30th Annual Leaders Breakfast®

 The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) is proud to host Lindsay Shookus, a seven-time Emmy Award-winning television producer known for her work on Saturday Night Live (SNL), as the keynote speaker for its 30th annual Leaders Breakfast®. The event will take place on Thursday, May 8th, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers.

Leaders Breakfast® is an annual event series created by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) to celebrate the power of design and honor individuals whose excellence has shaped the industry, environment, and community. Each event features an inspiring keynote speaker, showcases recent chapter achievements, and presents the Leadership Award of Excellence to a member who has made a significant impact on the design industry. For 36 years, Leaders Breakfast® has fostered meaningful connections, providing professionals, students, and emerging designers with invaluable networking opportunities across multiple cities in North America.

At IIDA NY’s Leaders Breakfast®, Shookus will share never-before-heard stories that inspire personal transformation, overcoming obstacles, and building meaningful connections. Her insights will help motivate attendees to embrace their best selves, become better problem solvers, and master the art of building lasting relationships in the design industry. 

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism, Shookus quickly made her mark on Saturday Night Live. She began as an assistant producer and rose to become the head of the talent department over her 20-year tenure. In her role, she was instrumental in booking hosts and musical guests, significantly contributing to the show’s enduring success. 

“Leaders Breakfast® remains a cornerstone of our annual calendar, uniting the design community from across the state for a morning of inspiration, connection, and celebration,” said Anne Drysdale, Co-Host of IIDA NY’s Leaders Breakfast® Committee. Currie Gardner, Co-Host of IIDA NY’s Leaders Breakfast Committee, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Lindsay to our stage. Her remarkable career as a trailblazer, innovator, and leader perfectly aligns with the values and spirit of our series.”

Leaders Breakfast® is hosted by eight local IIDA chapters with the support of IIDA Headquarters, international benefactor MillerKnoll, and media partner Interior Design magazine. The event will provide 1 IDCEC CEU unit for participants. Tickets can be purchased here.