“Did business really break up with design, or did it just break up with a generation of design leadership?”

— Fast Company, 2024

Context

So, is Design dead? Not long ago, being a "design-driven" company was a priority in most C-Suites. Why does this appear to no longer be the case? What happened?

Is the idea of leveraging Design as a strategic business competence no longer relevant or desired? Is the belief that Design could be a catalyst for growth, a driver of innovation, a spark for consumer or employee engagement no longer true?

How did we get “here”?

We (David Butler, Fred Richards, and John Gleason) have all been deeply involved in the rise of Design. We have, also, seen the emerging trends (and realities) – whether in the press or in corporate organizations – that Design is, in fact, in decline in many companies and sectors. Yet, it still thrives and drives value-creation in other companies and sectors. We think that you all have seen some of the signs, but may not have the chance to see them as common patterns across the industry.

We were so moved by these worrisome trends and themes that we decided to try to do something about it.

We wanted to bring the industry together…

to help you all see the patterns… the common challenges… the huge opportunities. We wanted to enable a community of conversations that might inspire Design and business leaders to see the power, influence, and impact that Design might deliver for consumers, customers, colleagues, and communities… and notably for brand performance and business impact. That design is, in fact, NOT dead - and is thriving in many places.

We wanted to create an environment that encourages open, candid dialogue among peers…

To share with each other, learn from each other, and identify key challenges and opportunities
to help re-ignite the practice of Design, and facilitate and support those leading Design organizations and Design “movements”.

Thus, THE FUTURE OF… conference, is born.

Join the conversation. Join your peers and colleagues for this unique event—and unique opportunity—to learn, share, and explore… to be inspired—and to inspire.

THE FUTURE OF… conference is specifically curated to learn with – and from – each other. Sessions are designed to encourage dialogue, and the “so what’s?”related to each topic discussed…

…those things that we all might take back to create growth, influence, and impact.

Format & Participation

  • In partnership with dozens of design and business leaders, who have already signed up and committed to join the conversations, and are contributing their time, talents, energy, candor, experiences, and perspective throughout both days of this unique conference experience.

    THE FUTURE OF… conference is specifically curated around the challenges and opportunities that are driving YOUR leadership.

  • We all have a responsibility for THE FUTURE OF… experiences, innovation, collaboration, engagement, growth, etc.

    Let’s come together… to explore, together, and help create a brighter future for our brands & businesses, for each other, and for the industry.

  • The focus of the conference will be around engagement. None of us have all the answers, but we feel we can co-create the future together. We’ll use fireside chats, panel discussions, facilitated discussions, workshops and short keynotes to drive as much collaboration and open discussion possible. 

  • Register now as seating is very limited and will go quickly. 

    The conference consists of 2 different, but closely aligned and curated events: