Thinkshops present an added opportunity for one-on-one interaction at AIGA’s Y-15 Conference

March 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Engaging micro-sessions called Thinkshops add a powerful personal component to the format of AIGA’s Y-15 Conference. Attendees select their Thinkshop in advance from 10 possible topics, each facilitated by a recognized leader in the design industry. Attendance is intentionally limited in these highly engaging forums to inspire deeper, interactive discussion, debate and brainstorming.

“Thinkshops are a favorite of conference speakers and attendees alike. They fill up quickly and participation is dependent on advance registration and availability,” says Amy Levine, President if AIGA San Diego. “The real value is the opportunity for personal interaction with design industry ‘rock stars’ about some of the hottest issues affecting the design professionals today. The smaller format sparks great discussion and we’ve seen some dynamic professional partnerships result from Thinkshop connections.”

One of the most anticipated Thinkshops at Y-15 will be led by Eileen Gittins. As founder and CEO of Blurb, Eileen will share insight into the breakthrough print-on-demand capabilities and how it is reshaping the future of publishing. In her Thinkshops “Hands-on Print on Demand for Self Promotion” Eileen, along with colleague Chad Jennings will showcase some of the most dynamic opportunities that platforms like Blurb present to the design community.

Retail products innovator Jenn Bilik will inspire multi-dimensional creativity in her Thinkshop “Graphic Design for Retail products.” As the founder and driving creative behind Knock-Knock, Bilik has emerged as a thought leader known for her unique creative process and a distinctive design aesthetic.

Mark Murphy will challenge design professionals to be intentional and diligent in cultivating creativity in his Thinkshop “The Power of You: Mapping Creativity into your Daily Work.” Murphy’s recent documentary “Scribble” will be shown. The film chronicles the growth, change and inspiration sparked by southern California’s art movement.

Visit the Y-15 Web site to register online and learn more about these and other Thinkshop moderators including Patrick Coyne of Communication Arts, David Lecours of Lecours Design Inc., Nik Hafermaas of Art Center and Luis Fitch of UNO Hispanic Branding.
AIGA’s Y-15 Design Conference will take place March 26-27, 2010 at the Joan B. Kroc Center for Peace & Justice at the University of San Diego. The event is expected to attract over 400 design professionals from the west coast and around the country.

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ABOUT SAN DIEGO AIGA
The San Diego chapter of AIGA is the premiere place for design – to discover it, discuss it, understand it, appreciate it and be inspired by it. AIGA’s mission is to advance design as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force.

Founded in 1914, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design. AIGA now represents more than 22,000 design professionals, educators and students through national activities and local programs developed by 64 chapters and 240 student groups. AIGA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational institution. To learn more about the benefits of membership, visit the AIGA National Website.