WHAT TO EXPECT . . . Join the Okanagan Society for Interior Designers for our signature event of the year! This event is known for bringing the Okanagan Design Community together; Interior Designers, Architects, Technicians and other industry professionals under one roof for a value packed day of events.
Professionals have the opportunity to participate in a number of professional development CEU offerings in the morning, followed by a networking luncheon and then the afternoon kicks off our industry tabletop showcase! An alternative to tradeshows, the tabletop is a meet-and-greet event that is open to all. See all the latest and greatest products and connect with manufacturers, suppliers, fellow interior designers, architects and others from the building industry, all in one place. When: Thursday May 21st, 2026 Where: UBC Okanagan Campus - Engineering, Management & Education Building 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1X 7S2 |
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subject to revisions)Wednesday May 20th 2026 - PRE-EVENT PARTY
Thursday May 21st 2026 - ODEX
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INDUSTRY BREAKFAST PANEL - How Global Trends Influence our Workplace Connections
This year's ODEX 2026 Breakfast Panel, "How Global Trends Influence our Workplace Connections," will build on last year's discussion by focusing on how global trends
— social, economic, and political — are shaping our industries by how we work, design, and connect.
— social, economic, and political — are shaping our industries by how we work, design, and connect.
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Mark Stewart,
Teknion Regional Vice President, Western Canada With over 25 years in Commercial Office Interiors, Mark offers a unique bench-to-boardroom perspective. He began his career as a journeyman cabinetmaker, honing a deep appreciation for materials and craftsmanship. Through leadership roles in Manufacturing, Estimating, and Operations, he developed a holistic understanding of the built environment. Today, Mark is proud to serve as the Regional Vice President for Western Canada at Teknion, where he leads a team of passionate industry professionals to help clients create exceptional, high-performance workspaces that balance functional design with operational excellence.
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Michelle Guenther,
A&D Segment, MPI Level 1/2/3 Certified Architectural & Design Representative for Benjamin Moore & Co. Michelle Guenther is an Architectural and Design Representative with Benjamin Moore, bringing over 26 years of experience working with designers and architects across both the flooring and paint industries. For the past nine years, she has supported the Vancouver and Okanagan markets, focusing on product specifications, colour strategy, and guiding projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. Michelle is known for her collaborative approach and for helping clients translate design intent into practical, well-executed solutions. She is actively involved in the design community, volunteering with ODEX and serving as the Student Ambassador for VSID.
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Arthur Tsang,
Residential Project Manager Westpoint Sales Inc. Arthur has a strong background not only in plumbing but also in the design industry, particularly with his long involvement in A&D (Architecture and Design). His participation in events like VSID, NKBA, and NEWH shows his commitment to staying connected with trends and innovations in design. His extensive experience likely makes him a valuable resource in both the plumbing and design sectors. It's great that he also balances his professional life with family time, spending quality moments with his wife and two kids. That must provide him with a well-rounded perspective both in his career and personal life! |
Kassia Giroux,
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CEU SEMINAR SPEAKERS
IDCEC accredited seminars will be focused on this year's theme of Health and Wellness ... Stay tuned for updates
This year's ODEX 2026 Breakfast Panel, titled "Local Impact with Global Decisions," will build on last year's discussion by focusing on how global trends — social, economic, and political — are shaping our local interior design contexts by how we adapt, supply, and educate.
This year's ODEX 2026 Breakfast Panel, titled "Local Impact with Global Decisions," will build on last year's discussion by focusing on how global trends — social, economic, and political — are shaping our local interior design contexts by how we adapt, supply, and educate.
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Alyssa Myshok, BID, RID IDIBC, WELL AP, TiD-B Credentialed, Principal, Blue-Fish Studio
A graduate from the University of Manitoba’s Interior Design program, Alyssa worked at a variety of large and small design firms in Vancouver and Alberta, prior to establishing BlueFish Studio. This experience has afforded her a diverse portfolio of projects both in scope and use – hotels, restaurants, offices, healthcare facilities, sports facilities and private homes. Throughout her career she has been keenly interested in the psychology of interior design – the power of a space to influence our emotions … to excite, inspire, comfort … or, on the flip side, to repel. This fascination has brought her to current studies of neuroaesthetics, design for neuroinclusion and the practice of Trauma-informed Design. Alyssa is a past president of IDIBC and current president of the newly formed PIDAA – the Professional Interior Designers Advocacy Association of BC. Outside of the office she can be found in the woods pedalling up mountain bike trails, skimming the water in a kayak or embracing the winter air on local cross country ski trails. Seminar#1: Trauma-Informed Design: A Primer
IDCEC Accreditation #: Approved for CEU Credits: IDCEC 1.0 Self-Directed; AIBC 1 Core Seminar Description and Key Learning Objectives: Trauma-informed Design (TiD) is emerging as a specialized field of practice which, at its core, results in spaces that embody safety, foster resilience, and support healing. This presentation provides a brief broad-based understanding of trauma: types, effects on the brain, and symptoms. The Trauma-informed Design framework is outlined and the role of the designer in the TiD framework discussed. Finally projects that have implemented the Trauma-informed Design process are presented. |
Michelle Guenther, A&D Segment, MPI Level 1/2/3 Certified. Architectural and Design Representative for Benjamin Moore
Michelle Guenther is an Architectural and Design Representative with Benjamin Moore, bringing over 26 years of experience working with designers and architects across both the flooring and paint industries. For the past nine years, she has supported the Vancouver and Okanagan markets, focusing on product specifications, colour strategy, and guiding projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. Michelle is known for her collaborative approach and for helping clients translate design intent into practical, well-executed solutions. She is actively involved in the design community, volunteering with ODEX and serving as the Student Ambassador for VSID. Seminar#2: Color and Paint in Environments for the Aging
IDCEC Accreditation #: Approved for CEU Credits: IDCEC 1.0 HSW / AIA 1.0 HSW Seminar Description and Key Learning Objectives: This course provides an overview of the changes in color perception because of aging or disease. This course examines the various types of common care environments available for the elderly and features a discussion on the application of low- or no-VOC, durable, high-quality paint, and appropriate color use to facilitate wayfinding. |
DON'T WAIT TO REGISTER - THIS EVENT SELLS OUT
THE FULL DAY EVENT PACKAGE
*** WANT TO SAVE UP TO $110 ON YOUR ODEX PACKAGE? ***
BE SURE TO REGISTER AS A 2026 OSID MEMBER BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR ODEX EVENT AND SAVE BIG!!
BE SURE TO REGISTER AS A 2026 OSID MEMBER BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR ODEX EVENT AND SAVE BIG!!
TABLETOP TRADESHOW ONLY
1:30pm kicks off our industry tabletop tradeshow showcase! An alternative to tradeshows, the tabletop is a meet-and-greet event that is open to all. See all the latest and greatest products and connect with manufacturers, suppliers, fellow interior designers, architects and others from the building industry, all in one place. Lots of door prizes, wine, good times and a great community of people! Hours this year have been extended so that you may join in on the fun after your workday. We know your schedules are busy so providing flexible times for you to tour and connect with vendors and the design community is our priority.
WHO CAN YOU EXPECT
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