06/16/2026
Night one kicked off with a welcome dinner at Parkers' Restaurant & Bar in Chicago. Great food, even better company and exactly the kind of night you hope for when you land in a new city.
Day two was the real work. We were at Elkay USA HQ from breakfast straight through late afternoon, sitting in the same room with their research, marketing and business teams alongside designers from across the country. This was not a passive day. We were deep in it, brainstorming what clients are actually asking for, what is not being addressed, and where the industry needs to catch up. The kind of focused, honest conversation that only happens when the right people are all in the room at the same time. And if you ever doubt that Elkay is serious about their craft, look up when you walk into their office. The ceiling installation is made entirely from the metal cut-outs used to fabricate stainless steel sink drains. What was once scraps is now a beautiful showcase of art. That detail tells you everything about the kind of company they strive to be.
To close out the day, Elkay treated us to a river cruise through downtown Chicago. Rain and all, the views of the architecture and the history of those bridges did not disappoint. We wrapped the evening at Three Dots and a Dash, a perfect spot to come up for air and celebrate a really full day.
