design 2014 for making our first experience special – it was a little stressful, very enlightening and we will be even better prepared next time.