What happens when you stop chasing views and start designing for belonging?

When the world went online, most virtual events started to feel the same, flat, distant, and forgettable. But not for Rachel Elnar, Heather Lynn, and David Carr-Berry.

Together, they built some of Adobe’s most loved digital experiences: Creative Jams and The Perfect Match, a 1970s-style design game show complete with music, lights, wigs, and real connection. These weren’t webinars. They were living, breathing events that made thousands of creatives feel seen.

Each brought something vital: Rachel’s heart for community, David’s director’s eye for rhythm and flow, and Heather’s producer’s instinct for care and calm. Their shared secret? Treat every audience like a room full of humans.

When layoffs hit, they took that shared language and built something new: Together By Design—a creative studio helping others build programs with purpose, host events with empathy, and grow communities that last.

This is a conversation about saying yes to collaboration, honoring craft, and leading with care in a digital world that often forgets what connection really means.

In This Episode

+ What makes a live event feel alive, and how to design for it
+ The small touches that make an audience feel seen
+ Why systems and empathy are equally important behind the scenes
+ The difference between an audience and a community (and why it matters)
+ A behind-the-scenes story of a live show gone wrong, and what it taught them
+ Why joy and structure are the true foundation of creative work

Guests
Rachel Elnar is a creative producer, designer, and founder of Together By Design. She previously led Adobe’s Creative Jam program, helping thousands of designers connect and grow.

Heather Lynn is a digital events producer and educator who helps speakers and teams show up with confidence, presence, and calm.

David Carr-Berry is a director who sees live production as choreography for people, story, and emotion, and loves when the unexpected brings beauty.

Key Takeaways
+ Design events for belonging, not performance
+ The most powerful tool in live work is empathy
+ Systems create space for spontaneity and joy
+ Building community requires care before, during, and after the show
+ When you respect your audience, they’ll keep showing up

The Heart of It
At its heart, this episode is about something bigger than events.
It’s about presence. About noticing the people on the other side of the screen.

Because when we create with care, whether it’s a meeting, a mural, or a moment—we remind the world what it feels like to be together.

10 Episode 71: TBD - The Design of People-First Events

The Design Of isn’t a podcast about graphic design. It’s about the intentional design of how we live, lead, create—and pursue what matters most.

Hosted by brand strategist and storyteller Justin Ahrens, The Design Of explores the moments, decisions, and values that shape how people find purpose, navigate change, and create meaningful impact in their lives and work.

Through powerful, human-centered conversations with startup founders, bestselling authors, artists, teachers, business leaders, everyday innovators, and even Olympic medalists and an Oscar winner—each episode reveals what it really takes to build a life (and legacy) with intention.

Whether you’re leading a business, building a brand, making art, or simply trying to live more intentionally, The Design Of invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Brought to you—intentionally and with purpose—by Rule29 and O’Neil Printing.

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10 Episode 71: TBD - The Design of People-First Events

Design Of Podcast