Whew. We’ve gotten through day one. Well, talking about day one. Are you tired yet? No? Good. Moving right along…
Hearst Tower
House Beautiful and Veranda have great presentations prepared for us this year. After you arrive, check in and get settled (please, please don’t be late!), take in the floor to ceiling 180 degree view of New York City from the 44th floor of the Hearst Tower. WOW! Ok, time to kick things off. House Beautiful editor in chief Newell Turner, joined by a few up-and-coming designers, will talk to our group about what it takes to get your projects, and yourself, noticed by a major magazine.
Veranda editor in chief Dara Caponigro will talk with Timothy Whealon and Daryl Carter about how the May/June issue came to life. Both designers have projects in the magazine, and they’ll discuss all aspects of a large scale project, a magazine shoot, and Dara will speak to how a magazine like Veranda comes together every month. Inspiration overload!
Elle Décor Modern Life Concept House
Buses will be waiting to whisk us from Hearst over to the west side where we’ll be some of the first to see this stellar show house. Snap photos, chat with editor in chief Michael Boodro, and meet some of the designers of the space. You’ll have lots of time to take it all in before we head to the iconic D&D Building for lunch.
Traditional Home Lunch at Lee Jofa
Traditional Home has prepared a summer feast for us, featuring Luke’s Lobster, Nantucket Nectars and more. Designer Robert Brown will be on hand to chat about the furniture he designed for Holland/ Macrae, which will be on display in the front room. Management consultant Keith Granet will speak to the group about some of the amazing work he’s done in our industry, and sign copies of his book, Business of Design.
Ann Maine and Alexa Hampton at Kravet
Following the lunch, we’ll head upstairs where Traditional Home editor in chief Ann Maine will lead a lively discussion about what it means to be “traditional” in today’s world with interior designer Alexa Hampton. Hampton designs fabric and trimming for Kravet, and her work is on display in the Kravet showroom.
Brunschwig & Fils and Laduree Twitter Contest
When you have a few minutes to explore the D&D Building, stop by the Brunschwig & Fils showroom on the 12th floor. Snap a photo of yourself with your favorite item in the showroom, fabric, furniture or otherwise, and post it to Twitter for a chance to win a beautiful gift basket from iconic French brand Laduree. Be sure to use the #blogfest2012 hashtag and mention @BrunschwigFils.
Hard Hat Preview Party at Baccarat
Champagne and sweet treats await upstairs at Baccarat. Our group of Blogfest attendees will be the very first to see Baccarat’s brand new showroom in the D&D Building. It’s so new, in fact, that the space is still under construction. You’ll see how they hang chandeliers and some of the behind the scenes care that goes into the brand’s beautiful crystal products. You’ll also meet designer Vicente Wolf, who is involved with the brand and will join us as a special guest speaker.
Party at GE Monogram
The partying doesn’t stop there! Following Baccarat, we’re heading across the street to GE Monogram, where chefs will have been busy whipping up some great treats for us in their state of the art kitchens. Food and drink will be plentiful, and you’ll love interacting with some of GE’s great products.
Ok, you didn’t get to change your shoes all day, but we sure had fun, didn’t we? Go get some rest and we’ll see you on Wednesday!



