Event Design Collective PODcasts

See the Key Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary by Snapsight here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/830724de-e21a-4295-abd5-f55b6c56b5eb/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways Summary In this compelling episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, Ruud Janssen hosts Fred Schindler, the 2024 IEEE VP Technical Activities, to discuss the upcoming clean tech and climate change conference scheduled for October 2025 in Glasgow. Designed using the Event Canvas methodology during IEEE Convene in Hawaii, the conference aims to unite diverse technical communities to address sustainability challenges. Fred reflected on the recent IEEE Convene in Lisbon, produced by David Stankiewicz, and shared insights into breaking down organizational silos to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The event, hosted at the Scottish Event Center, features panels with non-IEEE participants and the IEEE Global Startup Competition, which attracted 170 submissions across startup and ideation categories, supported by partnerships with the Entrepreneurship program, Young Professionals, and Student Activities groups. Fred recounted his experience at the Transmission and Distribution conference, where Nobel economist Michael Spence delivered an engaging plenary session, inspiring innovative approaches to event design. He emphasized IEEE's public charity status and its role in providing unbiased policy guidance through the Global Policy Caucus. With a countdown of 48 days, logistical challenges like hotel block management and participant registration remain priorities, with a $444 non-member registration fee. Certified event designers like Kathy Ehren Hayashi and Charlie Jackson have contributed to the planning, showcasing the value of professional development. The session also touched on strategic succession in leadership, with Dalma Novak, the 2025 IEEE VP Technical Activities, considering AI as a future conference topic. Ruud shared reflections on Switzerland's climate impact, underscoring the urgency of addressing sustainability. The conversation concluded with optimism about the Glasgow conference's potential to drive meaningful change and the broader role of technology in shaping humanity's future. Dive into the cutting-edge of Clean Tech innovation at IEEE’s Tech Summit 2-3 October 2025 | Scottish Event Campus | Glasgow, Scotland https://techsummit.ieee.org/cleantech-2025/

See Key Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary courtesy of Snapsight here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/752ca1f9-fe66-4245-b823-199da408a601/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways Summary In the latest #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, host Ruud Janssen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen) engaged Trevor Lui, President of Highbell Hospitality Group and Chair of Destination Toronto's Board (https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-lui-773aa69/ ) , in a dynamic discussion about innovative event management and destination marketing. Trevor shared insights from a recent 7,000-person event in Toronto, where he logged an impressive 80,000 steps over three days, orchestrating the service of 33,000 food portions. The conversation highlighted Destination Toronto's bold "100% campaign," showcasing the city's unparalleled diversity. With 26.5 million annual visitors and a population speaking over 200 languages, Toronto's multicultural fabric is central to its appeal. Trevor emphasized the importance of exploring beyond downtown, citing Scarborough's empanada shops as examples of authentic experiences that resonate with visitors. (see also https://www.destinationtoronto.com) Trevor introduced Destination Toronto's innovative free membership model, designed to integrate a wider range of businesses into the city's tourism ecosystem. This approach aims to involve smaller enterprises, from corner cafes to local galleries, in shaping visitors' experiences. Drawing parallels, Trevor recounted his own explorations in Las Vegas, venturing beyond familiar conference venues like Mandalay Bay and the Venetian to discover hidden gems in Clark County, such as the vibrant Broad Acres flea market. Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, USA, and Mexico, Trevor stressed the need for collaboration to celebrate cultural diversity despite potential geopolitical challenges. He sees this event as an opportunity to showcase North America's unity and hospitality on a global stage. Throughout the discussion, Trevor highlighted the value of the Event Canvas tool in strategic planning, demonstrating how it can be applied to create more impactful and memorable experiences. His insights from both Highbell Hospitality Group and Destination Toronto underscored the importance of flexibility, creativity, and inclusivity in modern event management and destination marketing. In conclusion, this #DESIGNtoCHANGE session offered a compelling vision for the future of hospitality and event management. Trevor Lui's experiences and strategies, from leveraging Toronto's diversity to exploring hidden gems in global cities, provide a roadmap for creating authentic, engaging experiences in an ever-evolving landscape. By embracing diversity, fostering community engagement, and adapting to changing preferences, event planners and destination marketers can create truly transformative experiences for visitors from around the world.

In this episode of Design to Change, Roel Frissen sits down with Loes Damhof, UNESCO Chair of Futures Literacy in Higher Education, to explore the concept of “futures literacy”—the skill of imagining and navigating multiple potential futures to better understand and influence the present. Lu explains how becoming aware of our assumptions about the future enhances our decision-making and resilience, and how futures literacy labs provide a structured way to practice this capability. The conversation also touches on the importance of inclusivity, uncertainty, and democratizing access to the tools of anticipation and imagination in shaping our collective future. Loes Damhof: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loes-damhof-7ab0813/ also check out the Snapsight Ai Key Takeaways, Summary and Idea cloud of this episode here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/8363aedc-785e-4b02-b831-797ee3d303b4/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways

Connect with Michael Ackerbauer PhD here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelackerbauer/ Connect with Ruud Janssen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen/ And see there Key Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary (in 70+ languages) here courtesy by Snapsight : https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/ba005022-bc7b-42b6-bc5b-419c21f3833c/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways Summary In this captivating "Year plus three" episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast, Ruud Janssen engaged Michael Ackerbauer in a rich dialogue about change, technology, and personal growth. Michael, now at the helm of ACK Labs, a third-generation consultancy with roots in forensic chemistry, shared his journey from a 26-year IBM career to his current role as an innovation catalyst. Ackerbauer's multifaceted background includes facilitating at the Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) conference, teaching as adjunct instructor, and lecturing at Buffalo State University, which is launching a Doctorate of Professional Studies. His expertise in agile coaching and design thinking shaped his approach at IBM's client engineering, where he focused on "retiring quota" and showcasing generative AI like WatsonX. The conversation delved into the "cone of uncertainty," creative abrasion, and continuous improvement. Michael emphasized the critical importance of trustworthiness and veracity in AI applications, drawing insightful parallels from the early days of "sneaker net" to current applications in insurance claims adjudication. He articulated a nuanced view of AI implementation, stressing the irreplaceable role of human oversight and emotion. A highlight of the discussion was Michael's innovative rock balancing metaphor for leadership, which he demonstrated at Italy's Crea conference. This powerful analogy illustrates his triad of effectiveness, efficiency, and empowerment in team dynamics, complemented by his framework of capability, capacity, and commitment for assessing team performance.Ackerbauer's approach to change management acknowledges the often-overlooked aspect of grief associated with transitions. He cited the resilience of Blatten village after a natural disaster as an inspiring example of human adaptability in the face of drastic change. The podcast touched on the evolution from centralized to decentralized computing, the rise of mobile and social computing, and the concept of "augmented humanity" in the AI era. Michael shared fascinating insights from using AI to analyze his own career trajectory and TEDx talk on rock balancing, hinting at exciting future book projects. As the conversation concluded, both speakers reflected on the power of intentional dialogue in driving change, embodying the core principle of "Design to Change." The podcast's innovative use of AI-generated summaries in 70 languages served as a fitting demonstration of the transformative technologies discussed, bridging theory and practice in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and human interaction. See the link to the Rock Balancing article mentioned here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/principles-balance-michael-ackerbauer-phd/

At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the #DESIGNtoCHANGE #podcast, hosted by Ruud Janssen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen/ ) brought together industry veterans Kevin Hinton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhinton/) of US Travel Association and Miguel Neves ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelseven/ ) from SKIFT Meetings. Both former MPI International Board members, they shared insights on the evolving landscape of events and travel. Kevin Hinton discussed his recent presentation on US travel trends, addressing the new administration's impact and highlighting Rotary International's successful Chicago meeting. He also touched on personal changes, anticipating his "empty nester" status as his daughter prepares to attend the University of Denver. Miguel Neves, once IMEX's social media pioneer, emphasized the value of backstage conversations over press conferences at large events. He shared experiences from his recent IMAX Forest session and outlined plans for the upcoming September Skift Meetings Forum, including innovative ideas like AI prompts with a World Cup style bracket for selection. The conversation explored the Event Canvas tool and its application in designing impactful events, such as the IEEE climate change conference in Glasgow. This led to a discussion of previous PODcast guest Kai Hattendorf's involvement in COP conferences, underlining the events industry's role in addressing global issues. Event sponsorship and financing challenges were a key topic, with Miguel noting the difficulty in balancing creative designs with sponsor expectations. The speakers debated the importance of meal moments in fostering connections, touching on intergenerational communication and the trend of culinary-first properties in hotels. Kevin shared insights from Chicago's The Gage restaurant, while Miguel offered perspectives from his life in Denmark. The evolution of event design was a central theme, with discussions on adapting formats to audience preferences and incorporating innovative approaches like selfie points. Technology's role was highlighted, mentioning Cvent as a booking platform. The concept of "festivalization" was introduced, exploring the trend of combining high-ticket conferences with party-like atmospheres. Throughout the session, the speakers emphasized the importance of intentional conversations and face-to-face interactions in the events industry, while acknowledging the need to adapt to changing trends. This insightful discussion provided a comprehensive look at current industry practices, personal experiences of leaders, and future trends shaping the landscape of meetings and conferences. Speakers Miguel Neves - Editor-in-Chief - Skift Meetings Kevin Hinton - Managing Director Group Travel - US Travel Association Ruud Janssen - Managing Partner / Founder - Event Design Collective GmbH Find the full overview of Key Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary into over 70 languages powered by SnapSight AI available here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/a94b3580-5a6a-4d56-973a-6d1fbf998660/ad387ee1-521d-43ca-932c-64921fa6b1a5/attendee?tab=takeaways

At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the #DESIGNtoCHANGE series PODcast conversation unfolded in Hall 9, featuring Chanet Ham, a Certified Event Designer (CED) from Penang, and Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati, CEO of Sabah International Convention Center in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Onsite at IMEX 2025 hosts Ruud Janssen facilitated this session, which Snapsight AI analyzed for key takeaways. The speakers recounted how their chance meeting at a previous IMEX led to the development of "BE in Sabah" and other transformative initiatives in Malaysia. Dr. Rosmawati introduced Sabah's unique "augmented humanity" concept, highlighting attractions like Sipadang's scuba diving and the Danum Valley's climate change studies. She explained how the convention center drives economic growth by leveraging the region's biodiversity for international conferences. Chanet Ham shared her CED journey, including completing level 3 at the University of Amsterdam. She emphasized the Event Canvas methodology and the advanced Mastery program influenced by Paul Rulkens. The Event Design Certificate Model 3, supported by Malaysian Tourism Ministry grants, was discussed as a crucial capacity-building tool for the industry. The conversation touched on AI's impact and the industry's adaptation to virtual events during the pandemic. Fred Schindler, IEEE VP of Technical Activities, was mentioned regarding plans for a climate change conference in Glasgow 2025, underscoring the growing focus on sustainability in events. A spontaneous addition to the podcast was Louisa Go from Hot Dots agency in Kuala Lumpur, who expressed interest in CED training for her team. This unexpected participation demonstrated the organic networking opportunities at IMEX, which took place in a trade show area designed by fellow CED Tahira. The speakers stressed the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with technological trends. They concluded by emphasizing the growth potential in emerging event destinations like Sabah and the critical role of certifications like CED in shaping the industry's future. Attendees were encouraged to actively seek connections that could lead to positive changes in their careers and the broader event landscape, reinforcing the session's theme of the transformative power of conversations in the ever-evolving world of events. See the full Snapsight AI recap of the Key Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary in 70 languages here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/288eb286-411a-4c0e-b1fd-0e07233c17a2/ad387ee1-521d-43ca-932c-64921fa6b1a5/attendee?tab=takeaways

Meet Certified Event Designers Ana Maria Viscasillas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amviscasillas/ and John McHugh https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mchugh-cmm-87367320/ in conversation with Ruud Janssen at live #IMEX25 in Frankfurt. At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the global events industry's premier trade show, Ana Maria and John, two seasoned professionals, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue about the industry's evolution and future. Ana Maria, former chair of the Events Industry Council (EIC) and architect behind the Puerto Rico Convention Center, shared her journey from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show to leading Discover Puerto Rico. She introduced the Future Studies project by MMGY NextFactor, which informs Destination Next, a strategic roadmap reshaping global destinations. John, an entrepreneur who transitioned from finance to events, emphasized the transformative power of certifications like Certified Meeting Management (CMM) and Certified Event Designer (CED). He unveiled Trident Experiential, his new venture focused on elevating business meetings, and drew insightful parallels between event planning and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Both speakers championed the Event Canvas methodology, tracing its origins to the first CED cohort at San Diego State University, where David Kleiman's project for Puerto Rico showcased its potential. They highlighted the upcoming CED Cohort 58 in West Lafayette and a recent certificate program at the Marriott, featuring Marina Bay Sands' innovative event design lab. The conversation touched on Design2Change, exploring how purposeful dialogues drive industry transformation. Reflecting on IMEX's evolution, Ana Maria reminisced about first presenting the Puerto Rico Convention Center at the event. They marveled at the current IMEX's vibrancy, from the anticipated gala at Alter Oper to the international exhibits in Hall 8, including Malaysia's aromatic spice market. Echoing insights from Kai Hattendorf, they underscored the events industry's diplomatic role, noting that while conflicts may begin with hostilities, they often conclude in conference rooms. The speakers highlighted the industry's economic impact, citing EIC research of 1.6 trillion annual attendees and 27 million supported jobs globally. As they concluded, Ana Maria and John looked ahead, envisioning how Destination Next and continued professional development will shape the industry's future. Their conversation at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 not only reaffirmed the enduring value of face-to-face meetings but also showcased the event's role as a crucible for innovation and connection in the ever-evolving world of global events. Speakers Ruud Janssen Managing Partner - Founder Event Design Collective GmbH John McHugh CEO + Owner Trident Experiential Ana Maria Viscasillas Executive Consultant MMGY NextFactor See the key takeaways, idea cloud and summary in 70 languages here courtesy of Snapsight - https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/465726da-c554-49a5-b7bd-d51bba18d2f7/ad387ee1-521d-43ca-932c-64921fa6b1a5/attendee?tab=takeaways

Lori Pugh + Mulemwa Moongwa with Ruud Janssen #DESIGNtoCHANGE #IMEX25 by Event Design Collective

Judy Chang + Simon Eisenbauer + Arsh Mankotia with Roel Frissen #DESIGNtoCHANGE Live from #IMEX2025 At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, Judy Chang + Simon Eisenbauer + Arsh Mankotia appear live with Roel Frissen on the #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast Live from #IMEX2025. As NHL Stenden Master's students in Leisure, Tourism, and Events to share their unique perspectives on the event industry. Judy Chang from Taiwan, Simon Eisenbauer from Austria, and Arsh Mankotia from India engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with the Event Design Collective, creators of the Event Canvas methodology. The students, part of the Future Leadership Forum, offered fresh insights into the industry's dynamics. They observed the passion and confidence of seasoned professionals but highlighted the challenges newcomers face in penetrating established networks. This juxtaposition of enthusiasm and exclusivity painted a nuanced picture of the industry's culture. Their diverse backgrounds fueled a rich conversation about career aspirations, ranging from launching innovative event management companies to spearheading sustainability-focused initiatives. The students emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-evolving field. They shared their experiences with the Event Canvas, taught by instructor Wilco, describing how it transformed their approach to event design from initial overwhelm to appreciating its value in structuring creativity. Looking to the future, the students predicted significant shifts in the industry. They envisioned multifunctional events that seamlessly blend online connectivity with meaningful offline interactions, addressing the growing concern of digital disconnection. The potential impact of artificial intelligence, the increasing focus on sustainability, and the need for more inclusive, cross-cultural events emerged as key trends. The session also touched on the perceived outdatedness of traditional event formats, with students advocating for innovative approaches. They discussed the integration of event apps and other technologies as crucial for enhancing attendee experiences and bridging generational gaps. The evolving skill set required in the industry was another focal point, with emphasis on the need for multi-talented professionals capable of navigating the diverse aspects of modern events. As the conversation wrapped up, the students reflected on the passion that drives the event industry and their eagerness to contribute to its future. Their openness to working in various locations and taking on challenges that foster growth echoed the dynamic nature of the field. This session at IMEX Frankfurt not only provided valuable insights into the perspectives of emerging event professionals but also highlighted the industry's ongoing evolution and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. See the Key Takeaways, Idea Coud and Summary in 70 languages powered by Snapsight here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/24a2a0cd-ef7a-44de-9bda-9a11e1e159bd/ad387ee1-521d-43ca-932c-64921fa6b1a5/attendee?tab=ideacloud

At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, Ruud Janssen hosted Kai Hattendorf, a business transformation specialist and former UFI CEO, for the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast in Hall 9. Fresh from visits to Sabah, East Malaysia, Hattendorf shared insights on the event industry's state of flux, drawing from his extensive background, including his time at Messe Frankfurt. The conversation, which included perspectives from industry leaders like Reggie Agarwal of Cvent and IMEX CEO Carina Bauer, explored the concept of "accidental organizers." Hattendorf cited Web Summit and South by Southwest as prime examples of community-driven events that grew organically. He emphasized the trust inherent in event ownership and the industry's evolution, referencing the Event Canvas methodology and the Certified Trusted Advisor program. Climate change emerged as a central theme, with Hattendorf drawing parallels between his COP conference experiences and the upcoming IEEE Convene event in Glasgow 2025. This case study, contrasted with previous IEEE events on topics like Photonics, exemplified how events can drive solutions to global challenges. Hattendorf's approach echoed the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's emphasis on asking the right questions to find meaningful answers. The podcast introduced the Event Design Competency diagnostic tool, addressing reasons for event failure. Hattendorf and Janssen discussed innovative research methods, including the "red velvet rope policy," and highlighted collaborations with organizations like SITE, MPI, and IAEE to deepen industry understanding. Hattendorf also touched on unexpected disruptions, from the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud to the COVID-19 pandemic, where UFI, AIPC, and others developed standards for converting venues into emergency facilities. Artificial intelligence's impact on the industry was explored, with Hattendorf mentioning Snapsight, an AI-powered content tool developed by the "Gaffney gang." Despite technological advancements, he remained optimistic about the enduring need for human connection through events. This comprehensive session offered valuable perspectives for professionals navigating the evolving event landscape. Hattendorf's insights emphasized the importance of adaptability, innovation, and the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions in an increasingly digital world, providing a roadmap for the future of events. Check out the Snapsight Idea Cloud, Key Takeaways and Summary here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/63cf6bd0-8905-4711-9557-9c18983802ec/ad387ee1-521d-43ca-932c-64921fa6b1a5/attendee?tab=takeaways