GTA Construction Report staff writer
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) presented Tracy Bowie, vice-president, IIDEX Canada, with the Leadership Award of Excellence for 2013. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the interior design industry, was presented at the seventh annual IDC/IIDA Leaders Breakfast, on Dec. 6 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Canadian advertising legend and CBC Radio host Terry O’Reilly delivered the keynote address.
“There is no finer example of leadership than this year’s honouree,” said IDC CEO Susan Wiggins. “Tracy has the tough job of inspiring the design community through IIDEX each year and she does so with more enthusiasm and energy than anyone I have ever met.”
For more than 15 years, Tracy has directed the sales, marketing, operations and administration of IIDEX Canada. Her enthusiasm and innovative ideas have made the show what it is today – Canada’s largest trade show for the built environment, attracting 15,000 visitors annually.
“I’ve dedicated a great deal of my career to putting on a great show every year because I believe it’s essential to bring the industry together to be inspired, to learn, experience new products and network,” said Bowie. “I’m honoured to receive this award from the interior design community that I serve.”
Tracy has a remarkable ability to connect with people and a constant willingness to try something new. She is known in the industry for her boundless energy and never-give-up attitude. Tracy is a passionate advocate for Canadian design and works to promote Canadian designers both in Canada and internationally.
Tracy began her career at Designers Walk, where she worked for 10 years. She is a member of the advisory board of the School of Interior Design at Ryerson University; she also serves on the board of the Interior Designers of Canada Foundation and is an honourary member of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO).
Keynote speaker Terry O’Reilly illustrated the relationship between marketing and storytelling while inspiring attendees with his own experiences as a producer of more than 500 radio and television advertisements.
