Thank you to everyone who attended the first-ever ASID Virtual Conference! While we missed seeing everyone in person, it was amazing to connect with over 2,000 attendees of our nationwide design community for three dynamic days of learning and inspiration at this powerful online event.

The conference provided digital presentations ranging from keynotes to panels, and ASID signature events like the State of the Society, supporting professionals and students. In the Exhibit Hall, top manufacturers shared what's new in their product world, showcasing cutting-edge tools and resources. ASID amplified our “Design Impacts Lives” mission by offered programs on topics covering materials, social justice, neurodiversity, research, and wellness. 

What’s Next? Design’s Impact on People, Places and Planet (Opening Keynote) 

Opening Keynote: Crowd-Sourced

Presented Tuesday, September 15, 2020  

ASID turned the traditional keynote on its head with a virtual, crowd-sourced program mining the best names in design as they explored the meaning of "Design Impacts Lives." We heard from those impacting design and those impacted by design in a collaborative keynote that shows the power of community in the digital age. 

Presentation by James Ludwig 

Presented Tuesday, September 15, 2020  

Presented by James Ludwig, Vice President, Global Design and Product Engineering at Steelcase, this “love letter” to the design profession taps into the potential of design to provide thoughtful and innovative ways to lead in these uncertain times. 

State of the Society Address

Presented Tuesday, September 15, 2020  

ASID leaders presented the annual State of the Society address, an exploration of the Society’s impact from the past year and a look ahead to our dynamic future as a community with Jennifer Kolstad, ASID, Assoc. AIA, FY20 Chair, ASID Board of Directors and Global Design Director, Ford Motor Company; Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS, FY20 Chair-elect, ASID Board of Directors and Creative Director, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab; and Gary E. Wheeler, FASID, Interim Chief Executive Officer, American Society of Interior Designers. 

Design is an Inside Job: Create a Happy You (Closing Keynote) 

Presented Thursday, September 17, 2020  

We wrapped up the ASID Virtual Conference experience with an inspiring call to action presented by Nancy L. O’Brien, Co-founder of Experience Happiness, LLC. Nancy presented on the three waves of change currently taking place and the importance of cultivating your own happiness to design a you that can deal with change, uncertainty and disruption while simultaneously adding your authentic happiness to positively impact lives. 

Keep the Conversation Going 

Even though the Virtual Conference is over, let’s keep the conversation going! Our opening keynote invited an array of luminary speakers to explore the meaning of “design impacts lives.” Now, we’re asking you what’s next for design! Post on social media with the hashtag #DesignImpactsLives to share your thoughts using one of the following prompts (“Design’s next impact will be..." “Design’s next challenge is...” or “Design has the power to...”) and let us hear your voice!