Nicola Kastner & David Kliman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kliman/) #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast episode Year +1 with Ruud Janssen https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen/) . 
Get upto speed on what Ceo Nicola Kastner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolakastner/ ) of ELX and co-founder of ELX have up their sleeve and how the past year has evolved the landscape for the corporate event executives. More resources for ELX can be found here:  https://www.eventleaders.com 

See the key takeaways, insights and summary courtesy of Snapsight here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/65fae535-382f-4117-90ec-c42a6948c675/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways

To learn more about the #DESIGNtoCHANGE book by the team at the Event Design Collective see https://designtochange.online

Nicola Kastner & David Kliman #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast episode Year +1 with Ruud Janssen

Elizabeth Sage #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast Year +1 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

Connect with Michael Ackerbauer PhD here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelackerbauer/ 
Connect with Ruud Janssen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen/

And see there Key Takeaways, Idea Cloud and Summary (in 70+ languages) here courtesy by Snapsight : 
https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/ba005022-bc7b-42b6-bc5b-419c21f3833c/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways

Summary
In this captivating "Year plus three" episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast, Ruud Janssen engaged Michael Ackerbauer in a rich dialogue about change, technology, and personal growth. Michael, now at the helm of ACK Labs, a third-generation consultancy with roots in forensic chemistry, shared his journey from a 26-year IBM career to his current role as an innovation catalyst.

Ackerbauer's multifaceted background includes facilitating at the Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) conference, teaching as adjunct instructor, and lecturing at Buffalo State University, which is launching a Doctorate of Professional Studies. His expertise in agile coaching and design thinking shaped his approach at IBM's client engineering, where he focused on "retiring quota" and showcasing generative AI like WatsonX.

The conversation delved into the "cone of uncertainty," creative abrasion, and continuous improvement. Michael emphasized the critical importance of trustworthiness and veracity in AI applications, drawing insightful parallels from the early days of "sneaker net" to current applications in insurance claims adjudication. He articulated a nuanced view of AI implementation, stressing the irreplaceable role of human oversight and emotion.

A highlight of the discussion was Michael's innovative rock balancing metaphor for leadership, which he demonstrated at Italy's Crea conference. This powerful analogy illustrates his triad of effectiveness, efficiency, and empowerment in team dynamics, complemented by his framework of capability, capacity, and commitment for assessing team performance.Ackerbauer's approach to change management acknowledges the often-overlooked aspect of grief associated with transitions. He cited the resilience of Blatten village after a natural disaster as an inspiring example of human adaptability in the face of drastic change.

The podcast touched on the evolution from centralized to decentralized computing, the rise of mobile and social computing, and the concept of "augmented humanity" in the AI era. Michael shared fascinating insights from using AI to analyze his own career trajectory and TEDx talk on rock balancing, hinting at exciting future book projects.

As the conversation concluded, both speakers reflected on the power of intentional dialogue in driving change, embodying the core principle of "Design to Change." The podcast's innovative use of AI-generated summaries in 70 languages served as a fitting demonstration of the transformative technologies discussed, bridging theory and practice in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and human interaction.

See the link to the Rock Balancing article mentioned here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/principles-balance-michael-ackerbauer-phd/

Michael Ackerbauer #DESIGNtoCHANGE #PODcast with Ruud Janssen Year +3

Event Design Collective, TTTech Auto, Shashank Gaur PhD, Ruud Janssen PODcast Year +1

Shashank Gaur #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast Year +1 with Ruud Janssen

In this #DESIGntoCHANGE #PODcast Year +1 Episode, Sharifa Wilkinson M.Ed, CED - Mega Events & Event Management Teaching Professor and Program Lead - FIU - Florida International University shares with podcast host Ruud Janssen her journey on the #HORIZONSofCHANGE a year onward. 

Snapsight Key Takeaways & Idea Cloud & Summary = https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/79791165-0d19-41f7-87ff-6af2c3a9f3cc/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways 

Snapsight AI Summary https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/79791165-0d19-41f7-87ff-6af2c3a9f3cc/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways  

Summary
The #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, hosted by Ruud Janssen, featured Sharifa Wilkinson, a teaching professor at Florida International University (FIU) specializing in mega events and event management. Sharifa shared her journey from being a high-performance soccer player to becoming an academic leader, highlighting her transition into teaching and research. Her doctoral studies focus on the relationship between micro and small businesses and mega events, particularly the FIFA World Cup 2026, exploring their expectations and readiness for large-scale opportunities.   The session celebrated Sharifa’s mentorship and her efforts to connect students with industry opportunities. She recounted her students’ participation in the Super Bowl teammates program, where they gained hands-on experience in event operations, and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival pitch competition, where empathy maps were used to design experiences for younger audiences. Sharifa’s commitment to fostering the next generation of event professionals extends to hosting recruitment events for FIU hospitality students, preparing them for competitive roles in mega events like FIFA.   Sharifa’s academic contributions include integrating the Event Canvas methodology into her teaching, a globally recognized tool for event design. She reflected on cohort 53 of the Event Design Certificate program, where participants designed the Olympic opening ceremony and explored stakeholder mapping exercises. The unveiling of the Bill Hansen Catering and Events Lab at FIU further exemplifies her dedication to practical learning. This innovative space features mood board walls, floor planning magnets, and lighting setups, enabling students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.   Sharifa’s personal pursuits, such as her newfound passion for tennis, demonstrate her commitment to continuous growth and exploration. Her upcoming participation in IMEX America includes speaking sessions and visits to booth F416, where the Event Design Collective will showcase case studies and methodologies. Sharifa emphasized the importance of proactive networking, encouraging students to connect with industry leaders and seize opportunities to build meaningful relationships.   Through her academic, professional, and personal endeavors, Sharifa exemplifies the transformative power of intentionality and mentorship in shaping the future of the event industry. The conversation underscored her vision for creating a pipeline that enables students to transition seamlessly into the workforce, contributing to the social legacy of mega events. Sharifa’s inspiring journey and dedication to education and mentorship continue to leave a lasting impact on her students and the broader event design community.

Sharifa Wilkinson - FIU #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast Year +1 with Ruud Janssen

AI in Event Design Conversations
Ruud Janssen and Fred Werner discussed their shared history, including attending the International School of Manila and their current roles in event design and technology. They explored the impact of AI on events, with Werner sharing his experience of managing the AI for Good event, which has grown significantly in popularity. Werner highlighted the challenges of dealing with high demand and managing the success of such events. Ruud explained the format of the Design to Change podcast, which features conversations with event designers and owners about embracing change and looking beyond the present. They agreed to start recording the podcast, with Ruud introducing Werner and posing a question about the power of conversation to drive change.
ITU's AI for Good Evolution
Fred discussed the evolution of AI for Good initiatives since 2017, highlighting how the ITU transformed its approach during the pandemic to create an online platform with 55,000 members from 180 countries. He explained how ITU's unique public-private model, involving over 1,000 private members and academic institutions, enables them to convene diverse stakeholders and collaborate with other UN agencies on initiatives like AI for Health, natural disaster management, and food security. The discussion also covered how ITU's adaptability, demonstrated through their rapid response to COVID-19 and subsequent venue changes, has contributed to the growing success of their AI for Good events.
Check out the  ⁨@Snapsightai⁩  takeaways here: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/6c676312-1808-4c69-b624-af6e24576bd1/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways

Fred Werner - ITU #DESIGNtoCHANGE BACKstage #PODcast with Ruud Janssen

Fred Werner - Chief Engagement Officer at ITU - United Nations https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredericwerner/ in conversation with Host Ruud Janssen 
AI in Event Design Conversations
Ruud and Werner discussed their shared history, including attending the International School of Manila and their current roles in event design and technology. They explored the impact of AI on events, with Werner sharing his experience of managing the AI for Good event, which has grown significantly in popularity. Werner highlighted the challenges of dealing with high demand and managing the success of such events. Ruud explained the format of the Design to Change podcast, which features conversations with event designers and owners about embracing change and looking beyond the present. They agreed to start recording the podcast, with Ruud introducing Werner and posing a question about the power of conversation to drive change.
ITU's AI for Good Evolution
Fred discussed the evolution of AI for Good initiatives since 2017, highlighting how the ITU transformed its approach during the pandemic to create an online platform with 55,000 members from 180 countries. He explained how ITU's unique public-private model, involving over 1,000 private members and academic institutions, enables them to convene diverse stakeholders and collaborate with other UN agencies on initiatives like AI for Health, natural disaster management, and food security. The discussion also covered how ITU's adaptability, demonstrated through their rapid response to COVID-19 and subsequent venue changes, has contributed to the growing success of their AI for Good events.

Fred Werner - ITU #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONstage #PODcast with Ruud Janssen

Meet Saamer Mansoor ( linkedin.com/in/saamer ) who from building a Deaf Aware App is now revolutionising the way meeting Transcription and Translation Apps can work without the Internet connectivity on device and nearly no latency. Conference Captioning (https://conferencecaptioning.com  ) is ADA-compliant live transcription and instant translations powered by On-Device AI — so your audience never misses a word.  PODcast hosts Roel Frissen and Ruud Janssen explore this development in this latest episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast ONstage and BACKstage more at https://designtochange.online  

The #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, hosted by Ruud Janssen and Roel Frissen, featured Saamer Mansoor, founder of BeAware Deaf Assistant, sharing his inspiring journey of innovation. Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Texas, Saamer studied mechanical engineering at the University of Texas before transitioning to coding. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed the Deaf Assistant app to address communication barriers for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community caused by mask-wearing. The app transforms smartphones into alerting devices using LED flashes and smartwatch vibrations, gaining global recognition, including features on Y Combinator's Hacker News and Apple’s platform. It is widely used in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States.

Saamer’s participation in IMEX America, a major event with 17,000 attendees, was transformative. During Smart Monday and the Event Design Certificate (EDC) Level 1 workshop at Marina Bay Sands, he engaged with event designers from over 15 countries, recognizing the need for inclusive event design. Inspired by feedback from George Washington University professors, he expanded the app’s capabilities to include conference captioning. This feature uses on-device AI for real-time captioning and translation in over 25 languages, ensuring ADA compliance with over 95% accuracy and contextual understanding. Unlike competitors, Saamer’s solution eliminates internet dependency, offering unmatched speed and reliability, even for silent seminars.

The session explored accessibility challenges in events, citing CES 2024’s accessibility competition, which lacked basic accommodations. Saamer also shared insights from the PCMA conference in Rotterdam, where the Sign Language Coffee Bar sparked conversations about communication barriers. He emphasized the importance of relationships in the events industry, noting competitors’ aggressive sales tactics, including exclusive multi-year deals.

Saamer’s open-source business model, with code available on GitHub, empowers the deaf community without ads or subscription fees. Revenue is generated through partnerships with organizations serving this community. Looking ahead, Saamer plans to expand his sales team, enhance networking features for classrooms and events, and continue innovating. The podcast concluded with an invitation for Saamer to return next year to reflect on his progress and share updates, while also highlighting the Event Canvas’s 30,000 users and its role in fostering inclusive event design worldwide.

Saamer Mansoor #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONstage with Ruud Janssen + Roel Frissen

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.

Check out the full article and @SnapSight analysis here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/drew-holmgreen-ppai-designtochange-podcast-year-beode/?trackingId=m%2BGUCZONzL7FtWrqQCfSBg%3D%3D

New tracks tagged #Event Design