State of Design

What is going on with design? Let’s find out through a no-holds-barred let’s say the difficult part out loud discussion. Design is having a moment. AI is everywhere. Everyone is a strategist. Everyone is a prompt engineer. New technologies are reshaping how we work. Organizations are reconsidering how design creates value. It all feels like an existential crisis. So let’s talk about it. We're bringing together design leaders with decades of experience, wildly different perspectives—and no shortage of opinions. This is not a presentation. It’s a conversation. Come hear the predictions. Challenge the assumptions. Disagree with the panel. The best conversations about the future aren’t with people who claim to have all the answers. They’re with people willing to make a few bets. Join John Maeda and Marta Bernstein and moderator Terry Marks for an unfiltered discussion on what matters now, what’s next, and what the design community may be getting completely wrong. And just maybe you'll get a turn in the Hot Take Seat and be part of the discussion. Expect informed opinions, thoughtful debate, controversial predictions, and a few ideas that may age terribly... which is exactly what makes the conversation worth having. 5pm: Doors / 6pm - 7pm: Panel / 7pm - 8pm: Mingle