Wednesday, October 7
Day 1
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Exhibition
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Conferences
- 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Lunch / Bistro
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Cocktail / Networking
Explore the full Expo Design 2026 program, including conferences, key moments, and activities across multiple stages.
Wednesday, October 7
Thursday, October 8
Philippe Hébert – Lightbeans
Discover how the next generation of designers visualize, select, and integrate materials into their projects.
Christian Marin – Dorr Industries
Marc-Antoine Bélisle
Discover Expo Design’s guest conferences and exhibitor presentations.
Caroline Dubuc — Bureau du design de la Ville de Montréal
Conference in French.
Conference presented by Caroline Dubuc — Bureau du design de la Ville de Montréal.
Since joining the Bureau du design team, Caroline has notably contributed to the implementation of design and architecture competition processes in Montréal and has supported their rollout for more than 15 years. She is currently working to promote the role and importance of design, as well as the key contribution designers and architects can make to advancing the circular economy in the construction sector.
The reuse ecosystem in Montréal’s construction-renovation-demolition sector is taking shape. Attend the presentation of an initial map of the stakeholders needed at each stage of a project to successfully carry out circular projects.
Organized according to the sequence of a project, this map unfolds as a complete reuse scenario. It is a tool that applies just as well to design and architecture projects as it does to events, landscape projects, scenography and museum productions.
Marie-Chantal Milette — Kryptonie
Conference in French.
Marie-Chantal Milette is one of the few color specialists in the world. A graduate of The Creative Circus in graphic design and advertising, she also studied with Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone® Color Institute and a global authority on color psychology.
Known for successfully predicting the Pantone Color of the Year on several occasions, she is now a sought-after speaker and trainer. She works with organizations such as Sico, Formica, L'Oréal, Costco, Logiflex, Artopex and APDIQ, and has already introduced thousands of professionals to the power of color. Through her conferences, she shares a unique perspective that transforms the way we see, understand and use color.
What trends will shape the spaces, products and behaviors of tomorrow? Through an accessible and inspiring analysis, color expert Marie-Chantal Milette will present the five major trends that will define 2027. Emerging colors, rising materials, new processes and changing consumer expectations: this conference offers a concrete preview of the future to help design professionals make better decisions today. Leave with tangible ideas you can begin integrating into your projects right away.
Judive Jean-Gilles & Florence Morin-Laurin — Les Elles de la construction
Conference in French.
Judive Jean-Gilles is Chair of the Board of Les Elles de la construction and President of Cygne Béton, a Québec company specializing in the design and fabrication of concrete furniture and architectural elements. As co-founder of the company, she combines management, design, creativity and entrepreneurship in a sector where materials, precision and on-site execution are central to project quality. Committed to the recognition and professional development of women in the industry, she brings an entrepreneurial, hands-on and strategic perspective.
Florence Morin-Laurin is President of FML Consultation and a member of the Board of Directors of Les Elles de la construction. With a background in construction, she has worked in project management, business development and strategy with companies in the construction, real estate and professional services sectors. Her work focuses in particular on structuring growth, showcasing expertise and developing lasting business relationships. At Les Elles, she applies this strategic perspective to increasing the visibility of women and supporting their full participation in the evolution of the industry.
Presented by Les Elles de la construction, this conference highlights the concrete contribution of women and diverse teams to the building, design and construction industries. For more than 13 years, Les Elles de la construction has supported the recognition, professional development and visibility of women in an industry that remains largely male-dominated.
In design projects, the quality of the spaces delivered depends as much on the richness of the exchanges within the team as on the individual talent of its members. When professionals with complementary profiles work together, they draw on a broader range of references, experiences and perspectives, resulting in greater creativity, more effective problem solving and spaces that better meet the real needs of their occupants.
Through examples from their own practice, Judive Jean-Gilles and Florence Morin-Laurin illustrate how diversity of profiles, roles and viewpoints directly influences design decisions and overall project performance. Their discussion is grounded in concrete situations where a different perspective helped identify an issue, reveal a blind spot or open an unexpected creative path.
A conference rooted in real-world experience that invites design professionals to reflect on the composition and dynamics of their project teams, as well as the role women play in the decisions that shape our spaces, construction sites and living environments.
Nicolas Brien — Parkour3
Conference in French with simultaneous English translation.
Conference presented by Nicolas Brien — Parkour3.
For several years, Nicolas Brien has helped manufacturing, technology and professional services companies with their digital transformation at Parkour3, Québec’s largest HubSpot partner agency. His expertise spans the entire journey: CRM architecture, automation and, above all, the discoverability disciplines of SEO and AEO.
A regular speaker on Québec’s digital scene, he has presented at events including Stratégie PME and Salon Connexion. He approaches digital strategy with the same discipline as a training program: solid foundations, measured progression and consistent execution.
Your customers no longer search the way they used to: they ask a question and receive an answer generated by artificial intelligence, which decides which brands to cite and which to ignore. ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini and Google’s AI Overviews no longer return ten blue links—they write the answer. In this new landscape, ranking well is no longer enough: you need to be understood, cited and recommended by the machine.
This presentation explores Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), an emerging discipline that determines a brand’s visibility in answer engines. From information structure and visual hierarchy to trust signals, we will see how seemingly minor design decisions directly influence your presence in AI-generated answers. The goal? To leave with a clear understanding of the concrete and often overlooked levers that make the difference between a brand that gets cited and one that remains invisible.
Jenchieh Hung & Kulthida Songkittipakdee — HAS design and research
Conference in English with simultaneous French translation.
Conference presented by Jenchieh Hung + Kulthida Songkittipakdee / HAS design and research. Expo Design presentation by Kulthida Songkittipakdee.
Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee are internationally renowned architects based in Bangkok and founders of Jenchieh Hung + Kulthida Songkittipakdee / HAS design and research.
Their practice stands out for an approach that combines research, experimentation and a commitment to sustainable, context-sensitive architecture.
Their signature projects include Museum of Modern Aluminum Thailand, Simple Art Museum, High Line Bangkok, Aluminum Grotto and Public Ground, The Glade Bookstore, Forest Villa and Casa de Zanotta.
Their work has received widespread international recognition. Their firm was notably the first in Thailand to be included in the Wallpaper Architects' Directory in the United Kingdom and featured in the Louis Vuitton City Guide Bangkok. They have also received major distinctions such as the Créateurs Design Award in France and the Golden Trezzini Award in Russia.
They have been invited to serve as jurors for leading international platforms, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) – RIBA International Awards: Asia Pacific, as well as the Grands Prix du Design Awards.
Alongside their practice, they have received lifetime honorary professorships and teach at Tongji University and Chulalongkorn University, actively contributing to the evolution of contemporary architectural discourse.
Chameleon Architecture: Designing for a World in Transition is part of Jenchieh Hung + Kulthida Songkittipakdee / HAS design and research’s ongoing exploration of architecture’s ability to adapt, transform and respond to an ever-changing global context.
In a world shaped by environmental uncertainty, social change and accelerating technology, architects and professors Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee view design as a living system rather than a fixed solution.
Their approach emphasizes flexibility, modularity and cultural sensitivity as essential drivers of resilience. Like a chameleon, architecture must continually negotiate between permanence and transformation, integrating with its context while maintaining a strong identity.
Jean-Luc Vincent, Benoit Meunier & Afram Karazivan — IES-Montréal
Conference in French with simultaneous English translation.
Conference presented by a panel of IES-Montréal experts.
A graduate of UQAM in Environmental Design and LC-certified by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions, Jean-Luc Vincent brings more than 40 years of lighting expertise. A specialist in developing innovative technological solutions, he has worked with leading North American manufacturers to support building professionals on their projects.
Deeply involved with the Illuminating Engineering Society, he has served twice as President of the IES-Montréal section and as Vice-President for District 1 at the national level.
A lighting professional with 43 years of experience, Benoit Meunier has extensive expertise in lighting design and solutions tailored to a wide range of environments. A holder of the Lighting Certification (LC) and a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES Montréal), he has contributed to the evolution of lighting practices by combining performance, safety and energy efficiency.
Throughout his career, Benoit has also been deeply involved in education and training, sharing his knowledge and supporting the development of new generations of lighting professionals.
After growing up in a family-owned lighting retail business, Afram had the opportunity to work in lighting product manufacturing and design before joining EDP in Montréal. With more than 18 years of experience in specification, he has collaborated with architects, designers and engineers on several major award-winning lighting projects in Québec.
Designing quality lighting requires strategic decisions with lasting consequences. During this presentation, IES-Montréal will bring together a panel of seasoned experts to discuss real-world challenges.
From theory to practice, this group of experts will explore critical aspects of interior and exterior lighting design. The objective? To identify the often-overlooked variables that influence the success of a concept. Join us for a candid discussion about the smart choices to prioritize in a constantly evolving technological landscape.
Mardi Najafi & Joanne Chan — SDI Design
Conference in English with simultaneous French translation.
Conference presented by Mardi Najafi and Joanne Chan — SDI Design.
Mardi Najafi is Senior Principal and Chief Creative Officer at SDI Design. With more than two decades of experience designing commercial environments, Mardi is recognized for his strategic vision and ability to create retail spaces that combine brand identity, performance and customer experience. He has led major international projects for leading brands across North America and beyond, at the intersection of design, technology and commerce.
Joanne Chan is Senior Principal and Chief Innovation Officer at SDI Design. A specialist in digital ecosystems and technology integration in retail, Joanne explores how AI, data and omnichannel strategies are transforming the relationship between brands and their customers. Her work sits at the intersection of innovation, strategic design and the transformation of retail formats.
Retail in North America is entering a new era shaped by changing consumer expectations, economic uncertainty, digital acceleration and the renewed importance of physical experience. As brands rethink the role, connections and performance of their stores, retail environments are becoming more agile, more experiential and more operationally intelligent.
This conference explores the major forces redefining retail across North America and beyond: from omnichannel integration and AI-powered personalization to evolving store formats, workforce challenges and new definitions of value. Through design perspectives, emerging case studies and industry analysis, the conference examines how retailers can remain relevant, resilient and competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Participants will gain a forward-looking understanding of the trends shaping the future of retail and the opportunities emerging for brands ready to rethink the role of the physical store.
Stéphane Bernier, Claire Tousignant, Jacynthe Leduc, Raphaëlle Parenteau & Tony Babinski
Conference in French with simultaneous English translation.
Panel moderator: Stéphane Bernier. Panelists: Claire Tousignant, Jacinthe Leduc, Raphaëlle Parenteau, Tony Babinski.
With several decades of experience, Stéphane Bernier leads the commercial environments practice at Ædifica. Recognized for his ability to transform brand identities into high-value spatial experiences, he has led major projects for local, North American and international brands across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. His approach, at the intersection of architecture, experience design and brand strategy, aims to create environments that generate engagement, desirability and measurable results.
A director and partner at MASSIVart, a Montréal firm active internationally in cultural strategy, public art and place-based experiences, Claire Tousignant develops integrated strategies that connect artistic vision, business objectives and long-term impact. She works with real estate developers and institutional partners, orchestrating complex projects in which design, production and implementation form a coherent whole.
With more than two decades in the industry, Jacinthe Leduc leads creative development and global expansion strategies for the Garage and Dynamite brands at Groupe Dynamite Inc., with major rollouts across North America and Europe. Her portfolio includes prestigious corporate environments and award-winning international flagships, where she combines bold imagination, rigorous execution and environmental commitment.
With nearly 20 years of experience designing major projects for clients in the corporate, cultural, institutional and hospitality sectors, Raphaëlle Parenteau develops workplace strategies at Ædifica that respond to the new realities of the world of work. Her collaborative approach, grounded in market intelligence, aims to create environments that accurately reflect each organization’s values and ambitions.
Tony Babinski works at the intersection of retail, architecture and placemaking, specializing in shaping customer journeys that transform spaces into destinations. His projects include Adidas stores in New York, London and China, the award-winning MuvBox in Times Square, a museum for Ajax in Amsterdam, and the JARDIN D'HIVER installation with Ædifica. He is also the author of the official history of Cirque du Soleil and co-author of “Conversational Capital” (Financial Times Press).
An experience-centered approach—storytelling, journey mapping and attention to people—has become a pillar of the most innovative design practices.
By moving beyond the purely functional and technical, designers can place experience at the heart of the project. Every decision then contributes to a coherent, meaningful journey—from initial sketch to final delivery.
Successful experiential design creates deep reactions: surprise, wonder and a sense of belonging. These emotions transcend trends and give rise to environments that endure.
For architects and designers, an “experience-first” methodology is also a powerful tool. It clarifies intent, aligns stakeholders and protects the integrity of the project against the inevitable compromises of budget and schedule.
Johannie Sirois-Paquette — Formica Canada
Johannie works with architects, designers and fabricators to select and implement innovative, sustainable surface solutions.
This presentation explores how color choices in commercial environments influence functionality, emotional impact and the user experience.
Cedrick McClish — Hettich
With more than twenty years of experience in woodworking, design and hardware, Cedrick McClish has developed a unique expertise: understanding and demystifying products to transform a piece of furniture on paper into one that moves. His strength lies in making technical concepts simple, logical and engaging so that every project can move from drawing to real movement.
He began his career in 2004 as Chief Estimator in architectural millwork, where he developed an in-depth understanding of manufacturing details. In 2013, at Prémoulé, he refined his customer service and listening skills, then developed his leadership in operational management at the St-Jérôme & Joliette Cutting Centres starting in 2015.
In 2017, he joined Hettich Canada and discovered his true calling: teaching. Today, he works with designers, architects, cabinetmakers, furniture assemblers, manufacturers and specialized workshops using a practical, accessible approach grounded in real-world experience. His philosophy: “If the person I train doesn’t become better than me, I haven’t done my job.”
Since 2025, Cedrick has been a speaker at EXPO Bois Design, EXPO Inspiration & Tendance and the current edition of EXPO Bois Design. He is also a presenter of the 2025 Hettich Design Chronicles.
FurnSpin transforms furniture into a true experience with a 180° pivot that reveals, conceals and transforms. Hettich outdoor kitchens, meanwhile, push the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
Christian Marin — Dörr Industries
With more than 25 years of international experience in sales and business development, Christian has recognized expertise in B2B account management, specialized furniture and consumer products.
Philippe Hébert — Lightbeans
Philippe Hébert is co-founder and CEO of Lightbeans, a Québec technology company transforming how materials are visualized and specified in architecture.
Discover how the next generation of designers visualizes, selects and integrates materials into projects using visualization tools and hyper-realistic 3D textures.
Marc-Antoine Bélisle — Dörr Industries
For the past four years at Dörr Industries, Marc-Antoine has supported clients with the specification and installation of Integra “FLUSH WALL DOOR” systems.
Johannie Sirois-Paquette — Formica Canada
Johannie works with architects, designers and fabricators to select and implement innovative, sustainable surface solutions.
Discover the latest FENIX® products and Homapal® metallic laminate innovations: shimmering 3D patterns, satin copper finishes and inspiring surfaces for elegant, durable designs.