Greetings from the International Vice President

Kathryn Patton-Miller, RDI

Summer 2025 Newsletter

Dear Fellow RDI Members and Design Community,

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes an exciting season of opportunities, recognition, and growth for our global design community. I'm thrilled to share some significant updates and upcoming events that showcase the continued evolution and strength of the Retail Design Institute.

54th Annual International Design Competition Now Open

I'm proud to announce that entries are now open for our 54th Annual International Design Competition – a milestone that speaks to the enduring legacy and impact of our organization. This competition continues to be the premier platform for celebrating exceptional retail experiences across the globe.

We invite contract design firms, in-house retailer design teams, general contractors, allied trades, fixture manufacturers, and material suppliers from around the world to submit projects covering all retail formats. From full-line traditional department stores to specialty apparel stores, restaurants, kiosks, and innovative pop-up shops – we celebrate the full spectrum of retail design excellence.

Entry Details:

• RDI Members: $250 USD per submission

• Non-Members: $375 USD per entry

• Submission Deadline: Friday, July 11, 2025, before 11:55 PM Eastern

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our amazing Awards Committee, led by James Farnell, CID, FRDI, IIDA, MCSD, NCIDQ. This dedicated team has provided the vision for some significant and exciting changes to our competition and awards program that will enhance the experience for all participants.

Exciting New Features Include:

• A completely new platform and submission format including Video submission capabilities

• Submissions include multiple written elements that give you unprecedented control over your messaging – from project consideration to award show descriptions and social media promotion, you are crafting every word!

• New clarified categories with a winner named in each category

• Transformation of Innovation Awards to Outstanding Merit Awards

• Optional $50 add-on that guarantees consideration for an Outstanding Merit Award

• A farewell to our beloved Triad Theatre and a warm welcome to a new, larger venue that will accommodate more in-person attendance

I encourage you to consider anyone you know who has been involved in outstanding projects and invite them to participate. This competition is not just about recognition – it's about elevating our entire industry and inspiring the next generation of retail design excellence.

Member Spotlight: Jessie Sanders, RDI

Jessie Sanders, RDI

This month, I'm delighted to spotlight Jessie Sanders, RDI of ArcVision Inc., whose dedication exemplifies the very best of our community. Jessie is a passionate leader with over 20 years of experience in architecture and design.

As a long-time member, Jessie has served the Heartland Chapter in multiple leadership roles – Secretary, Vice President, and President – demonstrating her unwavering commitment to local engagement. Her service extended to the International Board as International Secretary, and her dedication was evident even before her formal appointment, as she attended meetings simply to learn more about our Institute, its processes, and the commitment she was making.

Jessie's dedication to both our organization and our industry, combined with her steadfast commitment to ethics, have made her an unrivaled asset to the Institute. She often serves as both historian and advisor to the International Executive Board, bringing invaluable institutional knowledge to our decision-making processes. Currently, she's putting that extensive knowledge and leadership experience to use as she heads up our By-Laws Committee – a substantial undertaking for which we are immensely grateful.

Exciting Upcoming Events

Retail Innovation Workshop - A First for RDI!

We're launching our very first Retail Innovation Workshop – a retailer-exclusive intensive half-day session designed specifically for the unique challenges Retail Leadership faces every day. This isn't just another conference; it's a focused, practical experience built around real solutions from real retailers.

What You Can Expect:

• Peer Connection: Connect with colleagues who truly understand your challenges firsthand

• Strategy Sharing: Exchange proven strategies and learn from others' experiences

• Network Building: Build your network of trusted advisors within the retail community

• Immediate Implementation: Every session is designed around practical outcomes with concrete action plans, proven strategies, and clear next steps

Pricing:

• FREE for RDI Members attending Collaborate 2025

• $100 for RDI Members NOT attending Collaborate 2025

• $300 for Non-Members

• Important: You must be a retailer to attend

Registration:

• Register for the Retail Innovation Workshop here.

• Register for Collaborate 2025 here.

CEUs Are Back!

We've heard your feedback, and we're committed to keeping you up-to-date and informed while making those required hours easier to find and more accessible.

Our first offering is scheduled for July 11: "Acoustical Ceiling Restoration" hosted by Pro Coat. Registration is free for members and will open this week. More CEU opportunities will follow throughout the year, so stay tuned for additional announcements.

Membership Benefits Reminder

As we continue to enhance our offerings, I want to remind you of two valuable perks that come with your RDI membership:

• Job Board Access: Both for posting opportunities and browsing available positions

• Direct Messaging: Connect with other members directly through our website platform

Important Reminder: If you change jobs, please keep your contact information current to ensure you continue receiving emails, messages, and important updates from our community.

Upcoming Chapter Elections

Elections are approaching for several of our chapters: Brazil, Canada, The Carolinas, Heartland, India, New England, Spain, Texas, and Twin Cities.

Look for detailed updates on the election process toward the end of this month, with calls for nominations to follow. This is your opportunity to shape the future direction of your local Chapter and contribute to the broader RDI community.

Your Involvement Matters

Your involvement is vital to our shared success, and there are numerous ways to contribute to our thriving community:

• Volunteer for Leadership: Consider volunteering for a board position at the chapter or international level

• Share Your Expertise: Contribute to our upcoming Design Masters series, submit thought leadership pieces, or speak on a panel for your local chapter

• Grow Our Community: Spread the word about The Retail Design Institute and bring your industry friends to our events

• Share Your Ideas: If you have ideas around what you'd like to see from your local chapters or our international initiatives, please reach out to info@retaildesigninstitute.org

Together, we can achieve even greater heights and continue to elevate the retail design profession globally.

Looking Forward

As we move through this dynamic summer season, I'm continually inspired by the passion, creativity, and professionalism that define our community. Our member’s dedication to excellence in retail design continues to define and elevate our entire industry.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our global community. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events and to witnessing the continued growth and connection that makes RDI such a special organization.

Here's to a summer filled with innovation, collaboration, and exceptional design.

Warm regards,

Kathryn Patton-Miller, RDI

Vice President

Retail Design Institute