Event Design Collective PODcasts

At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast conversation series featured an insightful discussion with Amber Herrewijn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-herrewijn-48166112/ ) from NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. Hosted by Roel Frissen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/roelfrissen/) in the Event Design LAB℠ onsite at #IMEX, the session explored innovations in the business events industry and event management education. Amber, representing BeFuture, a Co-European funded project involving six countries including Spain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, discussed efforts to drive sustainability and innovation in an industry largely unchanged for four decades. The project's acceleration program grants support initiatives like Konferli for sustainable associative conferences and InnoFest, which bridges the gap between festivals and business events. NHL Stenden's master's program in International Leisure Tourism and Events Management, featuring a diverse cohort from seven nationalities, incorporates the Event Canvas methodology and the EDC Event Design Certificate Program. The curriculum adapts to industry changes, including AI's impact, focusing on developing tech-savvy, resilient professionals. Students like Judy from Taiwan gain practical experience at IMEX, engaging directly with industry leaders. Amber highlighted the contrast between festivals and business events, noting how festivals create temporary cities that offer controlled environments for innovation and trial-and-error approaches. This comparison underscored the need for more experimentation in the business events sector, which often faces constraints due to client expectations and stakeholder pressures. The conversation explored the shift towards a Human to Human (H2H) approach, moving beyond traditional B2B models. Amber addressed generational differences in networking, noting how the absence of cell phones in earlier generations fostered better social skills – a challenge for today's young professionals at events like IMEX and the Future Leadership Program. NHL Standen's design-based research philosophy, where students tackle real industry challenges, was presented as a bridge between theory and practice. This approach provides value to both students and industry partners, preparing graduates for the evolving global events landscape. The session concluded by emphasizing the need for ongoing innovation in event design and execution. From sustainability initiatives to creating meaningful human connections, the discussion highlighted the importance of adapting to changing industry demands to ensure the continued relevance and impact of business events in the future. Speakers Roel Frissen Managing Partner / co-founder Event Design Collective GmbH Amber Herrewijn Senior lecurer / Researcher NHLStenden University, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands A full overview of Key Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary can be found here courtesy of SnapSight in 70 languages :https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/8ed20a47-6702-4120-9f7b-7373448cf19c/ad387ee1-521d-43ca-932c-64921fa6b1a5/attendee?tab=takeaways

At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast hosted an illuminating session on May 20th, featuring adaptive adventurers Sabrina Schoenmaker and Jack Ryan. Nestled near the IMEX canyon in Hall 9, podcast host Ruud Janssen created an "audio bubble" amidst the bustling 16,000-attendee event at Frankfurt Messe. Sabrina, a wheelchair user due to multiple sclerosis (Handy Fly NL), and Jack Ryan, visually impaired (Instagram: VI Adventurer), shared powerful insights during their "Travelers on Wildly inclusive" session. Introduced by CED'er and IMEX Curator Tahira Endean, they explored inclusive event planning and personal growth through adversity. The speakers challenged the notion of "lowering the bar" for individuals with disabilities. Instead, they advocated for creative problem-solving and rapid prototyping of solutions. Sabrina poignantly stated, "Assumptions and beliefs of others are the biggest limitations in our lives." This sentiment echoed throughout their discussion on resilience and adaptability. Jack emphasized the concept of "progress over perfection," likening the maintenance of adaptive skills to hunger - a constant need for practice and reinforcement. He advised, "The goal isn't to never panic, but for that time of panic to be as short as possible." The conversation touched on practical tools for inclusive event design, including the Event Canvas and Design for ieee, which also address climate change challenges. Sabrina highlighted the need for extreme leadership in organizing challenging trips, drawing parallels to unpredictable changes in Switzerland's mountainous regions. Interestingly, Sabrina reinterpreted the Dutch proverb "Kobler, stay at your last" (stick to what you're good at) as encouragement to persist in one's strengths despite challenges. This perspective resonated with their approach to overcoming obstacles and redefining possibilities. Looking ahead, the speakers previewed their upcoming sessions "Belonging to All" and "Perspectives on empathy," promising deeper dives into stakeholder perspectives and inclusive practices. They encouraged ongoing dialogue through social media, extending the conversation beyond IMEX. This session not only provided practical advice for event planners but also served as an inspiring example of how personal challenges can transform into valuable industry insights. The Design2Change series, available in various formats including an innovative augmented reality book experience, continues to push boundaries in accessibility and engagement. As IMEX Frankfurt 2025 demonstrated, the future of events lies in embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Speakers Ruud Janssen Managing Partner / Founder Event Design Collective GmbH Jack Ryan Speaker adventurer, runner, cyclist, triathlete, skydiver Speaker Sabrina Schoenmakers Chairman Stichting Handifly NL Find the Key Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary of this PODcast trabslated to 70+ languges enabled by SnapSight here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/459cdcdb-ca31-4667-b37e-9fe8bb503acf/ad387ee1-521d-43ca-932c-64921fa6b1a5/attendee?tab=takeaways

In the latest #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast, host Ruud Janssen engaged in an illuminating conversation with Monique Ruff-Bell, TED's Chief Program and Strategy Officer, about the organization's evolution and future direction. Ruff-Bell shared insights on TED Next, a groundbreaking event in Atlanta that attracted 80% new attendees, aiming to match the impressive 55-60% retention rate of TED's Vancouver conference. TED's ecosystem has expanded significantly, now encompassing 3,000 annual TEDx events, TED Ed for schools, and the Audacious Project, which raises nearly $1 billion yearly for global initiatives. New thematic events like TED AI and TED Sports, alongside the Countdown Climate Change conference in Nairobi, showcase TED's commitment to diverse and impactful programming. Ruff-Bell highlighted TED's shift from "ideas worth spreading" to "ideas change everything," influencing event design and content curation. This philosophy is evident in TED Next's structure, which features 45 TED talks, Next stage content, and innovative networking through brain dates. The event's success is bolstered by a comprehensive first timers program and learning journeys that guide attendees through themes like leadership and creativity. The podcast revealed Chris Anderson's transition plan after 25 years at TED's helm, including the organization's relocation from Vancouver to California post-2026. Ruff-Bell discussed the delicate balance of honoring tradition while embracing innovation, exemplified by the introduction of "buy now, pay later" options for TED Next to attract younger professionals. TED Next's speaker lineup reflects this balance, featuring established names like Paul Tazewell, costume designer for "Wicked," and Dan Savage, renowned sex advice columnist, alongside emerging underground voices poised for breakthrough moments. This diverse roster underscores TED's commitment to showcasing a wide range of perspectives and ideas. Ruff-Bell emphasized TED's role in fostering optimism and hope, particularly crucial in today's political climate. TED events are designed as sanctuaries where attendees can disconnect from chaos and rediscover hope, with experiences shared actively on LinkedIn to engage a broader audience. As TED continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to creating an ecosystem of learning and inspiration. The organization'sadaptive approach, balancing the needs of long-time supporters with efforts to attract new audiences, ensures that TED remains at the forefront of spreading impactful ideas and driving positive change in an ever-changing world. Speakers Monique RuffBell - Chief Program & Strategy Officer - TED - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniqueruffbell/ Ruud Janssen - Managing Partner / Founder - Event Design Collective - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen/ Check out the Snapsight AI recap Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/60c6a5eb-0ad5-4bdd-8395-793fcc584d1e/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways

Philippe Clarinval https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarinval/ is a seasoned hospitality leader, Board Advisor, and keynote speaker passionate about service excellence, transformational leadership, and creating a positive impact. ​He knows what resonates when it comes to hospitalty as a catalyst of change. In this enlightening episode of the Design to Change podcast, host Ruud Janssen engages Philippe Clarinval in a profound exploration of his transformative journey through the hospitality industry.Philippe, whose illustrious career includes roles at the Grand Hotel, Swiss Deluxe Hotels board, Forbes Business Council, and Oxford Leadership, shares insights gained from his recent submission of a 224-page doctorate thesis to the University of Liverpool. The conversation traverses Philippe's rich experiences, from managing the Omnia Hotel in Zermatt - renowned for its James Bond-esque entrance and #1 TripAdvisor ranking - to pivotal moments in a Kyoto ramen shop. These experiences shaped his understanding of omotenashi (Japanese deep hospitality) and redefined his service philosophy. A poignant anecdote about purchasing a Loop Wheeler garment illustrates the profound care in Japanese customer service, reminiscent of a 400-year-old company's enduring legacy. Philippe's participation in the Kepler Academy program, with modules in Amsterdam, Kyoto, Freiburg and Basel, proved transformative. He draws fascinating parallels between Japanese hospitality and European design, contrasting Tadao Ando's nature-preserving approach at the Vitra campus with Frank Gehry's bold designs. The carbon-neutral Cartier Vauban area, originally a garrison designed by Napoleon's architect Vauban, exemplifies stakeholder alignment and corporate social responsibility in action. Reflecting on his educational evolution from the 2005 Cornell program in Ithaca to recent immersive experiences, Philippe emphasizes the importance of being both inspiring and inspirable as a leader. He cautions against the "mount of stupid" in the Dunning-Kruger effect, advocating for an "eyes on, hands off" leadership approach that balances guidance with autonomy. Personal growth emerges as a recurring theme, with Philippe's fiancée Silke noting when he "got his glow back." He employs a compelling Hermes tie metaphor to describe feeling constrained in his career, contrasting it with his current sense of liberation. This personal "Liberation Day," becomes a powerful metaphor for ongoing growth and freedom from constraints. Throughout the podcast, Philippe touches on various tools and concepts, from the Business Model Canvas for sustainable practices to subtle LinkedIn "Easter eggs" hinting at his experiences. He views pride as his ultimate currency and contemplates life's phases of learning, earning, and returning. As the conversation concludes at an experience in Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, where a touching piano player anecdote unfolded, Philippe hints at future aspirations to make a broader impact. His journey from the "mount of stupid" to a place of wisdom, and his transition from earning to returning, offer listeners valuable insights into personal and professional development in the hospitality industry and beyond. This Design to Change episode serves as a masterclass in leadership, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence in hospitality. He is presently a Forbes Business Council member and advocate for the power of purpose-driven leadership; Philippe believes luxury is defined by passion, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to core values.​ See the key takeaways, idea cloud and summary courtesy of our AI partner Snapsight here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/5d6c8c86-b5b3-4fdc-82a1-a79d2b0ca181/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways Check out more episodes at https://designtochange.online

Elizabeth Sage #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast Year +1 with Ruud Janssen

Nicola Kastner & David Kliman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kliman/) #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast episode Year +1 with Ruud Janssen https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen/) . Get upto speed on what Ceo Nicola Kastner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolakastner/ ) of ELX and co-founder of ELX have up their sleeve and how the past year has evolved the landscape for the corporate event executives. More resources for ELX can be found here: https://www.eventleaders.com See the key takeaways, insights and summary courtesy of Snapsight here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/65fae535-382f-4117-90ec-c42a6948c675/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways To learn more about the #DESIGNtoCHANGE book by the team at the Event Design Collective see https://designtochange.online

Meet Audette Sophia in this new episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast with Ruud Janssen. Audette is the founder of Catalyst Arts, a production company in California that energizes events through creative entertainment & experience design. From elaborately costumed performers to interactive installations, they enhance ambiance & delight guests. Audette is also the creator of the X-Factor Method, a strategic design framework for crafting more unique & interactive brand experiences. You can connect to Audette on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/audettes/. Based on the content of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE book written by Roel Frissen, Ruud Janssen and Dennis Luijer we are guided through a fascinating conversation. . More episodes can de found at https://designtochange.online

Meet Audette Sophia in this new episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast with Ruud Janssen. Audette is the founder of Catalyst Arts, a production company in California that energizes events through creative entertainment & experience design. From elaborately costumed performers to interactive installations, they enhance ambiance & delight guests. Audette is also the creator of the X-Factor Method, a strategic design framework for crafting more unique & interactive brand experiences. You can connect to Audette on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/audettes/. Based on the content of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE book written by Roel Frissen, Ruud Janssen and Dennis Luijer we are guided through a fascinating conversation. . More episodes can de found at https://designtochange.online

Meet Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki J.P. , CEO of the Sabah International Convention Centre and event owner of the #BEinSABAH Business Event in Sabah (https://beinsabah.com.my) on this special episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONstage + BACKstage PODcast with Ruud Janssen. Explore what it takes to open a convention centre operating at the highest degree of competence in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. From first meeting at #IMEX24 through a previous podcast guest Chanet Ham to running the EDC Level 3 Cohort 56 in Kota Kinabalu and exploring the #DESIGntoCHANGE concepts onstage at the #BEinSABAH event in February 2025, they discuss the special #AugmentedHumanity that Sabahans bring to event design. YBHG Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki J.P is the organising chairperson of BE in SABAH, MACEOS Sabah Chair and CEO of Sabah International Convention Centre. The 2nd International Business Forum – BE in SABAH was designed to empower and elevate Business Events across the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging the East ASEAN countries to unlock opportunities for growth and collaboration, ultimately driving economic development. Check out the key takeaways and highlights in this AI powered recap courtesy of Snapsight - https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/34157377-a0ba-4f82-8812-32d56e274967/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways Based on the content of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE book written by Roel Frissen, Ruud Janssen and Dennis Luijer we are guided through a fascinating conversation amongst friends. More episodes can de found at https://designtochange.online

Meet Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki J.P. , CEO of the Sabah International Convention Centre and event owner of the #BEinSABAH Business Event in Sabah (https://beinsabah.com.my) on this special episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONstage + BACKstage PODcast with Ruud Janssen. Explore what it takes to open a convention centre operating at the highest degree of competence in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. From first meeting at #IMEX24 through a previous podcast guest Chanet Ham to running the EDC Level 3 Cohort 56 in Kota Kinabalu and exploring the #DESIGntoCHANGE concepts onstage at the #BEinSABAH event in February 2025, they discuss the special #AugmentedHumanity that Sabahans bring to event design. YBHG Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki J.P is the organising chairperson of BE in SABAH, MACEOS Sabah Chair and CEO of Sabah International Convention Centre. The 2nd International Business Forum – BE in SABAH was designed to empower and elevate Business Events across the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging the East ASEAN countries to unlock opportunities for growth and collaboration, ultimately driving economic development. Check out the key takeaways and highlights in this AI powered recap courtesy of Snapsight - https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/34157377-a0ba-4f82-8812-32d56e274967/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways Based on the content of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE book written by Roel Frissen, Ruud Janssen and Dennis Luijer we are guided through a fascinating conversation amongst friends. More episodes can de found at https://designtochange.online