Design Conference

Kick off the day with coffee, conversation, and connection at our Women in Design & Tech Networking Breakfast. This informal gathering offers a relaxed environment for women across the design and tech industries to meet, share experiences, and build new relationships. With no formal agenda, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and set the stage for a day of inspiring discussions.

Brought to you by Fisher & Paykel Appliances, this panel brings together leading women from architecture & interiors, graphics & advertising, film & animation, and industrial & product design to explore how emerging technologies are transforming creative fields. The discussion will focus on balancing creativity with the systematic use of AI, improving efficiency to unlock innovation, and navigating ethics in automation. Through real-world insights, the panel will highlight how technology can enhance—not replace—creativity, offering practical strategies for designers to embrace innovation and shape the future of their industries.

Take a break with a coffee and light refreshments, and explore the exhibitor displays in the foyer. Food & beverage at attendees cost.

This panel explores the expanding landscape of design technologies beyond AI, including 3D printing, VR, AR, prefabrication, robotics, and material science. Four leading designers will discuss the unexpected benefits, sustainability impacts, and global reach these tools enable. The conversation will highlight how emerging technologies are transforming workflows and redefining client interactions, balancing the digital and physical realms. From leveraging robotics for sustainability to managing client expectations in virtual settings, the session offers insights into navigating the future of design with practical, innovative solutions.

Brought to you by Flight Coffee, this panel addresses the ethical dilemmas and cybersecurity risks that often deter the adoption of emerging technologies in design. Drawing parallels between past technological fears - like the arrival of photography - and today’s concerns around AI, the discussion explores topics such as intellectual property theft, insider threats, and the influence of tech giants. Panelists will provide practical strategies for safeguarding designs, reflect on AI’s role in the creative process, and challenge attendees to embrace innovation thoughtfully, balancing the potential risks with the productivity needed to meet modern demands.

Before an inspiring keynote from Karim Rashid, grab lunch from a variety of food trucks and take a moment to reflect on the morning's insights with your peers. Food & beverage at attendees cost.

Presented by Lexus. In The Future of Design, Karim Rashid explores how our relationship with the material world must evolve to keep pace with the rapid advancement of the digital age.
Humanity, having lived in a primarily analog world for 100,000 years, now finds itself in just the first 30 years of the digital era. Rashid asks: How will design bridge this gap between the material and immaterial, and how will it reshape social behaviour?

As consumers increasingly seek stimulation and inspiration from both their physical and digital environments, Rashid emphasises that future design must create seamless, pleasurable experiences across all aesthetic disciplines - blurring the lines between design, art, architecture, fashion, and more. This fusion will shape a future where technology and creativity coexist to elevate everyday life.

Yet, Rashid cautions that great design must remain rooted in human needs and desires, emphasising innovation, individuality, and meaningful differentiation. It’s not enough to simply adopt technology; designers must consciously design products, spaces, and experiences that inspire and engage the senses. Rashid’s lecture challenges attendees to envision a future where the boundaries between material and digital dissolve, delivering a more connected and fulfilling experience for all. This is the future of design: a world where creativity, technology, and human essence merge seamlessly to enhance our collective experience.

Celebrate B-Corp Month this March with a dynamic panel featuring B-Corp-certified entrepreneurs who have used design to elevate their brands and drive business success. From brand identity to user experience and customer engagement, these leaders share how design influences every touchpoint of their offerings. This session will explore the role of design in building strong, sustainable, and socially responsible businesses. Gain valuable insights into how prioritising design fosters trust, creates value, and positions your brand for long-term success.

Pause and recharge for the final stretch of the day. Browse the exhibitors in the foyer, connect with fellow attendees, and get ready for our closing session and evening cocktail party. Food & beverage at attendees cost.

How can design heal? Warren & Mahoney’s Te Ari Prendergast explores this question by examining the role of healing, ritual, and knowledge in design. From restoring mātauranga Māori to integrating Indigenous practices with modern technologies, this talk highlights how design can mend past injustices, restore connections to the land, and revitalise cultural traditions. Drawing parallels with Indigenous approaches worldwide, including Australia, Japan and South America, Te Ari shares how design processes can heal not only communities but also the designers themselves, creating a foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Join us for an exclusive evening soirée to unwind and celebrate with fellow attendees. Enjoy cocktails, conversation, and connections as we celebrate all things design with the support of Lexus, and with special guest Karim Rashid, one of the global Lexus Design Award judges. This is your chance to mingle, reflect on the day’s discussions, and toast to the future of design in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Access is included in your Design Conference ticket.