This year expect more activities in the run-up to the event, and more days allocated – before, and after, the 2 conference days of 15-16th Nov (Fri/Sat). In the works are Masterclasses, Studio Tours, Salons and smaller focused Meetups, Roundtables and Dinners. Some spread across Bangalore, some curated by our partners. All aimed at creating meaningful, deeper engagements with other attendees, companies and educational institutions. So, this year it is more than just a conference – it’s The DesignUpFest.

A first this year, we travel for a day around Bangalore spending a few hours at some of the stellar Ux teams: within startups and unicorns, at boutique studios.  Across industry segments: from fintech to food delivery, travel to fitness. We’ll meet Product, Design and Data teams in their work environment. This day long tour will provide attendees an up close look and deeper interactions with product makers, creators operating within India’s often chaotic and always gigantic market forces.

In a format familiar to DesignUp 2018 attendees – we spend 5-8 hours in a in-depth hands-on masterclass with an expert in the field. This long format class provides attendees a deeper understanding of a process, framework  or method. And allows for much more interaction with fellow attendees and the Masterclass leader.

Meet Speakers, Sponsors, Partners, Volunteers and Hosts over an evening of casual banter over food, drinks, desserts and endless stories. An invite only event, and limited to a group size of less than 150, this is an extra special meet as we get ready to dive in to the 2 days of the conference.

The Designer’s Table is a unique format that bring speakers and attendees closer for a deeper conversation – over specially themed dinner. A dozen guests join a speaker for an evening of conversations – and also get to meet fellow attendees.

Take a break from the talks and panel discussions, and participate in a 2-hour workshop. Conducted by practitioners and academics, Studios or Enterprises these hands-on interactive workshops provide you an insight into a process or method or helps you get a sneak peek into frameworks, tools or mental models.

Spread across 2 Stages across 2 days, the conference hosts Keynotes, Talks, Lightning talks and Panels by leaders, practitioners, teachers and thought-leaders from across the globe. Talks are categorised by Tracks/Themes and run in parallel, allowing you to pick-and-choose your agenda for the day. Though sometimes that can be a tough call.

Open for the general public, The Learning Pavilion has over 5000 sq ft of space hosting institutions and organisations that specialise in Design Education, training and re-skilling at various levels. Apart from the exhibit – the space will host Talks, Panels around the theme of Careers, Teaching and Learning. This space is meant to inspire, assist and motivate learners and those who wish to pursue a career in Design – or those looking for a leg-up in their current careers.

Showcasing the power of Art/Design & Technology this space – open for the general public – houses installations by artists and designers.