2026 won’t look like 2025.
Economic pressures, shifting client priorities, accelerated adoption of new technology, and evolving design trends are forcing firms and manufacturers to rethink how they compete. The next year will separate those who adapt from those who get left behind.
Watch the full panel on demand and walk away with insights into how to sharpen strategy, allocate resources, and lead with confidence in 2026.
What You’ll Learn
And keep the conversation going with these helpful reads from today's panelists:
Dayna Prepis is Vice President of Marketing at UpSpring, where she leads creative, strategy-driven marketing initiatives for clients across the design industry. A New Jersey native, Dayna studied communications at Ramapo College through a self-designed program focused on PR and advertising. After launching her career at a small startup agency, she evolved her skills through roles at Interior Design magazine, a boutique hospitality design firm, and an international flooring brand—experiences that gave her a 360-degree perspective on the interconnected worlds of design, architecture, and marketing.
At UpSpring, Dayna combines creative vision with strategic insight, generating bold ideas and guiding collaborative brainstorming sessions that unlock fresh perspectives. She thrives on the variety of possibilities in the design world, from grand architectural gestures to material specifications, and finds joy in helping clients tell their stories with clarity and impact. Passionate about supporting women in business, she’s proud to be part of a female-led firm that shares her values. Off the clock, Dayna is a proud mom, hockey fan, and loves a good kitchen dance party.
Pamela McNally is Head of Field Marketing and Market Development at Houzz Pro, the leading business management software for design professionals. Previously, she served as SVP of Marketing & Digital at NKBA, where she directed brand strategy, content, member engagement, partnerships, and KBIS—the largest kitchen and bath trade show in North America. She has held senior leadership roles at SANDOW Design Group, Niche Media, and Hachette Filipacchi, overseeing digital, editorial, and branded content for clients like Mercedes-Benz, Aveda, and Cadillac.
A frequent speaker on digital strategy, AI and design trends, Pamela has presented at KBIS, NeoCon, High Point Market, and industry events nationwide, including conferences for Fortune 500 companies.
Jennifer Graham has delivered multiple award-winning, high-profile projects for over 30 years. Her success comes from her special approach to project management that builds mentorship into the process. She creates and upholds a supportive, positive, and empathetic work environment for her teams. She received an honorary doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) in May, her alma mater.
As a bold champion for DEI, social purpose and sustainability, Jennifer brings these issues to the forefront in her client work and community service. In 2009, she founded LMNOP NYC, Inc., an organization that offered networking and affordable continuing education credits to designers. Following LMNOP’s acquisition by IIDA NY, she currently serves as IIDA NY’s Vice President of Action and 2021 Catalyst Chair.
Ryan Smith is 3formʼs Chief Creative Officer, leading 3form, 3form Elements, and LightArtʼs design approach and innovation. He collaborates with teams across the 3form companies to apply his insight to long-term product planning and overall design decisions.
He also regularly contributes to the company's sustainability mission, strategizing on Align—3formʼs comprehensive sustainability program focused on the three main pillars of people, product, and planet. He was instrumental in the company receiving a JUST Label, equally prioritizing quality products and employee care.
Smith has been part of the design industry for more than 30 years as an architect and business owner, founding and selling two design-focused companies. After studying architecture at the University of Southern California and starting his architectural career with DMJM in Los Angeles, Smith became the architectural department leader for world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. He later launched LightArt.
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