What is NEDCON?
“NEDCON was founded because our industry deserves more than inspiration alone. Designers need practical knowledge, meaningful connections, and proven business strategies that create lasting growth. NEDCON was built to bring together the brightest minds in design, construction, and entrepreneurship so attendees leave with tools they can immediately put to work in their businesses.”
The Northeast Design Conference (NEDCON) was founded to address a gap that many design professionals experience after attending traditional industry events: plenty of inspiration, but very little practical business growth. NEDCON was created as a highly curated educational gathering where interior designers and creative entrepreneurs can gain actionable strategies, meaningful industry connections, and real-world business knowledge that can be immediately applied to their companies. Rather than functioning as a trade show or convention, the conference focuses on topics such as pricing, networking, profitability, systems, AI, leadership, and business development, with the goal of delivering measurable return on investment for attendees. The conference also emphasizes community, collaboration, inclusion, and elevating professionals across all stages of their careers.
THE FIRST EDUCATIONAL DESIGN CONFERENCE FOCUSED SOLELY ON IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE.
DESIGNERS - BUILDERS - CREATIVES
SHARING EXPERIENCES AND TEACHING EVERYTHING FROM PRICING, TO NETWORKING, TO AI, TO BUSINESS SYSTEMS, AND MORE!
NEDCON FOUNDER
Jen Atkinson is the founder of the NorthEast Design Conference (NEDCON) and the CEO and lead designer of Clear Concept Design — a full-service design firm based in Hoboken, New Jersey.
CCD has been in business for over 7 years and Jen built her company from doing her first decorating job that brought her a profit of less than $1,000 to now doing full-service design projects throughout the U.S. Northeast, including high-end residential and commercial projects costing seven figures.
She is praised by clients for her meticulous attention to detail, creative vision, and hands-on project management. Clients frequently describe her spaces as “beautiful and deeply livable,” noting her ability to transform chaotic, overwhelming homes into calm, refined environments that feel both luxurious and welcoming. Others praise her collaborative approach, describing her as “thoughtful, patient, and incredibly creative,” with a talent for delivering spaces that feel polished yet comfortable and truly reflective of the people who live in them.
Jen founded NEDCON because she doesn’t want designers who are just starting out to have to struggle their way to success, like so many designers do.
“Designers, creative entrepreneurs and small business owners shouldn’t have to wait 5, 6, or 7 years before finally feeling like they hit their stride. They should have a place to go annually where they know they can get all the knowledge they need to stay ahead in this industry and ensure that they’re on track with the latest tools and insights to keep their businesses relevant and successful. That’s what NEDCON is all about.”
Before launching Clear Concept Design, Jen spent 16 years as an international television news journalist, living and working across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. Her extensive global travels continue to influence her layered, collected aesthetic and appreciation for timeless design. Today, her work has earned her HomeAdvisor’s “Elite Service” and “Top Rated” awards, along with recognition for designing the highest-selling waterfront property per square foot in Weehawken, NJ.
Jen is an accredited yoga teacher and enjoys running, playing the piano and singing jazz. In 2017 she founded the non-profit organization Making Mats Matter which turns old yoga mats into sleeping mats for homeless communities across the NYC/NJ region. Jen is fluent in English, Italian and Afrikaans and can make small talk in French, Hebrew and Arabic.
She and her husband reside in Hoboken, New Jersey, where they are raising their three children.
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