It’s an unusual circumstance for the President of the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ache-continuing-ed/posts/?feedView=all ) to not only be the event owner, but also a skilled event designer. Discover how Patti Spaniola, CED+ and ACHE President (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-spaniola-cmp-ced/) turned over the design of the 86th Annual ACHE International Conference to Bryan Best, CED (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brobest/) and Sherry Blok (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-blok-m-a-a0a14286/ ) to create a joyful, collaborative and educational conference that participants were truly inspired to be a part of. Not only did Sherry and Bryan design and execute a meaningful event that stayed true to Patti’s desired behavior changes, they empowered their team of volunteers to create a magical experience that was perfect in every way. When the event owner says she wouldn’t change one single detail, that is bona fide success!

Join us as we share the goodness of the Association for Continuing Higher Education’s 86th Annual Conference held in Palm Springs, CA on October 14-16, 2024.  https://www.acheinc.org/events/ache-2024-annual-conference 
check out the mentioned reels at https://www.instagram.com/acheinc

This #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast with Ruud Janssen was recorded on 11 November 2024 and a unique opportunity to hear from the event owner and event design team how that collaborations works in tandem when both master the Event Design using the #EventCanvas Methodology and speak a common language. For more podcast episodes and the DESIGN to CHANGE book check out the link on https://designtochange.online 

Sherry Blok + Patti Spaniola + Bryan Best #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONStage PODcast with Ruud Janssen

Meet Sofya Abramchuk, Architect and multifaceted designer at the Gaudi World Foundation https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofyaabr/ in conversation with Ruud Janssen on this episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast. 

Sofya Abramchuk, a designer, creative director and founder, and event curator with over a decade of experience leading innovative projects at the intersection of architecture, culture, and transformation. She is the co-founder of the Originate Institute, a visionary spin‑off of the Gaudí World Foundation — where she spent eight years shaping Gaudí’s legacy before transitioning into her current role as advisor and collaborator.
 
Sofya has been deeply involved in curating and delivering international events including three editions of the Gaudí World Congress and a range of immersive challenges, workshops, and exhibitions. She now serves as a collaborator and advisor to the Foundation, and is currently working with AIM Group International on the upcoming Gaudí World Congress in Chile, which will be supporting the construction of the only Gaudí-designed building outside of Spain — the long-awaited Chapel in Rancagua.
 
Today, she’ll be giving a first glimpse into my new initiative: the Back to the Origins Summit, set to take place in Seoul in spring 2026 — the first event of its kind to unite thought leaders, creatives, and institutions around a shared mission: designing a future rooted in timeless wisdom and regenerative innovation.


Sofya Abramchuk #DESIGNtoCHANGE BACKStage PODcast Gaudi World Foundation with Ruud Janssen

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

Philippe Clarinval #DESIGNtoCHANGE #PODcast with Ruud Janssen Year +1

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 

Sabrina Schoenmaker + Jack Ryan with Ruud Janssen #DESIGNtoCHANGE #IMEX25

In the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast hosted by Ruud Janssen, Drew Holmgreen, CEO of PPAI, shared his journey from Chief Experience Officer at MPI to leading the 120-year-old association representing the branded merchandise industry. Drew reflected on his transition, emphasizing the importance of impactful conversations in driving change and fostering creativity within the industry.

Drew recounted his first days at PPAI, including the PPAI Expo at Mandalay Bay, a flagship event with 16,000 attendees and net promoter scores of 60 for suppliers and 63 for distributors. The Expo serves as a vital connection point for the association's 15,000 member companies, showcasing innovative branded merchandise and fostering collaboration among suppliers, distributors, and business service providers.

Drawing on his MPI experience, Drew shared lessons from hosting the WEC event during COVID-19, which successfully blended in-person and virtual elements. He highlighted the importance of balancing financial sustainability with delivering exceptional experiences, a principle he applies at PPAI.

The discussion explored branded merchandise's role as a marketing channel, with Drew advocating for its inclusion in campaigns to create lasting emotional connections. He cited examples like Stella Artois' innovative merchandise and Promenade's sustainability efforts, emphasizing the industry's creativity. Branded merch, he noted, offers high ROI and longevity, with items like T-shirts having an average lifespan of seven years.

Drew addressed challenges facing the industry, including tariffs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, which impact costs and sourcing. He highlighted PPAI's advocacy efforts and the launch of a new learning management system to support members. The association is also exploring AI's potential to enhance efficiency and innovation.

Looking ahead, Drew outlined his vision for PPAI, focusing on fostering a positive staff culture, enhancing member engagement, and repositioning branded merchandise as a vital marketing tool. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with organizations like MPI, AMA, and international associations to unify messaging and drive industry growth.

The session concluded with Drew's optimism for the future, highlighting the importance of creativity, resilience, and strategic planning in navigating challenges and advancing the branded merchandise industry.

New tracks tagged ##DESIGNtoCHANGE