Business of Design returns in 2015

In response to overwhelming feedback from its inaugural seminar programme in October 2014, Business of Design is back to do more business, with an all-new talk schedule for May, including new speakers and fresh topics.

Partnered by Sage Pastel, Business of Design is a two-day seminar for small to medium design business owners, recent graduates and design students, aimed at guiding, inspiring and offering practical tools to better their business. The programme is relevant to all fields within the design and creative industry – from fashion and product design, to architecture and interior design – and is accredited by the IID, allowing for CPD points to be allocated to registered delegates.

Founded by Trevyn and Julian McGowan (Source, Southern Guild and GUILD International Design Fair) and Cathy O’Clery and Laurence Brick (Platform Creative Agency and the creative duo behind 100% Design South Africa), Business of Design is led by industry leaders and design experts who willingly share their knowledge and experience with delegates over the course of an intensive two days that includes many opportunities for networking.

I learned more about business in the two days of Business of Design than I did in three years at design college - Amy Sinovich of Resonate by Amy, Business of Design 2014 delegate.

Another attendee, Warren Knight of 3D Echo Tech says: "The collective group of speakers gave the best all-round picture of the connection between being a designer and being in business I’ve ever heard."

Wade Ross Skinner, founder of Cape Town creative studio Wolf & Maiden adds: "Business of Design was hugely insightful and inspiring and has armed me with further skills and knowledge for my journey ahead."

Lané Vorster from Lané Vorster Jewellery attests: "My business will make a 360-degree change, from how I tackle the administration and financial side, to how I do the marketing and branding of my product."

This year’s May seminar aims to add to the learning gained from last year, with topics that include Pinnacle Points from Leading Fashion Careers, What Will I Find if I Google You, Managing and Building Your Networks, Trade Platforms: Exhibiting at Home and Abroad, The Architecture of Retail, Brand Direction and Campaign Development, Building Your Online Reputation, Engaging With Your Staff: Motivation and Accountability, Perfecting Your Production, Making the Media Work for You, Designing an African Identity, Business Migration and Selling Under License, Lessons from a Retail Guru, Copyright and Intellectual Property, Designing an African Identity, The Art of Leadership Through Play and Keys to Success.

Besides the four founders, the impressive line-up of speakers includes Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit (KLuK CGDT), Katherine-Mary Pichulik (Pichulik), Nic Criticos (Woolworths), Neville Trickett (Creative Consultant), Nathan Reddy (Grid), Zanele Kumalo (TPP), Enrico Daffonchio (Daffonchio & Associates Architects), Pavlo Phitidis (Aurik Business Incubator), Adele Smith (TFG), Christoph Karl (Guideline MNF), Bryan Ramkilawan (Cape Town Fashion Council), Luke Pedersen and James Lennard (Pedersen + Lennard), Maira Koutsoudakis (Life Group), Steven Cohen (Sage Pastel), Lucilla Booyzen (SA Fashion Week), Haldane Martin (Haldane Martin), Abigail Bisogno (Spice Route), Mariette du Plessis (Adams & Adams), Suzaan Heyns (Suzaan Heyns), Natasha Sideris (Tashas), Greg Truen (SAOTA), Elaine Rumboll (The Creative Leadership Consultancy), Peet van Straaten (RAW Studios), Sarah Buitendach (The Sunday Times), Greg Gamble and Philippe van der Merwe (Tonic) and Julia Day (Generation).

Dates

Cape Town: 20-21 May (Inner City Ideas Cartel, 71 Waterkant Street)

Johannesburg: 26-27 May (Sage Conferencing, Sage Technology Park, Woodmead)

Costs R3 300 (Readers Special)

To claim this discount, email tracy@businessofdesign.co.za with ‘Special Discount’ as the subject.

R3 300 (Business of Design 2014 alumni) R2 500 (students) R3 950 (full price).

For more information, speaker images and interview requests please contact:

Tracy Lynn Chemaly | tracy@businessofdesign.co.za | +27 (0) 21 461 2856

About Sage Pastel: Sage Pastel is South Africa’s leading developer of Pastel accounting software, payroll, ERP and business software of the small, medium and large enterprise market. Founded in 1989, the company has developed an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the industry, and has positioned itself as the market leader and preferred choice for businesses.