The third annual conference for creative thinkers will take place in Bend on October 26 and 27.
With an emphasis on sparking conversations that drive social change, the annual Bend Design Conference is hoping to reach more than designers in its annual event.
Bend Design Conference returns for the third year on October 26 and 27 with the theme “Shape Our Future.” The two-day event, presented by Scalehouse, brings designers, writers, architects, business leaders and more to Bend for a conference that will explore how art, design and ideas can spur conversation and action.
“Bend Design has evolved this year with a more focused theme of how design thinking can impact social change,” said Bend Design co-producer René Mitchell. “Our speakers have diverse design backgrounds—architects, graphic designers, writers, and business leaders—yet they are applying their skills and experience to solve social and business problems.”
Bend Design begins with a series of talks from keynote speakers on Thursday, October 26 at the Tower Theatre. Presentations cover a range of topics, from women in the design field to how design can be used for social change. That evening, attendees can sign up to participate in Hosted Conversations, where speakers and attendees share a meal and conversation at local restaurants.
During the second day of the conference, attendees can choose from a range of workshops led by the speakers as well as community leaders. These interactive sessions are designed to be engaging and thought-provoking.
“We hope people will come away with new ideas on connecting and collaborating, new ways to use their talents to make a difference,” said co-producer Martha Murray. “Creative-thinking and design-thinking can be applied to most any situation or issue. The result is new options, new solutions, new perspectives.”
The conference brings creative people from around the country to participate. It’s one of a growing number of cultural and business-related gatherings that showcase Bend and Central Oregon as more than just an outdoor playground.
“We’ve gotten really positive feedback about the Bend community,” said Murray. “There’s been a hunger for what Bend Design is offering. Outside of Bend, we’re becoming known as a place to come and look for talent. That’s pretty cool.”
For more information and to sign up for the conference, visit benddesign.org
