The #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, hosted by Ruud Janssen, DES, CMM , brought together IMEX leaders Carina Bauer , Suzanne Medcalf Mulligan , and Sophie Pink to explore the transformative power of conversations in the events industry and the strategies behind IMEX's success. IMEX Frankfurt  was celebrated as a global networking hub where serendipitous connections often lead to impactful collaborations, such as Marina Bay Sands ' partnership with the Event Design Collective, which has resulted in global event design training initiatives. 

See the full newsletter + video here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/carina-bauer-suzanne-mulligan-sophie-pink-team-imex-srlxe/?trackingId=9wKUU6etWZyk3xza1d%2B68w%3D%3D 

The IMEX team, a small yet dynamic group based in Brighton, orchestrates large-scale events like IMEX America, which hosts 85,000 meetings, 15,873 participants, and 3,500 exhibitors. Among the highlights of IMEX America is the Circadian Cove activation, designed to align activities with attendees' circadian rhythms for a more personalized experience. 

Social media plays a pivotal role in amplifying IMEX's impact, with LinkedIn driving business engagement, Instagram spiking during events, and the #IMEX25 hashtag fostering community interaction. First-timer tips were shared to help attendees navigate the extensive schedule and make the most of their experience.

Carina Bauer unveiled IMEX's ambitious 2030 strategy, emphasizing AI integration to enhance attendee experiences and streamline operations. The Event Design Collective's climate change sessions were also spotlighted, reflecting IMEX's commitment to innovation and sustainability. 

As the team gears up for IMEX America, they encouraged attendees to plan their schedules thoughtfully and engage with the vibrant IMEX community online and on-site. This session underscored IMEX's dedication to fostering meaningful connections, driving business outcomes, and shaping the future of the events industry.

Speakers

Carina Bauer IMEX Group (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-bauer17/ ) 

Sophie Pink Digital & Social Media Manager IMEX Group (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-pink-73747010b/)

Suzanne Medcalf Mulligan Head of Engagement IMEX Group (https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-medcalf-mulligan/) 

Ruud Janssen, DES, CMM Managing Partner / Founder Event Design Collective GmbH (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruudwjanssen/ )

Carina Bauer, Suzanne Mulligan, Sophie Pink Team IMEX #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast with Ruud Janssen

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

Shashank Gaur #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast Year +1 with Ruud Janssen

Snapsight Link English = https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/69f5e7f9-fd27-4daf-a445-70300fcc69d3/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways 

In this engaging episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, Ruud Janssen hosted Marie-France Watson, Tim Whalen, and Ryan Young, co-founders of The Event, to reflect on its evolution and future. Originally conceived by three MPI chapter presidents from Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, The Event has grown into a national gathering for event professionals, now under the stewardship of MPI Meeting Professionals International.
This year’s edition, held in Fredericton, New Brunswick, marked a pivotal moment, showcasing the destination’s charm and proving the concept’s viability, while attracting local planners and fostering Canadian pride.  The curated closing keynote featured the SOLUTION Room℠, a peer-to-peer learning format that empowers attendees to develop actionable takeaways, complemented by the human spectrogram activity, which visualized shared challenges. Participants mailed themselves postcards as reminders of their goals, a design element praised for its ingenuity. Fredericton’s breakout rooms were uniquely branded by destination partners, enhancing the immersive experience. 

The MPI Foundation’s involvement and the karaoke with a live band added vibrancy to the event’s atmosphere.   Marie-France Watson, curator of the previous year, emphasized the importance of maintaining The Event’s rebellious spirit and sandbox for creativity. Tim Whalen likened its growth to his ultramarathon journey, underscoring resilience and adaptability, while Ryan Young celebrated Hilton’s milestone of 200 hotels in Canada, reflecting on the industry’s expansion. The co-founders urged MPI and future host destinations to embrace risk-taking and innovation, commending Fredericton’s success in setting a high standard.  The Event’s transition to MPI ownership has sparked friendly competition among destinations vying to host future editions, signalling its growing national impact.

 With its roots in collaboration and its ethos of community-driven design, The Event continues to evolve, inspiring attendees and shaping the future of event planning in Canada. The session concluded with reflections on the power of gathering and the importance of sustaining The Event’s unique identity and purpose.

Marie-France Watson, Ryan Young, Tim Whalen, TheEVENT #DESIGNtoCHANGE Year +1 PODcast 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

On October 24, 2025, Ruud Janssen hosted Julie Wynne, a partner at MLL legal firm in Geneva, on the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast. Recorded at the Novartis Pavilion in Basel, the session explored the transformative power of conversations and the intersection of law, design thinking, and impactful change. Julie shared her journey from hospitality to becoming a leading legal expert in international estate planning, art law, and sustainable economy. As head of MLL’s Sustainable Economy Industry Group, Julie emphasized embedding purpose and impact into organizational DNA through constitutional documents, policies, and contracts, advocating for a holistic approach to governance.

The Event Canvas methodology was highlighted as a tool for designing events that drive change and innovation. Julie discussed how organizations can integrate sustainability and ESG compliance into events, addressing waste reduction, travel emissions, and community engagement. She introduced the concept of nature’s role in decision-making, citing the Unbounding Nature initiative, which explores nature as inspiration, advisor, director, and shareholder. Julie also highlighted the importance of avoiding greenwashing, referencing the EU Green Claims Directive and the Chancery Lane Project’s model climate clauses.

Julie shared her experiences as a change-maker, working with international charities, mission-driven businesses, and NGOs. She recounted her involvement in the Global Alliance for Impact Lawyers, including its recent summit in Mexico, which focused on benefit corporation laws and fostering collaboration between stakeholders from the Global South and North. She also discussed the Projecto Contratos Justos na Amazonia, which promotes fair contracting practices to protect vulnerable parties, such as indigenous communities, in negotiations.

The conversation explored the evolving role of lawyers in designing impactful solutions, with Julie advocating for early collaboration between event designers and legal advisors to align with regulations and values. She emphasized the importance of convening diverse stakeholders to foster innovation and meaningful exchanges, citing examples like Nexus network vegan conferences and community-led projects that promote sustainability and social impact.

The session concluded with a preview of an upcoming breakfast event hosted by MLL in Geneva on November 13, 2025 where Julie and Ruud will explore event design and its role in driving change and impact. This engaging conversation underscored the importance of collaboration, creativity, and purpose in shaping the future of organizations, events, and society. 

View the (multilingual) Summary, Key Takaways and IDEA Cloud courtesy of Snapsight: https://www.snapsight.com/live-channel/cd885ce6-43d6-46b2-b470-6007741eddec/e1be71ca-a1cb-4f34-8ecd-1d9e0efd487e/attendee?tab=takeaways 

Here some additional links to points that Julie mentioned:
-       Chancery Lane Project https://chancerylaneproject.org/
-       Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers (GAIL) https://gailnet.org/
-       Bates Wells, https://bateswells.co.uk/
-       Steward-ownership https://purpose-economy.org/en/
-       Purposely, free tool to put purpose at the heart of a business https://www.purposely.org.uk/
-       Legislation Movement of Collective Interest and Benefit Organizations in Latin America (2020) https://www.somoskeidos.com/en/resources/#unlock
-       Purpose-driven companies and the regulation of the Fourth Sector in Latin America https://www.undp.org/latin-america/publications/purpose-driven-companies-and-regulation-fourth-sector-latin-america
-       The Welcome Conference https://www.thewelcomeconference.com/

Julie Wynne MLL #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONstage PODcast with Ruud Janssen

Julie Wynne MLL #DESIGNtoCHANGE BACKstage PODcast with Ruud Janssen

In this episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, Ruud Janssen and Fred Schindler reflected on the inaugural IEEE Clean Tech and Climate Change conference, held in Glasgow in October, which attracted 200 attendees from IEEE’s global membership of over half a million. Fred, the event owner, shared insights into organizing this cross-disciplinary event, designed to embody IEEE’s motto, “Advancing technology for humanity,” by fostering collaboration across technical communities and breaking silos. The opening reception at Glasgow City Chambers featured Bailey Annette Christie reading a poem that emphasized the importance of the next generation, a theme that resonated deeply with Fred, who symbolically referenced his grandson in the closing remarks. The conference’s structure included two days of sessions, panels, and pitch competitions, with the ideation and startup tracks emerging as highlights. Judges faced a tough decision in the startup track, naming two runners-up alongside the winner, showcasing innovative solutions that energized participants. A notable panel on aviation sustainability sparked discussions about clean energy in air travel, while the overlapping EGRID conference in Glasgow presented logistical challenges and collaboration opportunities. Fred acknowledged the difficulties of hybrid event formats, citing technical issues with a remote speaker as a lesson learned. He credited David Stankiewicz and Crystal Edwards for their pivotal roles in program development and event logistics. The discussion emphasized the importance of aligning event destinations with themes, such as Glasgow’s sustainability mission and COP26 legacy, and looked ahead to COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Fred concluded by reflecting on the need for IEEE to enhance its relevance and influence in advancing technology for the benefit of humanity and future generations, underscoring the urgency of addressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Fred Schindler IEEE #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast Year + 1.5 with Ruud Janssen

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 #Event Design Collective