Season 3 Ep. 4

Allison Merritt

Western Design Conference
December 17, 2025

The WDC is a juried show of over 100 artisans and craftspeople working in the American West in couture fashion, home furnishings, jewelry, silver, and leather goods. Join owner Allison Merritt when she discusses the designer show house, the couture fashion show, panels and speakers, and the show’s big move to Montana.

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Guest bio

Saddle up and get ready to ride! The iconic juried Western Design Conference Show, Sale, and Designer Show House is launching a new chapter in Bozeman in August 6-9, 2026. Executive Director Allison Merritt is expanding the show’s reach and depth by creating an event that encompasses all facets of home design and cowboy couture fashion in the American West.

The WDC started thirty years ago in Wyoming, and for the past eighteen years, Allison has been methodically developing the show by creating new experiences and curating a nationally renowned roster of more than 100 juried artists from more than 30 states to participate. The show has grown so large that it’s moving to Bozeman where it will include the juried exhibition and sale, a couture fashion show, a designer show house, and panels and speakers.

This is a show that cannot be experienced in one day. From the hats, boots, and jewelry on the opening night gala, to the panels spread throughout the weekend, to the designer show house constructed on the show floor, to furniture and saddles you didn’t know you needed, this is one show that will have you lingering longer while you stroll listening to Chris Ledoux and Willie Nelson.

The show will take place August 6-9, 2026 in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on the Montana State  University campus; a campus in the heart of beautiful Bozeman, Montana and surrounded by beautiful Big Sky country.