Trade Trip with All Inc.: The Curious Collectives Take Chicago

Recently, the Curious Collective headed to Chicago for an unforgettable trip hosted by All Inc. We brought together builders, designers, and architects from across the Midwest for a two-day immersion into the world of luxury appliances, design inspiration, and collaboration!

Inside This Experience with All Inc.

We kicked things off in downtown Chicago, checking into the Virgin Hotel. That first night, our group gathered for dinner at Gilt Bar, where we eased into conversation over shared plates, laughter, and a sense of anticipation for what was ahead.

The next morning was all about hands-on learning. Inside The Merchandise Mart, we visited six high-end appliance showrooms: Miele, TOTO, Thermador, The Galley, Sub-Zero/Wolf, and Monogram. Each stop offered an intimate, hour-long session that gave our group the chance to explore the craftsmanship and thoughtful design that define these brands.

We wrapped the trip with dinner at Sunda, where conversation flowed easily between new friends and long-time peers. By the time we headed home, everyone was tired—but in that good, inspired way that only happens when you’ve spent two days learning, connecting, and seeing your industry from a fresh perspective.

Why Chicago?

For this trip with All Inc. we wanted to experience luxury appliances up close. Not in a catalog, but in real spaces where you can see, touch, and use them. For many in the Collectives, it was the first time working directly with some of these top-tier brands.

The Showrooms

Each showroom visit had its own spark.

At Miele, we learned about the brand’s near-obsessive commitment to quality, right down to manufacturing their own screws. Their steam oven demo was a standout moment, turning a technical feature into an experience.

Sub-Zero/Wolf gave us a fresh appreciation for just how intentional their refrigeration systems are. A bouquet of flowers stored for two months in a Sub-Zero still looked completely fresh. That’s the kind of performance detail that helps builders and designers confidently guide clients toward products that truly deliver.

And then there was The Galley, where we watched their workstation transform from prep station to serving area in seconds. Seeing these products used in real time reminded us that luxury isn’t about extravagance, it’s about thoughtful functionality and how it enhances daily life.

Hands-On Learning for Real-World Impact

For many attendees, the biggest takeaway was the value of firsthand experience.

When you’re helping clients make six-figure decisions about their homes, knowing how a product works in real time makes all the difference. Comparing features side-by-side gave the group confidence on how to match products with clients’ lifestyles and priorities.

The depth of understanding you can only get by seeing, touching, and testing turns product knowledge into trusted guidance.

Connection, Conversation, and Community

This trip marked a milestone: it was the first time all three Curious Collectives—builders, designers, and architects—came together, creating a new level of collaboration and conversation.

Builders sat next to designers. Architects traded stories with sales reps. The conversations stretched well beyond appliances to business growth, client relationships, and what it really means to build better, together.

That spirit of community over competition is at the heart of what the Collectives stand for and this trip brought it to life in the best possible way.

Curious what a Collective event looks like? Check out this blog!

Looking Ahead

This Curious Collectives trip with All Inc. set the bar high. It blended hands-on education, professional development, and relationship-building in a way that left everyone asking, “When’s the next one?”

This is what the Curious Collectives are all about: growing together, learning together, and celebrating the craftsmanship that makes this industry so rewarding.

Interested in joining a future trip or event? Stay connected with the Curious Builder community for upcoming Collective experiences, workshops, and retreats. Because when we learn together, we all build better.