Now in its third year, the conference welcomes a new lineup of speakers who aim to guide delegates in ways to work smarter, offering tools for growth and insights into the latest industry trends and brand movements. Topics cover a diverse range of interests that are relevant to various sectors of the industry – from social media case studies and top tips when preparing for international trade shows, to ways to use design thinking to affect change, and insider strategies for brand activations.
“What started off as a conference for design businesses, has grown to welcome delegates from marketing, architecture, retail, advertising and even financial backgrounds,” says Business of Design co-founder, Laurence Brick, MD of Platform Creative Agency and creative director for 100% Design South Africa.
“It has become a must-attend event for anyone wanting to progress in their business, think differently about the way they work, and network with industry peers on a level they would not normally be afforded the opportunity to do.”
Business of Design has, over the course of three conferences – one in 2014 and two in 2015 – hosted more than 750 delegates, with 90 of South Africa’s top designers, business experts and industry consultants now forming part of its growing network of alumni speakers.
Says Business of Design co-founder, Trevyn McGowan of Source and Southern Guild, “It has been extremely rewarding to witness the results that have come out of these conferences, including creative collaborations sparked during our networking drinks sessions, and business growth that we have seen when delegates apply lessons learned. Even our own company, which has been going for more than 12 years, has gained valuable new strategies from these talks.”
The two full days include over 16 talks, with each day ending in a two-hour networking drinks session from 5-7pm, where delegates and speakers are afforded the opportunity to exchange ideas and business cards over a few drinks. “That is one of the great appeals of Business of Design,” says McGowan. “It is not a stuffy, formal conference, but rather a friendly, welcoming environment where long-term relationship-building is as important as business growth.”
See the website for each city’s speakers
The cost is R3,300, as an early bird discount until 30 June, moving to R3,950 after 1 July; R3,000 for Business of Design alumni and R2,500 for students. SACAP and IID member discounts and CPD credits apply. Group discounts for five or more. For more information, go to www.businessofdesign.co.za.
