Editor’s Note: In preparation for the upcoming HOW Design Live event, we caught up with Content Director Bridgid Agricola to see what her “Design Live” looks like…
As the Community Content Director for HOW, HOW Interactive and Print, my job gets me a front-row seat for the trends and developments happening in the design community. But I’m also someone who manages creatives, who deals with internal clients, and who—like everyone else—needs some extra creative inspiration every once in a while.
For the first time ever, this year’s HOW Design Live offers the chance to create a completely personalized schedule, mixing and matching from HOW’s five creative conferences—including the brand-new HOW Leadership Conference, helmed by Debbie Millman. So here are some highlights from my HOW Design Live—the sessions, get-togethers and after-hours spots I’ll be sure to hit this May 12 – 16 in Boston. Sign up by April 1 for $200 off the full price!
Monday, May 12
4:15 – 5:15 PM
THE LIVE EXPERIENCE:
Malcolm Gladwell in Conversation with DeeDee Gordon
HOW Design Live General Session
There are a number of speakers on this year’s program that I have not had the chance to see speak live before. Malcolm Gladwell and DeeDee Gordon, Christine Mau to name a few. There’s just something special about experiencing their enthusiasm for design and their message in person that can’t be replicated by watching videos of them speaking.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM7:00 PM
VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY DELICIOUSNESS:
Tremont 647, 647 Tremont St.
This bistro gets high ratings for its locally grown, sustainable ingredients. It’s vegetarian friendly, but I hear their steaks and burgers are also great. This was my very favorite restaurant last time HOW was in Boston, and I can’t wait to head here my first night at HOW! Check out other restaurant and activity recommendations here and on our Travel page.
Tuesday, May 13
EVOLUTION NEVER STOPS:
The New Mainstream: The Changing Relationship Between People and Brands with Karl Heiselman, Wolff Olins
HOW Leadership Conference
Customers are taking on a new, more interactive role in every business, including mine. I’m looking forward to hearing Karl Heiselman give his perspective on the evolving relationship between brands and customers.
5:30 – 6:45
GETTING TO KNOW YOU:
Networking Kick Off
There’s nothing like that first HOW Design Live party! One of the great things about HOW is how accessible the speakers are, and the Networking Kick Off is the first time speakers, exhibitors, staff and attendees will all get a chance to mix and mingle. The Creative Group, which sponsors the party, always comes up with a fun icebreaker to make sure everyone is comfortable.
8:00 – 10:00 PM
SWAG!
Exhibit Hall Opens
Designers heading into the Exhibit Hall for the first time are like kids in a candy store, and I’m no different. I can’t wait to see what goodies, samples, and new resources our exhibitors have for us this year. Lots of cool new products get their premiere at HOW.
Wednesday, May 14
2012 Lawn & Patio
9:00 – 10:00 AM
A LIVE CASE STUDY OF AN ICONIC BRAND:
Designing for Success with Hamish Campbell, Pearlfisher, and David Hartman, Target
HOW Design Conference
All designers—even in-house designers—have clients, so the designer-client relationship is critical for creating good design and good business. I’m looking forward to hearing Hamish Campbell from Pearlfisher speak with his client, David Hartman at the iconic brand, Target, on how they communicated throughout their project and how their design decisions have made a positive business impact.
10:15 – 11:15 AM
AUDACIOUS RISK-TAKING:
Ready. Set. Reinvent! with Alina Wheeler, Author, Designing Brand Identity
Creative Freelancer Business Conference
Inspired by a quote by George Eliot-“It’s never too late to be what you could have been,”-Alina Wheeler’s session promises to be a lively, inspiring hour full of encouragement to be courageous and make the choices that lead to living your full potential. I think we’ll all strut out of this one.
8:00 PM
STREET FOOD, MI AMORE:
Boston’s food trucks are a great way to sample food on the run. The food trucks link on our travel page will take you to a real-time map of where they’re parked when you’ve got just a few minutes between sessions.
THURSDAY, MAY 15
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
THE BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE:
Rise of the Design Entrepreneur with Jenny Lam, Jackson Fish Market
HOW Design Conference
As more and more designers take on business roles within a company or break out on their own as entrepreneurs, there is an ever-growing need for this topic. We have a few outstanding sessions that address this from distinct perspectives, and I’m looking forward to that discussion both on stage and in conversations with other conference attendees.
4:30 – 5:30 PM
BETTER. STRONGER. FASTER:
Creating Creative Superteams with David Sherwin, frog
In-House Management Conference
I already think my creative team is super, but there’s always room for improvement. I’m looking forward to learning some tools I can use to help my team members develop their individual strengths, work together more powerfully, and improve my own critique style.
9:00 – 11:30 PM
LETTING OUR HAIR DOWN:
Closing Party
The Closing Party, sponsored by Neenah, is an amazing time every year. After four days of serious learning, the attendees, speakers, exhibitors and staff are ready for some live music, dancing and drinks. And there’s always a theme that makes dressing up even more fun. (Previous year themes have included a White Party, Blues Brothers, and Revolutionaries, to name just a few.)
8:30 – 9:30 AM
THE SECRETS TO WORKING WITH NON-CREATIVES:
Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Design with Frank Baseman, Baseman Design Associates
HOW Design Conference
As the manager of an in-house team, I work with people from a variety of departments every day. I’m looking forward to hearing how we can collaborate more effectively-and how their expertise can actually bolster my team’s success.
9:45 – 10:45 AM
BEAUTY ALL AROUND:
The Art of Artifacts: How To Use Graphic Treasures from the American Underbelly in Your Work with Aaron Draplin, Draplin Design Co.
HOW Design Conference
Aaron Draplin is a true original-and an attendee favorite for good reason. I can’t wait to get a look into his creative process and his use of America’s graphic-design artifacts.
Bridgid on stage for HOW Design Live 2013
What’s your HOW Design Live? Tweet or post on our Facebook page what you’re looking forward to most. #howlive See you soon in Boston!
Remember: Register by April 1 for $200 off the full price of The Big Ticket!
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