This October, interiors+sources is heading to Palm Springs, CA, to host its second Design Connections of the year: Design Connections 2.0. It’s a spin-off of our conference that was held in February and features one-and-a-half days of quality content.
Steven Sloan, publisher for interiors+sources, states that the second installment was created to introduce the Design Connections program to those who were unfamiliar with the event.
“The audience will be comprised entirely of first-time attendees. This allows a new group of designers to connect with interiors+sources and our sponsors,” he adds.
I Hear Design podcast: interiors+sources Launches Design Connections 2.0 in October
Discussing Technology’s Impact
Sloan expects the event’s West Coast location at Palm Spring’s Kimpton Rowan will be an enticing factor for new attendees to sign up. He, along with conference chairs Kyle Berry and Jacquelyn Hunter, will host Design Connections 2.0, Oct. 7-8.
The three crafted a fresh conference theme, Past vs. Future of Design, which examines how technology is helping or hampering the design industry. The agenda that features top-notch continuing education unit (CEU) sessions, networking opportunities and activities that immerse attendees in local flavor.
Hunter, an associate at Corgan, and Berry, a designer for AECOM, were declared Chief Disruptors at February’s event. Hunter says Design Connections 2.0 will include a variety of panelists with dynamic perspectives honing in on the evolution of design from a human and technological mindset.
She wants to know: As a society, how will we approach the saturated world of technology and its impact on human engagement and empathy?
“We hope those joining us will bring their curiosities to light and strike an open, communal dialogue, provoking one another to envision our evolving trade,” Hunter says. “The one-and-a-half day event will stimulate guided discussions among attendees. Everyone has a voice and we want to hear it and grow from one another’s experiences, setting the tone for our forthcoming industry.”
Popular Features Continue
Sloan shares that some features of past events will apply to the fall version as well, such as general sessions in which attendees earn CEUs, one-on-one meetings between designers and Design Connections 2.0 sponsors, and another Night of Giving.
The noteworthy Night of Giving gives attendees a chance to apply their creative skills toward a local charity project in a group setting. Past acts have included creating art structures from 2,000 cans of donated food and designing lights for Habitat for Humanity.
He believes the biggest change for the upcoming event is the shift from boardroom presentations to roundtable discussions. “The goal is to make the event as interactive as possible. This is not a spectator sport,” he says jokingly.
The outlined agenda also features more activities that incorporate the local offerings of Palm Springs, known for its design flair. The signature sunrise yoga will make its return, and a rooftop dinner has been added. Attendees will also have the option to choose between a historic modernism tour, a guided tour of Palm Springs’ art museum or a hike of the Lyyken Trail.
Inquire now to learn more about the wholly hosted event.
