Thinking Back on Thinking Ahead
By Chris Bedford, President Karo Group,
Member DMI International Advisory Council
What does the future hold? Where is the economy headed? What is the state of design in India? Are we satisfied we are making the right decisions around environmental innovation? And can workplace design transform brand culture? These are but a few of the questions posed and discussed by presenters and delegates at the 32nd DMI International Design Management Conference held September 23-26 in Williamsburg, Virginia.
This truly one of a kind conference proved once again to be the event for design thought leaders from around the world to connect, share, debate and discuss the changing nature of design. “Thinking Ahead” was a truly global experience attracting delegates from Australia, Africa, China, South America, India, the UK, and Europe to name just a few.
Beyond the diversity of attendees was a diverse and challenging group of presenters who explored the idea that design is fast becoming a catalyst for innovation and a new platform for strategic leadership throughout the world. Through presentations, roundtables and casual conversations, DMI has proven itself as an ideal forum to make meaningful connections between consultants, corporations and academics and spark a healthy and wide ranging dialogue on the subject of design.
Having traveled some nine hours to get to “Thinking Ahead,” I was curious why so many people would venture from so far to attend this DMI signature event. The answer I kept hearing from everyone was the same—the opportunity to connect with people on the subject of design. Personal connections and shared experience are what make this and other DMI conferences a success for those who made the trip. It shouldn’t be surprising that when you bring together challenging subject matter, highly motivated creative leaders and an atmosphere that encourages interaction, you end up with enhanced knowledge and leadership around design management.
As John M. Richardson Jr. stated, “when it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened.” Clearly the 32nd Annual International Design Management Conference was made up of people who are clearly thinking ahead and focused on making design leadership happen as we move our profession into its future state.
View the Conference Photos
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