Looking Back, SND Charlotte

Looking Back, SND Charlotte

It’s hard to believe that the Society of News Design’s annual workshop ran nearly a month ago. I’ve attended two other design exhibitions since then and am about to embark on another two city tour.

For all the design conferences, exhibitions and events that I attend, SND Charlotte: UNITE + REBEL struck me as very special, some quick thoughts:

  • SND is a tight-knit community unlike any I had ever been welcomed into. This was not a ‘conference’ or an ‘expo’ or anything too big to be navigable and useful. This was an intimate workshop to advance the profession and individual careers of news designers. Their focus on inviting and sponsoring the participation of students is admirable. The level of work put in by its volunteers is astounding. I heard from many leaders of the conference that they owe their careers and passion to SND. Wow. The participation and enthusiasm of this group is such a powerful endorsement of SND as an association.

AIA 17, an eye opening industry conference

AIA 17, an eye opening industry conference

For the first time, our team participated at The American Institute of Architects’ annual conference and expo as an exhibitor. It was held in Orlando, Florida from April 27 -29th.  It was truly eye opening as one of the largest conferences and most impressive expo floors we’ve ever seen. Hundreds of exhibitors showcased interior furnishings and products, lighting systems, smart building technologies and new sustainable options.

As the operator of the .design domain, we were excited to introduce the domain to architects, interior designers and other creative professionals who would benefit from having a .design domain. Although we didn’t have as glamorous a booth as some of the largest exhibitors ;-), the reactions and feedback we received were encouraging, especially the comments from young architects and design students.