The third annual Struktur Event design conference, which takes place from 4-6 May in Portland, OR, will this year add a third day in addition to a line-up of inspiring speakers. It will be dedicated to workshops, where designers will build valuable skills, get exposed to new materials and processes, and forge stronger relationships with partners.

“We’re building a community with this conference,” said cofounder Michelle Rose. “The role of design is shifting at the moment. Some companies are sending their work out of house, while others are expanding their internal teams. There is more crosspollination between disciplines, and even business models designers are at the heart of it all.”

“This conference is an opportunity for designers to come together and solve the issues that we’re facing on the front lines every day.”

Line-up of speakers

This year’s curated line-up of speakers and presenters offers the latest information about the challenges designers are faced with in their profession.

Nasahn Sheppard, VP of Design from REI, will be presenting on their practice of cooperative design and working with their customers to create products they really need and want. Karuna Scheinfeld, VP of Design from Woolrich, one of the oldest outdoor companies still running today, will present on the challenges and rewards of design that stands the test of time. Carl Moriarity, Design Director of Apparel at Arc’teryx, will present on design deliverables and what is expected of designers today.

Panel discussions

Panel discussions include hot topics, such as ethical and responsible design, the changing role of the designer, the rise of the direct-to-consumer business model, and Made in ?, which looks at the complex calculus businesses have to run when deciding where to manufacture their product.

Panelists come from across the industry, including brands Nau, Swrve, Outlier, IDSA, Pensole Footwear Design Academy, Danner, Bellroy, Western Rise, Bold Brew,, Cleverhood, MHM & Co.Alition, BF+DA, Manufacture New York, and RANGE. As usual, Struktur Event will also provide plenty of networking time.

Importance of design

“Business leaders recognize the importance of design in process, product, and people,” commented Rose. “Companies that do not embrace design are going to be left behind, and in order to embrace it, they need to understand it. Even more so, designers need to understand the value they bring to their companies and communicate that value in order to grow together.”

“Struktur Event is for design professionals, to help them build their skills, understand their worth, and lead the industry into the future.”

www.strukturevent.com