Color Marketing Groupยฎ

Color Marketing Group® (CMG) is The Premier International Association for Color Design Professionals®. Our mission is creating accurate and relevant color and trend forecast information by connecting global color professionals in their shared passion.

A not-for-profit international association of color design professionals, Color Marketing Group® is a forum for the exchange of all things color. Members represent a broad spectrum of designers, marketers, color scientists, consultants, educators, and artists.

Since 1962, CMG members have been turning a shared passion for color, into business opportunities across all industries. Our members come together at local and international color forecasting events to interpret, create, forecast, and select colors with the goal of enhancing manufactured goods and services. By collaborating, we better identify the direction of color and design trends. Then, interpret that information across industries.

You live in color and so do we. Its influences are everywhere, the environment, social issues, changing political climates – they all impact color in one industry, which have a reverberating effect on another. We believe the only way to stay competitive within such constant change, is by harnessing each other’s endless flow of knowledge and understanding.

https://colormarketing.org/

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Experience Something New

Bridging research with practical insights, Chromatic Connections celebrates the influential role of color in shaping brand narratives, engaging audiences, and sparking cross-industry creativity.


Chromatic Connections invites color leaders and emerging innovators alike to explore the forefront of color directions that foster impactful connections and open doors for growth in today's evolving color ecosystem.


This dual-event experience includes the Virtual Summit Reveal and the International Summit, seamlessly blending Color Marketing Group's globally-informed World Color Forecastโ„ข insights and analysis, developed through proven methodologies and multiple perspectives, with hands-on workshops and expert-led workshops highlighting advances in CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design.


Together, these two events embody CMG's collaborative spirit, emphasizing the power of networking and knowledge exchange within the CMF community.

SEPTEMBER 04, 2025: VIRTUAL SUMMIT REVEAL

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 02, 2025: INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT

Virtual Summit Reveal

๏ปฟSeptember 04, 2025

Virtual on Zoom


CMG will unveil the regional 2027+ Color Forecastโ„ข for Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, and, for the first time, insights from Southeast Africa.

International Summit

๏ปฟSeptember 30-October 02, 2025

Dallas, Texas


CMG's International Summit will provide various opportunities to connect and collaborate with other color design experts from diverse industriesโ€”people who, like you, are always seeking inspiration and discovering what's next in color.

Program

September 04, 2025

Virtual Summit Reveal

10:45 - 11:00 - Login in to Zoom

11:00 - 11:20 - President Welcome by Montaha Hidefi

11:20 - 11:50 - 2027+ Asia Pacific Forecast by Judith Briggs

11:50 - 12:20 - 2027+ Europe Forecast by Nina Karsten

12:20 - 12:30 - Comfort Break 

12:30 - 01:00 - 2027+ Latin America Forcast by Alexandra Avalos

01:00 - 01:30 - 2027+ North America Forecast by Lora Di Fabio

01:30 - 02:00 - 2027+ Southeast Africa Forecast by Laura Tofts

02:00 - 03:00 - ColorChat conducted by Mercedes Landazuri

September 30, 2025

International Summit - DAY ONE (Berkley Room)

12:00 - 12:40 - Registration & Seating

12:40 - 12:45 - Welcome & Call to Order

12:45 - 01:00 - President Welcome Remarks by Montaha Hidefi

01:00 - 02:00 - Guest Speaker (to be announced)

02:00 - 02:30 - 2027+ Material & Finish Report by Mercedes Landazuri

02:30 - 02:45 - Comfort Break

02:45 - 03:15 - NCS 80th Anniversary by Karl Johan Bertilson

03:15 - 05:00 - ColorBridge Workshop, conducted by Doty Horn & Kevin Harvy


06:00 - 07:00 - Cocktail Hour (location to be confirmed)

07:00 - 09:00 - Networking Dinner (locations to be confirmed)

October 01, 2025

International Summit - DAY TWO (Berkley Room)

08:30 - 08:40 - Call to Order & Remarks

08:40 - 09:00 - Your CMG Toolbox: Tools, Trends, and Connections by Paula Leonard

09:00 - 09:30 - 2027+ World Color Forecast Analysis by Peggy Van Allen

09:30 - 10:30 - Guest Speaker (to be announced)

10:30 - 10:50 - Comfort Break

10:50 - 12:00 - The Lost Art of Mosaic, Presentation & Workshop by Allison Eden

12:00 - 01:00 - Lunch Break

01:00 - 05:00 -ColorContext Workshop conducted by Sandy Sampson

October 02, 2025

International Summit - DAY THREE (Berkley Room)

08:30 - 08:40 - Call to Order & Remarks

08:40 - 09:00 -CMG Student Chapter Progream & Color Forecast by Renee Hytry

09:00 - 09:30 - 2027+ Global Color Directions by Montaha Hidefi

09:30 - 10:30 - Interactive CMG Townhall Panel, moderated by Daniel LaDuc

10:30 - 10:40 - President Remarks by Montaha Hidefi

10:40 - 11:00 - Comfort Break

11:00 - 12:00 - Future Thinking Workshop conducted by Kiki Redhead at al

12:00 - 12:45 - Lunch Break

12:45 - 04:30 - Future Thinking Workshop conducted by Kiki Redhead at al

Virtual Reveal Presenters

Judith Briggs

Revealing 2027+ Asia Pacific Color Forecast

๏ปฟ

Connect with Judith​

๏ปฟ

Nina Karsten

Revealing 2027+ Europe Color Forecast

๏ปฟ

Connect with Nina​

Alexandra Avalos

Revealing 2027+ Latin America Color Forecast


Connect wit Alexandra​

Lora Di Fabio

Revealing 2027+ North America Color Forecast


Connect with Lora​

LauraTofts

Presenting 2027+ Insights from Southeast Africa


Connect with Laura​

CMG-Member - Virtual Summit Reveal Standalone Ticket

Access to Virtual Summit Reveal only.
This events starts at 11:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm ET.
Registrants who are unable to attend the Virtual Summit Reveal will receive a link to the recording.
Tickets non-refundable.

Member Price$90
Register

Non-Member - Virtual Summit Reveal Standalone Ticket

Access to Virtual Summit Reveal only.
This events starts at 11:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm ET.
Registrants who are unable to attend the Virtual Summit Reveal will receive a link to the recording.
Tickets non-refundable.

Standard Price$200
Register

CMG-Member Student & YP - Virtual Summit Reveal Standalone Ticket

Access to Virtual Summit Reveal only.
This events starts at 11:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm ET.
Registrants who are unable to attend the Virtual Summit Reveal will receive a link to the recording.
Tickets non-refundable.

Member Price$50
Register

Non-Member Student & YP - Virtual Summit Reveal Standalone Ticket

Access to Virtual Summit Reveal only.
This events starts at 11:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm ET.
Registrants who are unable to attend the Virtual Summit Reveal will receive a link to the recording.
Tickets non-refundable.
MUST PROVIDE STUDENT ID OR PROOF OF GRADUATION

Standard Price$50
Register

CMG Member Virtual Summit Reveal + In-person International Summit Ticket

COMBO ticket allows access to the Virtual Summit Reveal & the In-person International Summit in Dallas, TX.
Registrants who are unable to attend the Virtual Summit Reveal will receive a link to the recording.
EARLY REGISTRATION PRICE ENDS ON MARCH 31, 2025.

Member Early Bird Price$650
Member Price$750
Register

Non-Member Virtual Summit Reveal + In-person International Summit Ticket

COMBO ticket allows access to the Virtual Summit Reveal & the In-person International Summit in Dallas, TX.
Registrants who are unable to attend the Virtual Summit Reveal will receive a link to the recording.
EARLY REGISTRATION PRICE ENDS ON MARCH 31, 2025.

Early Bird Price$1,000
Standard Price$1,100
Register

CMG Member Student & YP - Virtual Summit Reveal + In-person International Summit Ticket

COMBO ticket allows access to the Virtual Summit Reveal & the In-person International Summit in Dallas, TX.
Registrants who are unable to attend the Virtual Summit Reveal will receive a link to the recording.
EARLY REGISTRATION PRICE ENDS ON MARCH 31, 2025.

Member Price$100
Register

Non-Member Student & YP - Virtual Summit Reveal + In-person International Summit Ticket

COMBO ticket allows access to the Virtual Summit Reveal & the In-person International Summit in Dallas, TX.
Registrants who are unable to attend the Virtual Summit Reveal will receive a link to the recording.
EARLY REGISTRATION PRICE ENDS ON MARCH 31, 2025.

Early Bird Price$100
Register

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON AUGUST 30, 2024 AT 05:00 pm ET.


CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY


Virtual Summit Reveal standalone ticket

Tickets are not refundable.


Virtual Summit Reveal + In-person International Summit combo ticket

On or before August 15, 2025 โ€“ Refunds will incur a $100 administration fee.

August 16 โ€“ September 03, 2025 โ€“ Refunds will incur a $150 administration fee.

No refunds will be processed after September 03, 2025.

International Summit Guest Speakers

COLOR: Hidden Meanings Every Colorist Should Know

Tuesday, September 30, 01:00-02:00 - Ellen Divers

Color forecasters rely on a deep sensitivity to color to anticipate future preferences. While color is often considered a universal language, understanding it is one thing, speaking it fluently is another.

Recent research is transforming our understanding of color perception. Unlike 20th-century psychology, which linked emotions to hues (e.g., red as stimulating, blue as calming), 21st-century research explores the psychological impact of value and chroma, dimensions that may influence emotional responses more than hue alone.

Ellen Divers​, an independent design theorist and researcher, pioneers an evidence-based approach to color interpretation. Born in the U.S. and raised in Argentina, her cross-cultural perspective informs her exploration of how people respond to color. With degrees in Psychology, Interior Design, Studio Art, and Education. In her presentation, Ellen blends research with design, challenging traditional assumptions about color's emotional impact through her Value-Chroma Paradigm. She has presented at international color conferences, including AIC and Color Impact, and spoken at RTP180: COLOR in North Carolina. Her work is published in Color Research and Application and JAIC, and is working on a follow-up study to her first, "Beyond hue: the affective response to value and chroma". She has held leadership roles with the Inter-Society Color Council and IACC-NA. Currently, Ellen's method for color design is being tested with entertainment design students at the University of Texas at Austin, with plans to expand it to a wider audience of design professionals.

The Important Role Of Color Language

Tuesday, September 30, 02:45-03:15 - Karl-Johan Bertilsson

Why do we need a color language?

Color is a universal yet highly subjective experience, making a standardized color language essential for clear communication across industries. For over 80 years, researchers have explored the complexities of color perception, leading to the development of scientifically grounded systems like NCS, Natural Colour System.

Rooted in human vision, NCS translates color into a structured, logical model based on how we perceive hue, chromaticness, blackness, and whiteness. This system enables color professionals to specify and reproduce colors with precision, ensuring consistency across applications in design, architecture, and product development.

Karl-Johan Bertilsson is originally a Linguist and ran his own language school in Mexico for 11 years. In 1997, he switched from the broad discipline of languages to the more focus color language of NCS.

Since then, his full focus has been to help companies architect and design communities, universities and colleges to become successful with color.

Karl first delivered a color trend workshop to CMG members in 2007 and since then he has worked continuously with color trends globally, with full responsibility for NCS color trends.

In 2016 he established his own design company, MRKRL AB​, offering design solutions for interiors, products, and branding where the aesthetics, the function, and meaning of color always have a central function.

His clients are from all over the world. All of this while still consulting for NCS Colour AB​ as a Creative Director.

Empowering CMF Designers: Education, Innovation & Industry Impact

Wednesday, October 01, 09:30-10:30 - Annina Verkkomäki

CMF design plays a crucial role in shaping product identity, influencing both aesthetics and user experience. As industries evolve, CMF designers must navigate emerging trends, material innovations, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to create high-value, market-ready solutions.

This session explores the CMF Design Academy, a platform built on real-world case studies, industry-tested methodologies, and strategic frameworks tailored for both B2B and B2C markets. It delves into the development of CMF strategies that align color and material choices with brand positioning and market demand, as well as the latest advancements in material and manufacturing technologies, offering insight into both constraints and opportunitiesโ€”particularly in sustainable materials.

The discussion also highlights the importance of collaboration across disciplines, bridging the gap between CMF designers, R&D, marketing, supply chain, and industrial design teams to create cohesive and innovative solutions. Additionally, it examines the digital evolution in CMF education, including the upcoming launch of a digital learning platform designed to equip professionals with industry-leading knowledge and tools.

By gaining insights into these areas, CMF designers can refine their approach, enhance product desirability, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

With over 25 years in Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) design, Annina Verkkomรคki​ has shaped globally recognized products through strategic design leadership. As co-founder of OMUUS Ltd.​, Finnish for distinctive and unique, she has collaborated with major brandsโ€”including Honor, Huawei, Samsung, and Electroluxโ€”to create market-driven CMF solutions that enhance brand perception and consumer engagement.

Annina's career began at Nokia, where she led global CMF strategy, refining product aesthetics in collaboration with business teams, operators, and brands like Disney and Lucasfilm. A recognized thought leader, she has spoken at international events such as Finnish Embassy Turkey Innovation Week and Design Week Turkey, and contributed to Aalto University's CHEMARTS Cookbook on sustainable materials. In 2025, Annina is also launching a digital learning platform, expanding access to cutting-edge CMF education. 

The Lost Art of Mosaic

Wednesday, October 01, 10:50-12:00 - Allison Eden

Step into the mesmerizing world of mosaic artistry with Allison Eden​, a visionary glass mosaicist whose signature style blends bold colors, intricate patterns, and masterful hand-cut designs. 

In this dynamic presentation and hands-on workshop, Allison will share her journey from fashion design to becoming a pioneer in the world of mosaic art. She'll explore the rich history of mosaics, reveal the secrets behind her intricate designs, and inspire you with her passion for color and composition.

But this isn't just a talk, it's an immersive experience!

๏ปฟParticipants will have the rare opportunity to play, experiment, and create their own mosaic pieces under Allison's guidance. Whether you're a seasoned designer, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the transformative power of mosaic, this session will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this ancient yet endlessly modern art form.

Founded in New York City in 1995, Allison Eden Studios has become one of the most sought-after glass art houses, renowned for its handcrafted, one-of-a-kind mosaics that turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art. With an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and color, Allison's work is a celebration of creativity, joy, and individuality.


As the creative force behind Allison Eden Studios​, she has reimagined one of the world's oldest art forms, transforming it into a vibrant, contemporary expression seen in luxury hotels, high-end residences, and iconic commercial spaces worldwide.

International Summit Presenters

Mercedes Landรกzuri

Presenting 2027+ Material & Finish Forecast

Tuesday, September 30 - 02:00-02:30

Connect with Mercedes​

Paula Leonard

Presenting Your CMG Toolbox

Wednesday, October 01 - 08:40-09:00

Connect with Paula​

Peggy Van Allen

Presenting 2027+ World Color Forecastโ„ข

Wednesday, October 01 - 09:00-09:30

Connect with Peggy​

Renee Hytry

Presenting 2027+ Students Color Forecast

Thursday, October 02, 08:40-09:00

Connect with Renee​

Montaha Hidefi

Presenting 2027+ Global Color Directions

Thursday, October 02 - 09:00-09:30

Connect with Montaha​

Daniel LaDuc

Master of Ceremonies

Connect with Daniel​

International Summit Workshops

ColorBridge™ Speed Mentoring

Tuesday, September 30, 3:15-5:00 - facilitated by Doty Horn

An exciting and interactive workshop designed to foster meaningful connections within the CMG community!

Engage with fellow professionals in a dynamic Round Robin format, where each table explores a specific topic.

This fast-paced exchange encourages insightful conversations, helping you gain valuable perspectives while strengthening your network.


Workshop Highlights

Exchange. Engage. Share. Elevate your career path through shared experiences and industry insights!

CMG Board Member Doty Horn​ is the Founding Director of ColorVoyant LLC, a visionary B2B color marketing consultancy. With an extensive background spanning interior design, fashion, and product development, Doty has worked with renowned brands such as Armstrong Flooring, Formica, Benjamin Moore, Congoleum Flooring, Cole of California Swimwear, and J Josephson Wallcovering.


As the former Director of Color for Benjamin Moore, Doty played a pivotal role in shaping color trends, spearheading the Affinityยฎ Color Collection and developing Color Pulseยฎ, an influential trend forecast for designers.


Doty's passion for education has led her to teach color and instructional design at FIDM in Los Angeles and currently at FIT in New York City. A dedicated CMG member, she has contributed extensively to committees and the Board of Directors, reinforcing her leadership and impact in the world of color.

ColorContext™ Mastering Strategic Color Application

Wednesday, October 01, 01:00-05:00 - Facilitated by Sandra Sampson

Transform your product design approach with CMG's ColorContextโ„ข Workshopโ€”a hands-on experience designed to help you apply color forecasts strategically within specific product markets. Learn how to craft compelling color narratives that resonate with your target audience, strengthen brand identity, and drive engagement.


Workshop Highlights

Mood Board Mastery

Develop visually compelling mood boards that capture your target market's aspirations, lifestyle, and design preferences.

Color Balance Studies

Learn to create harmonious palettes that enhance product appeal and user experience through thoughtful color distribution.

Combination Creation

Explore the power of blending forecast hues into unique, market-specific palettes that set your products apart.

Interactive Color Exploration

Engage in hands-on exercises to understand color interactions and their impact on perception and design.

Emotional Color Connection

Discover how to evoke specific emotions through color choices, aligning your product's aesthetic with consumer psychology.

By the end of this workshop, you'll be equipped to:

โœ” Translate CMG's World Color Forecastโ„ข into actionable product applications.

โœ” Develop color strategies that reinforce brand identity and market positioning.

โœ” Design emotionally impactful palettes that enhance user engagement and market success.

Sandra Sampson is the founder of Vital Colorโ„ข by Simple Modern Style​, a multidisciplinary color and design studio. Passionate about color trends, consumer insights, and market research, she translates data into captivating color palettes that resonate across industries.


With 20-year tenure at CMG, Sandra has served as a Board Member, Executive Committee Member, VP of PR & Communications, and VP of Education, while continuing to shape CMG's Summit Planning and Education initiatives.

She holds a BFA from Art Center College of Design, advanced color design certification from the Eiseman Center for Color Information & Training and is a Board Member of the Inter-Society Color Council and Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA).


Beyond the studio, Sandra enjoys sailing the Southern California coast, diving into color literature, and spending time with her Alaskan Malamute therapy pet, Kitt.

Future Thinking

Thursday, October 02, 11:00-4:30 - Facilitated by Kiki Redhead

Join industry-leading color professionals in this immersive workshop to explore emerging trends and forecast future developments set to shape industries over the next two to five years. Engage in thought-provoking discussions on today's key undercurrents and how they will evolve into transformative trends for 2028 and beyond.

The insights from this session will be combined with findings from CMG's Virtual Future Thinking Workshop (November 19โ€“20, 2025) to inform the Macrotrends Report for 2028+.


Workshop Takeaways

โœ” Expand your trend research with a forward-thinking approach.

โœ” Gain confidence in shaping and directing strategic decisions.

โœ” Stay ahead of industry shifts in an ever-changing world.

โœ” Spot new opportunities for innovation, growth, and transformation.


Be part of the conversation that defines the future of color and design.

CMG member and Global CMF & Trend Manager, at Sherwin-Williams DesignHouse, trend expert,Kiki Redhead​leads the Color, Material & Finish (CMF) and Trend initiatives for Sherwin-Williams' Industrial & Performance Coatings division.

With a deep understanding of material innovation, aesthetics, and emerging trends, she collaborates with industrial design teams across multiple industries, includingappliances, office and outdoor furniture, electronics, medical devices, packaging, transportation, and heavy equipment.

Kiki plays a key role in architectural and building product design, working on coatings development, aesthetic ideation, performance enhancements, and sustainable solutions. She also spearheaded the launch of Sherwin-Williams' DesignHouse in Minneapolis, MN, a creative space dedicated to CMF innovation, where she partners with designers to shape the future of coatings through trend research, material exploration, and cutting-edge design strategies.

Cooper Hotel Conference Center & Spa, 12230 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75230

Venue

Venue

Cooper Hotel & Conference Center
Preston Road 12230
Dallas, Texas

Contact us

For additional event or venue information, please email secretary@colormarketing.orgYou can also reach us at +1 7033298500

See route

Hotel Reservations

The International Summit is held at

๏ปฟCooper Hotel Conference Center & Spa, 12230 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75230

Reservations Procedures

CMG negotiated a special rate of US$ 199.00 per night + applicable taxes for a limited number of rooms from Monday, Sep 29 to Friday, Oct 03, 2025. Individual guestroom and tax charges will be the responsibility of the individual traveler. 


Guests can make room reservations by:

1) Calling the hotel directly at 1-972-386-0306 (if asked for event coordinator, mention Tambra Sanders). 

2)Emailing Tambra Sanders tsanders@cooperhoteldallas.com (must provide arrival/departure dates, name for reservations, and payment method all in one email. Include a completed credit card authorization form, downloadable from here)


When making reservations, to ensure you receive the special rate, please identify the group name Color Marketing Group 2025 Conference.


Check-in time is 4:00 pm and check out time is noon. Checking out after 12:30 pm will result in one half day charge. Checking out after 4:00 pm will result in a full day charge.


Reservation must be cancelled by 4:00 pm the day prior to avoid a cancelation fee.

Sponsors and Partners

Cancellation and Conditions

Cancellation & Refund Policy


Virtual Summit Reveal standalone ticket

Tickets are not refundable.


Virtual Summit Reveal + In-person International Summit combo ticket

On or before August 15, 2025 โ€“ Refunds will incur a $100 administration fee.

August 16 โ€“ September 03, 2025 โ€“ Refunds will incur a $150 administration fee.

No refunds will be processed after September 03, 2025.



Social Media & Recording Policy


CMG does NOT permit, under any circumstances, the recording of any of the presentations during the Virtual Summit Reveal, the International Summit and any Color Forecasting Events, in any form or media, including but not limited to audio recordings, video recordings, or literal transcripts, except by specific written permission from CMG's Executive Committee. This includes guest speaker presentations, color/workshop reports, visuals and presentations. Referencing CMG events and workshops is permitted on social media but specifics details relating to color forecasts and information must be kept proprietary. You may, however, display direct links to CMG's web or social media sites where CMG has published or promoted publicly released material.


PLEASE keep in mind that our presenters have invested many hours into the development of their material and copyright laws apply. Written permission MUST be granted by presenters and speakers for any material that is used in any fashion or shared in any capacity.


Additional Information


For more information please contact secretary@colormarketing.org or call 1-703-329-8500.

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