Providence, Rhode Island, USA
The Providence Biltmore

Conference Co-Chairs:

David Butler, Vice President of Global Design, The Coca-Cola Company
Bruce Nussbaum, Professor of Innovation & Design, Parsons The New School for Design; Contributing Editor, Businessweek
Thomas Lockwood, President, DMI

This year’s DMI annual conference will look directly into the five major macro shifts (M5) we are facing, and how Design, with a capital D, can help in new value creation (nV). Hence the theme, M5 + D = nV. Challenging indeed! The content will be inspired by Thomas Lockwood and two leading trend setters—David Butler, head of design for Coca-Cola and recently featured on the cover of Fast Company, and Bruce Nussbaum, professor of innovation at Parsons, and well-known from his extensive writing and blogging for BusinessWeek. Together, they will lead a creative, interactive event with a new and cogent point of view on today’s most important shifts and pressing issues.

They will look at these macro shifts, and explore where exactly design fits in:

    * The rise and fall of nations—geopolitics
    * The rise and fall of generations—new leaders
    * Social media—virtual networks and digital clusters
    * Urbanization—concentrated cities and cultures
    * Sustainability—less is more

Expect a high concentration of content, presentations, and a very active and lively debate. Key ideas will be visualized and mind mapped. Challenging points of view are welcome!

They’ll meet in the grand ballroom on the top floor of the historic Providence Biltmore, with commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside. Providence is an engaging, lively community, with easy access by train, plane or car. We’ll have a memorable reception in the RISD Museum of Art, with access to the design exhibitions and other galleries, and informal “coffee talks” with RISD students and the conference participants each evening. Please come with an open mind and a thirst for change!